Hong Kong group aims to cultivate a lasting future for rural Lantau communities

A therapy-dog programme in Hong Kong, run by one staff member and 65 volunteers, is fully booked until February 2027 as demand from schools, hospitals and elderly homes outpaces the available visiting slots. Karina O’Carroll, Animals Asia’s animal welfare education manager, explained that the success of Animals Asia’s Dr Dog and Professor Paws programmes hinges on the dedication of volunteers.

These volunteers shoulder the majority of the costs associated with transporting their dogs to venues across the city, with the organisation reimbursing a portion of these expenses. The volunteer team has been recognized as a finalist in the teamwork category of this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, organized by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post.

Dr Dog, established in Hong Kong in 1991 by Animals Asia founder Jill Robinson, has expanded to bring suitable dogs to hospitals, elderly homes, schools and other venues. Professor Paws, another programme, teaches schoolchildren about responsible animal guardianship and safe interaction with dogs. The dogs themselves are not specially trained for the programme; instead, Animals Asia evaluates their temperament and behavior, adhering to strict entry requirements to ensure the well-being of both animals and people.

Volunteer Jacqueline Kwan noted that the rewards of the programme often appear gradually, with some children who initially feared the dogs eventually becoming comfortable and recognizing individual animals by name. Volunteer Connie Tsoi emphasized the emotional impact on the children, who remain eager to see the dogs and express their joy upon reuniting.

Despite the visible benefits, volunteers also face less noticeable challenges, such as navigating Hong Kong’s public transport restrictions and the logistical difficulties of coordinating visits with venue staff and participants. The need for volunteers is significant, with costs related to transporting dogs in 2025 amounting to approximately HK$40,000, of which the organization covered HK$28,000.

While there is frequent demand from companies seeking corporate volunteering opportunities, regular involvement is more practical due to venue limitations and the complexity of organizing such visits. O’Carroll highlighted that teamwork, encompassing volunteers, dogs, venue staff, and participants, is essential to the success of these programmes.

The joy derived from these interactions, coupled with the proven psychological and physiological benefits of companion animals, fuels the continuous operation of the programmes, ensuring continued volunteer participation. However, the current demand has limited the capacity for expansion at the moment. O’Carroll remains the sole staff member overseeing the two Hong Kong programs, but the sustained demand may necessitate greater capacity in the future.

She also emphasized the importance of continuing Professor Paws' mission to teach children about the care, time, and responsibility required for responsible animal guardianship. O’Carroll stressed that Hong Kong is a small community, and everyone must learn to share space and coexist responsibly. The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, launched in 2013, honors individuals and organizations whose work enhances the well-being of Hong Kong and its communities.