Q1: I would like to adopt a dog/cat, what should I do?
A1: Please take a look at our adoption procedures for details.
Q2: When is the best time to spay/neuter my newly adopted pet?
A2: After successful adoption, we recommend bringing your pet to the vet for the surgery within 6 months. Regardless of its gender, all dogs tend to produce some secretions when in oestrus. Dogs during this period are usually emotionally unstable, some may also show signs of distress or anxiety. Without proper care, in a worst-case scenario, they may even get injured easily. For further information, please refer to a certified veterinarian’s guidelines.
Q3: Why should I wait for a month post my dog’s menstruation before bringing her in for spaying? What are the benefits of spaying/neutering?
A3: When a dog’s menstruation is about to end or have just ended, blood vessels in the uterus will become thickened. If a dog undergoes spaying surgery during this stage, there will be a potential risk of internal bleeding after surgery. For further information, please refer to a certified veterinarian’s guidelines.
There are numerous medical benefits in spaying/neutering for dogs and cats. For example, male animals can avoid orchitis, testicular or epididymal tumours, testicular trauma, prostate cysts, prostate hypertrophy and perineal hernias, etc. While females can avoid pyometra, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and other endocrine diseases related to sex hormones. Furthermore, fertile dogs and cats are 7 times more likely to develop breast cancer than those who had surgery.
Q4: Under what circumstances do I not have to spay/neuter my pet after adoption?
A4: To do so, you will have to provide us with a supporting document issued and signed by a veterinary hospital regarding your pet’s allergy and rejection of the anaesthetic, or a certificate issued by a veterinarian that after his/her professional judgement, anaesthesia is undesirable. If it is discovered after a blood test that your pet is not suitable for surgery due to old age, we will also accept reasonable cases as such for the exemption of surgery for safety purposes.
Q5: After adoption, when should I have my dog vaccinated against rabies and renew the dog license?
A5: The renewal date will be clearly stated on the dog license, in which a dog license is valid for 3 years. If you intend to continue raising your dog after the license expires, please apply for a renewal. Renewal of the license only requires mandatory vaccination against rabies, there is no need for re-implantation of a microchip.
Q6: When will I be issued the dog ownership and license after adoption?
A6: After spaying/neutering, please kindly schedule a visit to our centre for the transferral procedure of dog ownership. (You must bring along the original spay/neuter certificate with you)
Q7: What vaccines were given to the dogs up for adoption?
A7: All dogs awaiting adoption are vaccinated against rabies, micro-chipped, and received the dog license.
Q8: Where are the dogs from? What is their story? Can I get my hands on the information of its’ former owner or abandoner?
A8: All animals are brought to us for abandonment by former owners. Each dog has a different story before coming to us and we will not precisely record every individual past. Instead, we emphasise in helping our dogs actively face and embrace the better future ahead of them. To protect personal privacies, ARC will not disclose any personal information of former owners to the public.
Q9: Can I apply for adoption if I live in public housings?
A9: In order for us to accept the application for adoption of pets by residents living in public housings, the applicant needs to have a registered medical certificate citing that he/she must be accompanied by a dog for mental support and as a companion. On the day of adoption, you should bring with you the stated medical certificate. Please allow time for your application to be verified and processed after submission. Please refer to our adoption procedures for details.
Q10: Will unadopted animals be euthanized?
A10: Absolutely not! Through the “Animal Sponsorship Program“, we will gather donations from donors to help the abandoned animals under our shelter. All donations are spent on their veterinary expenses, food and improvement of their living environment.
Q11: Can foreigners adopt from ARC?
A11: We respect people of all nationalities. All applicants have to do is submit their documents certifying their residential address in Hong Kong. Sadly, we are unable to provide applications for overseas residents.
Q12: Are dogs from ARC willing to get close with its new owner?
A12: We are always more than glad to let visitors interact and spend more time with our animals before deciding to adopt. Animals that have once been strayed or abandoned, definitely understand and cherish every interaction and hard-fought happiness.
Q13: Are the dogs/cats up for adoption physically healthy?
A13: Immunity of dogs and cats may fluctuate under environmental and physiological changes, we are unable to fully guarantee you the absolute health of every one of them.
Q14: Do you accept money and pet supplies donations?
A14: The operation of the Asia Non-profit Animal Rescue relies solely on the sales of pet supplies, pet grooming service, and heartfelt donations from the general public. We are a non-government funded association, but a volunteer-based group that does not belong to any charitable organization and is not receiving any government subsidies and allowances. You can decide the amount of donation, and even increase or decrease your donation amount at any time according to your favouring. Through regular monthly donations, you can help our “Animal Medical Plan” and the “Animal Sponsorship Program” maintain sufficient resources and continue to provide free medical treatments and care for our animals. Through this, we believe that your donations will be more purposeful and meaningful.
Q15: Do we have to make an appointment to visit/ adopt/ volunteer? What are the opening hours and address of ARC?
A15: You do have to make an appointment if you are hoping to visit/ adopt. Yet we are open to any walk-ins for volunteers during opening hours.
Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12 pm-7 pm, closed on public holidays.
Address: Flat 1B, 13/F Goodview Industrial Building No. 11 Kin Fat Street, Tuen Mun, N.T.
Thank you for spending your precious time to visit our abandoned animals again.
Q16: Is there any age requirements to volunteer at ARC?
A16: If you are 15 years old but under the age of 18, you must have your parents/guardians sign the parental consent form before engaging in any form of volunteering activity. For attire, no flip flops or sandals are allowed.
Q17: What transportation should I take? How do I get there?
A17: You can plan your driving, public transportation, walking or cycling route using Google Maps. If there are multiple recommended routes provided, we suggest following the route in blue as it is regarded as the ‘best route’. You can enter our name or our address in the search engine. Our address: Flat 1B, 13/F Goodview Industrial Building No. 11 Kin Fat Street, Tuen Mun, N.T.
When using Google Maps to “plan a route”, add your starting location. Google Maps can plan a variety of public transportation routes for you.
You can also take the West Rail Line to Tuen Mun Station-> Exit F2-> Ho Tin Street and go straight towards Kin Fat Street (10 minutes)-> reach the 13th floor of Block A of Goodview Industrial Building.
Q18: Is it true that animals are sent to shelters because they have poorly behaved?
A18: The biggest myths of all time is that animals in shelters are no better than those raised in pet stores. Many think that dogs and cats are sent to shelters because of behavioural problems. However, the fact is that it is mostly because the former owner has to move, they are financially unable to raise a pet, or they do not have time to take care of their pets. This manifests the truth that cats and dogs in shelters are as cute and lovable.
Q19: How can I sign up for activities held by ARC?
A19: We promote on our website and Instagram about upcoming activities. You can check out our website and follow us on Instagram @arc.hk for the most updated information.
Q20: Are the statistics of pet abandonment high?
A20: According to the recent “Thematic Household Survey Report No. 66” released by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Government (June 21, 2019), statistics containing the number of cats and dogs raised by Hong Kong people showed that about 4.6 %, in other words, over ten thousand interviewed households, had considered not to keep their pets. This means that they have had the thought of abandoning their pets! It is a pity how high the numbers are.
Q21. I already own a cat, will it get along with a dog that I just adopted?
A21: Dogs have a strong sense of territorial. If a dog is introduced to a family with a cat, it will think that itself has invaded the cat’s territory, so the outcome is that it will be more respectful towards the cat. When introducing cats and dogs to one another for the first time, a leash is needed to keep the dog under control. If the cat is comfortable with the dog’s presence, let it investigate and familiarize with the dog’s scent, but never let the dog overwhelm the cat, and don’t force the cat to approach the dog. Whenever the dog is too close to the cat, immediately tighten the leash.
If the dog knows how to keep its distance, reward it with a treat. This helps the dog understand that keeping a safe distance with the cat is one of the house rules that it must abide to. If you’re having a cat first, there is not much to worry about, as if you plan on raising a dog later, the cat will not pose much threat to the dog too. In fact, it is relatively easier for them to get along in harmony.
Q22. Should I be worried when my newly adopted dog/cat is showing abnormal behaviour?
A22: Adopted dogs and cats may experience certain behavioural problems when they first arrive at their new homes. This may be due to the stress and pressure dogs and cats develop during environmental changes. But no worries, we welcome all adopters to give us a call any time during office hours to inquire about their beloved pets’ health, behaviour or other concerns. We are happy to provide suggestions and assistance to address the issue.
Q23. Are there any adoption fees?
A23: All adoption services are free. ARC will not charge any adoption fees. Adopters do not have to pay veterinary fees, food, transportation fees, etc. spent before the adoption of the animal.
Q24: Is it true that I can’t have a pet when I am pregnant or when I have children at home?
A24: Studies have shown that having a pet at home can cultivate a child’s kindness generosity and sense of responsibility. Moreover, children with pets at home are less likely to catch a cold before the age of one and thus require fewer uses of antibiotics. The team of Zhong Nanshan, former president of the Chinese Medical Association, also pointed out, “The sooner the pets are raised, the better. They can even be raised before the mother gets pregnant. This allows the children to start ‘training and adapting’ to allergens during the early foetal stage.” A British study also pointed out that raising a pet before the child is 3 years old can reduce the child’s chance of developing asthma by 40%.
Q25: Can raising dogs and cats assist the reduction of sickness in elderlies?
A25: Yes indeed, there are several valid evidence proving that having cats and dogs minimizes the risk of contracting sickness. In the book Zhong Nanshan on Health by Zhong Nanshan, the leader of the high-level expert group of China National Health Commission, it mentions the mysterious powers of pets, citing an excerpt below:
“Pets such as dogs and cats can be a good life companion for humans, and they can play the role of sustenance to help lift people from their loneliness and regulate one’s mental health. Studies have found that people who keep pets pay 15-20% fewer visits to hospitals every year than those who don’t. A report from the magazine of ‘American Heart Association’ in 1995 stated that people who raise pet dogs have a lower risk of sudden deaths from heart disease. On the other hand, a magazine from the ‘American Geriatrics Society’ in 1999 reported that those who own pets can complete daily tasks more efficiently, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and walking. In 2001, the ‘Journal of Hypertension’ magazine stated a belief that when under stress, the blood pressure of people who keep pets are relatively lower. A magazine publication by ‘The BMJ’ in 2005 also mentioned that keeping pets poses great benefits to the physical and mental health of the elderly, and can reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases.”
Q26：Can I donate to Arc through online means or with an ATM?
A26: We are so grateful for your generous donations in supporting our rescuing act for abandoned animals, below are the options and channels to donate:
▪ Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited: 012-889-2-002833-0
▪ Faster Payment System (FPS): 9691-9313
▪ Direct donations with credit card (PayPal): https://www.paypal.me/donatetonpvo
❤ Support the “Animal Medical Plan” I am willing to donate $10 daily
❤ Support the “Animal Medical Plan”I am willing to donate $20 daily
❤ Thank you for your unsparing donations in supporting animal rescue and daily and medical expenses for injured animals.
If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to let us know so that we can make adjustments and improvement.
