The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a survey of 1,000 dog and cat owners in Hong Kong to gather information about companion animal ownership and attitudes toward companion animal care in order to enhance public awareness of responsible companion animal ownership. Among the major findings, nearly 80% of companion animal owners consider their companion animals as a family member.

The respondents of this survey consisted of 70% dog owners and 30% cat owners. Almost one half of respondents spend one to three hours with their companion animals each day, while 92% of companion animals are groomed, 77% receive exercise, and 65% are checked by veterinarians.

Survey results also revealed that respondents believe responsible companion animal owners should:

• Provide a shelter to the companion animal (98.4%)
• Provide daily necessities such as food and water to the companion animal (98%)
• Provide health care for the companion animal when necessary (95%)
• Spend a certain amount of time with the companion animal (93.6%)
• Keep the companion animal under control in public places (87.5%)

Slightly less than 2% of respondents said they had given up their companion animals before. Over 86% knew that all dogs over 5 months must be vaccinated against rabies, licensed, and microchipped, while two thirds of them knew that dog licenses must be renewed and that dogs must get a rabies booster every three years.