What to Do If You Find a Stray Animal in Hong Kong — A Step-by-Step Guide

Don't Panic — You Can Help

You're walking through Mong Kok, cutting through a Sha Tin park, or heading home in Sai Kung when you spot an animal that clearly needs help. Maybe it's a limping dog on the side of the road, a kitten huddled in a storm drain, or a bird with an injured wing on a hiking trail. Your instinct to help is right — but what you do next matters.

This step-by-step guide will help you safely assist stray, injured, or abandoned animals in Hong Kong.

Step 1: Assess the Situation Safely

Before approaching any animal, take a moment to evaluate:

Is the animal injured or in immediate danger?

• Signs of injury: Limping, bleeding, inability to move, visible wounds
• Signs of distress: Panting excessively, whimpering, hiding and trembling
• Immediate danger: On a busy road, in flood-prone area during rain, trapped

Is it safe for YOU to approach?

• Do not approach aggressive or fearful animals directly
• Watch for traffic if the animal is near a road
• Be cautious with wildlife — some animals (monkeys, wild boar) are common in HK and may be aggressive
• Never handle bats or snakes — call professionals

Your safety comes first. An injured animal can bite or scratch out of fear, even gentle ones.

Step 2: Secure the Area (If You Can)

If it's safe to do so:

• For road situations: Use your body, bag, or umbrella to signal drivers to slow down. Do NOT run into traffic.
• For trapped animals: Stay nearby and keep others (especially children) at a safe distance.
• For a friendly stray dog: If it has a collar, check for a tag with contact information.

Step 3: Report It Immediately

Time matters for injured animals. Here are your reporting options in Hong Kong:

Primary Contacts

When to Use Animalert

Report the animal on Animalert when:

• You see a stray that appears healthy but lost
• You notice a regular stray population in an area
• You want to alert the local community
• The situation is not a medical emergency but the animal needs attention

Our platform connects your report with the community and relevant organisations to ensure the animal gets help.

Step 4: Provide First Aid (Only If Safe)

Only attempt first aid if:

• The animal is calm and allows you to approach
• You are not putting yourself at risk
• Professional help will take time to arrive

Basic First Aid

• For bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth
• For dehydration: Offer a small bowl of clean water (not milk)
• For overheating: Move to shade, apply cool (not cold) water to paw pads and ears
• For an animal hit by a car: Do NOT move it unless it's in immediate danger — moving an injured animal incorrectly can cause further harm

What NOT to Do

• Do not feed stray animals human food (especially chocolate, onions, grapes, or cooked bones)
• Do not attempt to move a seriously injured animal without guidance from a vet or rescue worker
• Do not chase a frightened stray — this increases their stress and they may run into traffic
• Do not take the animal home without checking for a microchip first (any vet can scan for free)

Step 5: Document Everything

Good documentation helps rescue organisations respond faster:

1. Take clear photos of the animal (from a safe distance if needed)
2. Note the exact location — street name, nearest landmark, MTR station
3. Record the time you first spotted the animal
4. Describe the animal: Species, approximate size, colour, distinguishing features
5. Note its condition: Injuries, behaviour, mobility

Upload this information when you file a report on Animalert — the more detail, the better.

Step 6: Stay or Go?

Stay if:

• The animal is in immediate danger
• You're waiting for rescue to arrive
• The animal seems to trust you and is calmer with you present

You can leave if:

• You've reported the situation to the SPCA or AFCD
• The animal is in a safe location (not on a road)
• You've documented the situation with photos and location details

If you leave: Check back if you can. Share the Animalert report link with neighbours so others can monitor the situation.

Step 7: Follow Up

After reporting:

• Check your Animalert report for updates from the community
• Call back the SPCA or AFCD if the situation worsens
• Share on social media (with location) — Hong Kong's animal welfare community is active and responsive on Facebook groups like "Hong Kong Animal Lost & Found" and "Hong Kong Dog Rescue"

Common Scenarios in Hong Kong

Stray Dogs in the New Territories

Rural areas of Hong Kong, especially Sai Kung, Yuen Long, and outlying islands, have significant stray dog populations. Many are friendly village dogs that locals feed. If a stray dog appears healthy and is known to the community, it may not need rescue — but reporting helps track the population.

Injured Birds on Hiking Trails

Hong Kong's country parks are home to diverse birdlife. If you find an injured bird:

• Contact Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden: 2483 7200
• Place the bird in a ventilated box (if safe) and keep it warm and dark
• Do not attempt to feed it or give water

Cats in Urban Areas

Feral cat colonies exist throughout Hong Kong. Many are managed by local caretakers through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes. A healthy feral cat that avoids humans may not need rescue. However, injured cats, kittens, or cats in danger should be reported.

Wildlife Encounters

Hong Kong is home to wild boar, monkeys, snakes, and other wildlife. For wildlife situations:

• Wild boar: Do not approach. Call AFCD (1823).
• Monkeys: Do not feed. Call AFCD.
• Snakes: Keep your distance. Call AFCD or the police if it's in a residential area.

Prevention: How the Community Can Help

• Support TNR programmes for feral cats
• Report animal cruelty — it's a crime in Hong Kong with penalties up to HK$200,000 and 3 years in prison
• Adopt, don't shop — reducing demand for pet shops reduces abandonment. Find your perfect pet.
• Microchip your pets — it's required for dogs and helps reunite lost pets
• Donate to organisations doing the daily work of animal rescue. Support animal welfare.

Be Prepared: Save These Numbers

Every report matters. Every action helps. Together, we can make Hong Kong a safer city for all its animals.