Hong Kong Therapy Dog Programme Booked Out Until February 2027

A Hong Kong therapy-dog programme has its visiting slots filled until February 2027, as demand from schools, hospitals and elderly homes continues to exceed the available slots.

Volunteer-led visits

The programme is run by one staff member and 65 volunteers, who work with their dogs to support visits to venues across the city. The volunteers return regularly to these venues, making their continuing involvement a central part of the programme’s operation.

Animals Asia’s Dr Dog and Professor Paws programmes rely on volunteers who give up their time and shoulder much of the cost of transporting their dogs. Their contribution therefore includes both regular participation and expenses linked to taking the dogs to visiting venues.

“None of it would be possible without the volunteers,” said Karina O’Carroll, Animals Asia’s animal welfare education manager. “There would be no programmes.”

Teamwork award finalist

The volunteer team has been named a finalist in the teamwork category of this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. The awards are co-organised by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post.

The recognition comes as the programme remains fully booked until February 2027, with interest from schools, hospitals and elderly homes continuing to outstrip the visiting capacity available. The programme’s current schedule highlights the scale of demand for its therapy-dog visits and the importance of the volunteers who make them possible.

Source: South China Morning Post