4 steps to know before adopting a furry kid🐾🏡

Adoption is not only about love, it is also about responsibility!

Many Hong Kong families are increasingly considering adoption over buying, but before successfully adopting a pet, you must carefully prepare. Based on local shelter procedures, personal experience, and online resources, we've broken down the four most important steps to help you easily prepare and embark on a happy new life with your little one!

1. Self-assessment and family consensus 🤔👨👩👧👦

Adoption isn't a fleeting whim; everyone involved needs to be prepared. You need to ask yourself: Do you have enough time to spend with your pet? Can you afford the costs (e.g., vaccinations, medical care, food, daily necessities)? Are you prepared to accept the possibility of a long lifespan and chronic illnesses? Is the space suitable? Does the housing estate allow it? Everyone must work together! New adopters can talk to previous owners or shelters to get to know the cat or dog's personality and lifestyle in advance.

2. Information collection and selection of suitable institutions📚📲

Hong Kong has numerous legal shelters and animal associations (such as the SPCA, HKDR, LAP, and Furry Rescue). It's recommended to visit a shelter in person to understand the actual conditions of different cats and dogs. You can also check online adoption platforms (which provide updated photos, personality descriptions, and health records of the animals). In addition to the breed, size, age, and health history of the cat or dog, it's also important to inquire immediately about future health follow-up, the availability of temporary foster care, and whether the animal has been vaccinated or sterilized.

3. Interview/trial lead and home visit assessment🛋️🐕🦺

Most shelters offer on-site interactions with your desired pet. During these encounters, observe the animal's personality and interactions—some may be shy, others clingy. Some organizations even arrange for volunteer visits to assess the home's safety, cleanliness, and the attitude of the pet's owners. If necessary, you can apply for a trial fostering period to determine if the relationship is a good fit and ensure you don't give up on the pet before you adopt it.

4. Formal procedures and future support 📝👩⚕️

Once your decision is confirmed, the agency will assist with the formal adoption process, including signing the terms and conditions, completing vaccinations/microchipping, and handing over health records. Some agencies offer free health checks for the first few times or provide a care guide. A professional team of support is readily available, including daily assistance with questions, health consultations, and temporary care when needed.

Editor's summary

Adoption is a responsible choice, requiring not only love but also determination and perseverance! Furries are more than toys or day-in, day-out curiosities. Make the right choice, and happiness can be found simply in daily companionship, shared progress, and the building of a lifelong bond. If you still have questions, don't be afraid to contact the shelter. Together, we promote adoption, not abandonment, and the happiness of Hong Kong's furry friends will naturally rise!