The Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has conducted surveys addressing animal welfare issues and the pet trade. The results are summarized in this article, which notes that 90% of respondents support programs to encourage pet shops and breeders to abide by ethical welfare practices.

In one major Hong Kong SPCA survey, 90% of the residents in Hong Kong support programs to encourage the implementation of ethical welfare practices among breeders and pet shops in areas including over-breeding, animal care, and providing sufficient space.

In another SPCA survey focused on animals from pet shops, 78% of animals were reported sick during the first week after purchase, while 9% were found sick on the day of purchase. Further, 26% of dogs purchased were not micro-chipped according to licensing requirements and for another 12% a required vaccination certificate was not given.