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 Being
a big city, Hong Kong is not the greatest place for pets larger
than cats. Since the flats are usually small and without a yard,
dogs have to be cooped up all day long except for times to be
walked. But you could find a flat where the flat walled-in
roof top comes with it where the dog can roam - but hopefully
not dig holes. Some low-rise duplexes with a tiny yard are also
available but are usually far from the city center.
 If
you don't have a roof or a yard, then even when you take them
out, larger dogs need to be muzzled and put on a leash. Of course
there is also the warm product they produce for you to take care
of in order to avoid getting fined. But as an expat living in
Hong Kong, you can probably afford to have a live-in
domestic helper who would end up with the task of walking
the dog - with all the trimmings that come with that.
(Above Right: a dog owner at the Wan
Chai promenade pet park performing the loving act of end product
reception.)
 Some
residential buildings also don't allow keeping of pets. So ask
before you sign the lease.
The required quarantine period for dogs immigrating to Hong Kong
is something else to consider, but I think cats are exempted -
unless maybe your cat is really the type that belongs to the zoo!
(Double check at the Hong Kong government website.) And
if your pet is a chicken or a goose, as of Feb 2006, you will
need to apply for a license to keep it due to the spread of the
avian flu.
You can also just adopt a pet from the local SPCA here. They
always have more animals than they can find homes for.
 When
you go on trips or vacation, either your "domestic
helper" can help take care of the pet, or you can send
it to a pet hotel in Hong Kong - a kennel. And then you may have
friends who are willing to house-sit your pet for you.
(Left: a dog living it up not in a hotel, but in a local convenient
shore in Sham Shui Po on Ap
Liu Street.)
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