How many dog rules in Hong Kong are there? Are they easy to follow if you own a dog? These rules and laws are set in place for a reason. It’s for you and your dog’s own best interest.
Who Can Own A Dog In Hong Kong?
Anyone can own a dog in Hong Kong as long as they are an adult. You need to have a valid license to own a dog, though. Also, you need to be able to care for the welfare of your pet. It also helps to have a home and a sustainable income.
When adopting a dog, you’ll fill out this information to ensure you can care for the pet properly. If an animal shelter doesn’t seem you fit to be a pet owner, they have the right to decline your application to adopt.
In addition, you need to follow all of the laws about owning a dog. Failure to do so could result in you being fined, possibly going to jail, or getting your furry friend taken away from you.
General Laws About Owning A Dog In Hong Kong
When it comes to owning a pet, you need to care for them and be mindful of others. For example, various laws are in place to protect and care for your doggo. Also, these laws care for the community as a whole.
Licensing And Identifying Your Dog
It’s required in Hong Kong to get your dog licensed. Licensing your dog helps identify them and makes it easier to prove that you’re the dog’s owner.
First, you need to get them microchipped, which is needed for the license. A licensed veterinarian can microchip your dog.
The license is good for up to one year. Then it needs to be renewed. If you move, someone else adopts your dog, the dog gets lost, or the dog passes away, you need to inform the authorities right away.
In addition to a license, your dog also must be wearing a collar at all times. The collar needs to bare your dog’s name, name, and home address. In addition, registering and microchipping your dog is required so that they know who is responsible for the pup in case anything happens.
Dog Welfare
Animal welfare laws are set into place to ensure the health and wellbeing of the dogs and the community.
When your dog is home and outside, it must be confined to your yard. This can be done with a leash or a fence. Also, you must have a sign at your home stating that you have a dog.
This law is to ensure that your dog doesn’t get loose. It prevents them from getting lost or injured by getting hit by a car or fighting with other dogs or animals.
Finally, you need to keep your dog healthy and happy. This includes getting them up to date with their vaccinations, bringing them to the vet at least once a year for a check-up, and ensuring they’re well cared for overall. For instance, they should have healthy food and clean water.
All dog vaccinations are required in Hong Kong, and you need to keep your dog up to date with their shots and boosters. One vaccine that’s highly required is the rabies vaccine. As soon as your dog is old enough to get this vaccination, you must get them vaccinated for rabies as soon as possible.
Community Laws
When you go out and about with your doggo, they must be on a leash. Also, if they go to the bathroom while out in a public area, you must clean up after your dog. Otherwise, you may get fined.
In general, keep an eye on your dog’s body language. If they’re reactive towards other dogs and people, you’ll need to get the proper training.
If your dog excessively barks, you need to consider proper training or how you’re treating the dog. For instance, they could be reactive at people and cars, so you can train them to quiet down when others pass.
On the other hand, they could be barking because they’re bored, need attention, or are home alone all day. If that’s the case, then you need to hire a dog walker or bring them to doggy daycare to ensure they’re cared for during the day. It will also help them get socialized and get out their energy.
A Note About “Dangerous” Dog Breeds
The following list of dog breeds (purebred or hybrid) is banned in Hong Kong:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
You may get fined or arrested if you own any of these breeds or bring them into Hong Kong.
If you already own these breeds in Hong Kong, they must be kept on a solid leash and muzzled when out in public.
Dog Rules In Hong Kong
The dog rules in Hong Kong are ever-growing, but owning a dog in Hong Kong is not impossible. These rules are set to keep you, your dog, and the community safe.
