Globally, the field of pet care services has been booming over the last decade at least. With increases in companion animal guardianship, the need for a vast array of pet services means many more are now choosing pet services as their careers. Caring for someone's beloved companion animal is a serious undertaking and many go to great lengths to be as prepared, certified and qualified as possible to be able to offer professional care and services.
What are pet services?
Generally, pet services could be anything including but not limited to the following...
Groomers
Trainers
Kennels / Boarding
Pet Sitters
Dog Walkers
Veterinary Services*
* Veterinary services are regulated in Hong Kong by the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance (Cap 529)
What does this all mean here in Hong Kong?
Pet Services here in Hong Kong, are generally unregulated, with the exception of veterinary services (strictly regulated!) and boarding / kennels, which need to be licensed with the Agriculture and Fisheries Conservation Department (AFCD). Pet services in most cases (where fees for services are being collected) also require registration as a business or company.
Terms - A Hong Kong Context
Pet Sitter - someone who will attend your home for a determined period of time, to give care to your pet e.g. food, water, walking, pet related cleaning. Pet sitters generally 'drop in' to your home to care for your pet, or they may be booked to stay in your home, if that is your preference, for the duration of your absence. Duration of the pet sitting activity can vary depending on pet needs.
Pet Boarding (Kennel / Cattery) - Your pet will go to stay elsewhere, at a (hopefully licensed) venue offering boarding services for a set duration of time as outlined by you and staff will care for your pet daily for the duration of their stay.
Pet Boarding (Home Boarding) - Home boarding has been becoming a more popular option in Hong Kong recently. Home boarding generally means your pet will go to someone else's home, for an agreed upon period, where the person will give care to your pet as agreed upon by both parties.
The Public Health (Animals) (Boarding Establishment) Regulations, Cap. 139I, regulates a person who carries on a business of providing food and accommodation for animals in return for a fee or other money consideration paid by the owner or person having control of the animals.
Both kennel boarding AND home boarding fall under the 'boarding establishment' regulations laid out by AFCD and BOTH options should be registered and licensed with AFCD in accordance with Hong Kong law. You can find a list of currently registered and licensed boarding options (including home boarding) here.
Why is licensing and registration important?
When a boarding establishment or home boarding option is registered with AFCD, they have to adhere to and follow Codes of Standards, accept monthly visits from AFCD to check the facilities and area where pets will be staying and follow basic guidelines pertaining to some form of animal welfare principles.
Dog Trainer -
A person who offers services to 'modify', 'change', 'correct' or teach dogs and their guardians. Dog training is unregulated in Hong Kong and services offered vary greatly.
You are encouraged to do significant research into the services on offer and really consider if the trainer's methods are a fit for your dog's needs.
Please bear in mind, you, as the dog's guardian should be involved in the training process. The trainer will not be with you for the duration of your dog's life in most cases, so learning how to continue training at home, how to build the positive bond between you and your dog and recognise the specific needs of your individual dog, please do take the time to go on the training journey together with your dog. Learn, grow, bond and thrive together!
Please do your homework when choosing a trainer for your canine.
Why is experience, certifications or training important?
Pet service providers have the option to study many different courses out there in their chosen field of service. Some better than others, but the effort, financial investment and time it takes to complete these courses, can give some indication that the service provider is striving to learn as much as they can about their chosen field and may utilize this knowledge to help define their services. Many courses also require continued professional development annually and for graduates to agree to adhere to principles and policies related to positive animal welfare. Many courses also require 'hands on' components, so the service provider is gaining appropriate experience in some cases as they complete these courses.
Caring for or working with another living being is a huge responsibility, be it your own pet or someone else's. Every effort should be made to be as prepared as possible for every eventuality.
As the field of pet care services continues to grow, so to does the need for continuous professional development. There is a multitude of evidence based, scientific research being published every day on animal behaviour and the needs of different species, and as pet service providers this constant evolution of pet related and animal related study, should at least be of some interest to those providing pet services.
Questions you may consider asking your pet service provider...
Are you registered / licensed appropriately according to the services you are offering?
What experience / qualifications / certifications do you have in this field of service provision?
What does your service include / not include?
Where will my pet stay?
How will my pet be transported if needed?
What equipment / tools will you use with my pet? Or should I bring my own?
How will my pet be kept safe?
Can I come to visit / review your services?
What will my pet be provided with?
How will my pet be kept safe and comfortable?
What is your plan in the case of emergency?
My pet has X issue, how will you deal with that?
Why should I trust you with my pet?
What policies and procedures do you have in place?
What are the fees, refund and payment terms?
Does the service provider meet with you and your pet first before service provision?
Do they have a contract or agreement on the services to be provided?
Ultimately, whatever pet service you need, we hope you can locate a service provider that truly cares for your companion and goes to every effort to give them a positive experience, be it grooming, training, boarding or home care.
Comments