Want to have a cute little companion and save a life at the same time? Join the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in its efforts to educate the Hong Kong public on the benefits of pet adoption in its upcoming Annual Pet Adoptathon on Saturday May 5 and Sunday May 6.

In a recent questionnaire conducted by the SPCA, 65 percent of respondents said they prefer to go to a pet shop as the first source of acquiring an animal. The reasons cited against pet adoption included that there is ‘a limited choice of breeds at adoption centres’ (21 percent), ‘stringent background checks at adoption centres’ (13 percent), ‘a belief that animals at adoption centres are plagued with physical or behavioural defects’ (10 percent) and ‘the older age of animals’ (eight percent). The SPCA wants to step in and rectify those opinions – which bosses label as ‘misconceptions’.

During the Pet Adoptathon, the SPCA opens its doors to the Hong Kong public with extended hours. Potential adopters can visit each of the SPCA centres across Hong Kong to meet all the mongrels, pedigree dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters who are available for adoption. Beneficial programmes on grooming, training, basic pet care and pet nutrition are available to all potential adopters as well as a starter kit for new owners who adopt during the event. So check it out, save a life and get something adorable back in return.

James Kim

The SPCA Pet Annual Pet Adoptathon happens on Saturday May 5 and Sunday May 6. Click here for more information.