{
  "id": 14097940,
  "title": "Therapy dogs in high demand: Hong Kong programme booked out until February 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/therapy-dogs-in-high-demand-hong-kong-programme-booked-out-until-14097940",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T02:19:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370658/therapy-dogs-high-demand-hong-kong-programme-booked-out-until-february-2027"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Hong Kong therapy-dog programme, operated by a single employee and 65 volunteers and their pets, is presently fully booked until February 2027. This is due to the surge in demand from various institutions like schools, hospitals, and elderly homes. The programmes, Dr Dog and Professor Paws, are initiatives of Animals Asia, which rely on these dedicated volunteers. Karina O'Carroll, the animal welfare education manager, highlighted that the entire operation would be impossible without the efforts of these volunteers. These programmes have been recognized as finalists in the teamwork category of this year's Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. The Dr Dog programme began in 1991 when founder Jill Robinson started visiting individuals with her golden retriever, Max. Now, the programme brings dogs to various venues, including hospitals, elderly homes, and schools, while Professor Paws educates children on responsible animal care and safe interaction with dogs. Dogs are not specifically trained for the programme; rather, they are assessed for temperament and behavior to ensure the comfort and safety of both the animals and those they meet. Volunteer Jacqueline Kwan shared that the program's impact is often gradual, with children initially frightened by the dogs but becoming more comfortable with interactions over time. Connie Tsoi added that the children's enthusiasm and eagerness to see the dogs are among the most rewarding aspects of the visits. Even though volunteers often face additional costs, such as transportation for the dogs, the joy and benefits derived from the programme keep them motivated. The work also involves extensive coordination involving the dog guardians, venue staff, and participants. O'Carroll emphasized that the success of these programs relies on teamwork, putting human and animal welfare as the top priorities. The visible joy and known benefits of spending time with companion animals have sustained the programs, keeping volunteers engaged. However, the high demand has limited the expansion of these programs for now. Only Karina O'Carroll manages the two Hong Kong programs, and she hopes to continue expanding Professor Paws to instill the value of animal care and responsibility in children. The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, launched in 2013, acknowledges individuals and organizations contributing to Hong Kong's community.",
  "summary": "A Hong Kong therapy-dog programme run by one staff member and 65 volunteers with their dogs is fully booked until February 2027, as demand from schools, hospitals and elderly homes continues to outstrip the available visiting slots. Animals Asia’s Dr Dog and Professor Paws programmes rely on volunteers who give up their time, shoulder much of the cost of transporting their dogs and return…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
        "title": "Therapy dogs in high demand: Hong Kong programme booked out until February 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/therapy-dogs-in-high-demand-hong-kong-programme-booked-out-until",
        "published": "2026-10-13T02:19:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}