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Pets

Pets
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pets. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
There has been an increase in applications to import pets after the city cut the quarantine period from the mainland. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong society

Shorter Hong Kong quarantine time drives rise in pet imports from mainland China

City recorded 291 import applications in first 10 months of the year, up from 283 in 2024 as quarantine time reduced from 120 to 30 days.

Viral stories

Bangkok puppy yoga studio offers comfort and stress relief for US$60 per session

Malaysia

Paws for thought: Malaysian mall reverses pet-friendly policy after uproar

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Trending in China

China cat survives after trapped in running washing machine, suffers just red nose

Curious feline spends several minutes inside spinning machine before owner notices; online critics accuse her of ‘negligence’.

A pet cat in China has survived being trapped in a running washing machine after its owner started the cycle not knowing it was inside. Photo: Shutterstock/Douyin
Trending in China

Chinese woman with social anxiety feeds 120 stray cats with banquet leftovers

Woman has participated in wedding banquets about every 10 days in past 3 years, sometimes bringing home 30kg of untouched leftover food.

The Philippines

Brutal dog killing in Philippines sparks outrage, calls for tougher protections

Viral footage of Axle the dog’s shocking death has galvanised the country’s animal activists to demand harsh legal repercussions.

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Viral stories

Japan security guard’s bond with cat moves many; museum honours feline’s memory

Friendly feline made regular visits to play with venue guard; staff create calendar bearing photos of their interactions for posterity.

A special bond between a museum security guard in Japan and a black cat, who visited only when the guard was on duty, has caught the public’s attention. Photo: X.com
Animals

When did domestic cats arrive in Europe? Much later than previously thought

Domestic cats may have arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago via Roman trade routes, not with farmers in prehistoric times, a new study says.

Trending in China

Labrador lost on China beach found 1,500km away 3 months later, reunited with owner

‘Lazy’ canine called September wanders off with another dog, is found after exhaustive search; develops more ‘willing’ temperament as result.

Trending in China

China 3-legged puppy, destined to be put down, becomes effective SWAT police dog

Crime-fighting canine forms special emotional bond with his ‘comrade’ handler who also has leg problems; pair share sense of ‘hardship’.

A puppy born with three legs that was recommended for euthanasia by veterinarians has become a specialist police dog in China. Photo: SCMP composite/CCTV
Animals

What is ‘hobby dogging’? Trend of training imaginary dogs ridiculed online

‘Hobby dogging’, where dog lovers train with imaginary pets on the end of leashes and harnesses, has taken off in Germany.

Dog trainer Barbara Gerlinger (centre) holds an empty dog leash while teaching “hobby dogging”, a viral trend of training imaginary dogs, to participants in one of her courses. Photo: dpa
Trending in China

Chinese woman’s pet alpaca dies from cold after groomers fail to dry it properly

Animal from species regarded as ‘pet celebrities’ online is considered adorable and intelligent, was left overnight with damp fur.

Trending in China

Elderly China woman tearfully hugs pet duck killed by car, mourns loss of companion

Many recognise that the duck had become the woman’s emotional anchor and spiritual support.

New Openings

Hong Kong new openings, from new music venue Tides to a pet club in West Kowloon

Italian pasticceria Cova reopens in Pacific Place, a new pickleball venue offers four indoor courts, and pets come first at WestK Pet Club.

WestK Pet Club offers pet-friendly bicycle rentals, among other things. Photo: courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District
South Korea

South Korea’s growing crisis of illegal puppy sales on YouTube spark concerns

One advocate group claims many animals are bred in poor conditions, with dogs kept in cramped, unsanitary cages and bred repeatedly for profit.

Livestreams of pet sales on YouTube. Photo: Youtube
Sustainability

Is your pet’s dinner harming the environment as much as driving a car?

Your pet’s diet harms the planet more than you think – but there are ways to minimise carbon footprint while keeping your cat or dog full.

Crime

Letters | Donkeys slaughtered for their skin is a tragedy on multiple levels

Readers discuss the illicit trade’s damage to animal, human and environmental well-being, and how the city can have both halal and pet-friendly restaurants.

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Trending in China

Outrage in China over release of 1,100 cats into reservoir in ‘life release’ ritual

Paddleboarders battle to save terrified felines as they struggle to swim during ‘Buddhist’ ritual; animal protection staff say many perished.

A Chinese netizen has triggered public outrage after posting a video showing more than 1,000 cats being released near a reservoir area as part of a “life release” ritual. Photo: QQ.com/RedNote
Trending in China

China pet owners honour Dog God, offer food, bless by placing leashes in incense ashes

Pet lovers flock to country’s only pagoda dedicated to canines, in search of protection, good fortune, health for their animals.

Trending in China

China blogger claims stray cats are bled by illicit blood bank for pet clinics

Woman says extraction process sees cats hung upside down to make sure every last drop of blood is drained from their bodies.

Viral stories

Turkish man pays US$240 in ‘cat support’ to ex-wife, highlights new divorce trend

Legal first sees well-being of felines taken care of until they die; legal experts say payments cannot be considered alimony.

A Turkish man has agreed to pay his ex-wife “cat support” of US$240 every three months as part of their divorce agreement. Photo: Shutterstock
China jobs

Who’s hiring in China? Pet care and advanced manufacturing stand out

Advanced manufacturing and ‘modern services’ led the way in job creation in third quarter, report says.

People prepare a dog for a competition at Pet Fair Asia 2025 in Shanghai in August. Photo: EPA
Trending in China

Chinese man quits ‘great job’ to provide therapy dogs which help autistic, depressed people

Animal therapy pioneer persists in face of opposition from his father to build a pioneering service that uses dogs, cats for healing.

Trending in China

Dog driving mobility scooter goes viral; China owner says pet can also skateboard

Clever canine that can start and stop specially modified vehicle using its paws is pulled over by police; owner gets verbal warning.

Trending in China

Explainer | Why Tibetan New Year offers feast for dogs and divinatory significance of food choices

Canine custom sees dogs choose from array of delicacies symbolising what future holds; owners must show reverence to animal throughout.

During the Tibetan Gongbu New Year, a unique dog feast takes place in which the dog’s food choices hold divinatory significance. Photo: Combo/Douyin/Xinhua
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

A perfect purr-scription? How ‘pet doctors’ can help Hong Kong hospital patients

Hospital Authority to allow palliative care patients to spend time with pets and already has volunteer animals to comfort those in need.

Patient Fung spends time with “Dr” Goofy at Caritas Medical Centre. Photo: Sun Yeung
Animals

Dogs flying in cargo hold count as baggage, top EU court rules

A passenger’s pet, Mona, was lost after escaping from an aircraft, prompting a dispute over compensation from the airline.

Animals

Does your dog want to play all the time? Why that could be a bad thing

Some dogs’ excessive play and attachment to their toys is similar to behaviours exhibited by human addicts, and could be just as damaging.

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