Where to get a pet?

Where to get a pet?

Adopt

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Before buying a pet, why not consider adoption to save a life?

Your wise decision can alter the destiny of abandoned animals!

See more details in Adoption.

Buy

Different types of pets

Information about Buying a Pet

Getting a pet is a serious responsibility. Think carefully before you get one. In particular, find out the needs and requirements of the type of animal you are considering and take time to think carefully whether you can fulfil all its needs during its whole life. You can find more information on caring for common types of pet on our website here.

Buying a pet is not the only option - there are many healthy pets with friendly temperament waiting for adoption. You can save a life! Please click here for more information.

If you have decided to buy rather than adopt, we strongly recommend that you only buy a pet from a licensed animal trader. Never buy pets from suspicious or unknown sources.

This webpage covers pets other than dogs. If you are considering buying a dog, please visit “Information about Buying a Dog”.

When buying a pet from a Licensed Animal Trader, you should:

Check that they have a valid licence issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Visit the licensed premises to have a look at and buy the pet - the licensee is not allowed to physically display animals for sale anywhere else.

A licensed animal trader should be able to advise you about how to take care of the pet including its dietary and housing requirements, behaviour and breed characteristics. They may also ask you questions to determine whether you are suitable to take care of the pet.

You should be issued a receipt of the transaction with a description of the pet you are buying.

Cats must be vaccinated and the trader should give the original vaccination certificate (issued by a registered veterinary surgeon) to you when you buy a cat.

Different types of pets

How to choose a healthy pet

You have the right to ask for an independent examination of the pet by a registered veterinary surgeon before buying it.

Before buying a pet, one should always examine it closely.

A healthy pet is alert and bright, has bright and clear eyes, a clean nose and no coughing, has a clean and glossy coat, has a clean rear end and has clean ears.

Choose a pet that: Avoid a pet that:
Is alert and bright Is tired and weak which can be caused by:
  • general illness
  • poor nutrition
Has bright and clear eyes, a clean nose and no coughing Has dull or weeping eyes, a runny nose or coughing, which can be caused by:
  • general illness
  • infection
Has a clean and glossy coat Has a dull coat or obvious hair loss which can be caused by:
  • fleas, lice, mange (e.g. scabies, demodicosis) or ringworm
  • intestinal worms
  • poor hygiene
  • poor nutrition
Has clean ears Has dirty ears which can be caused by:
  • ear infection
  • ear mites
Has a clean rear end Has a dirty rear end which can be caused by:
  • diarrhoea
  • gastroenteritis or colitis
  • intestinal worms


If you have any doubt about the health of the pet, or if the seller refuses to let you have an independent health check on the pet or refuses to provide you with the above documents or information, do not buy the pet!

Enquiries:


: 1823




: 5/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon


Pets making a stop sign

Licensed Pet Shops List

Leaflets & Posters

Leaflet "Information about Buying a Pet"

Leaflet