Sai Kung Stray Friends has launched an urgent appeal to find safe homes for around 70 dogs that may need to be relocated from part of its Tai Lam Wu shelter by 12 September.

The animal welfare charity is calling on Hong Kong residents to adopt or foster a dog, donate towards the cost of relocation, share its appeal or help identify suitable temporary premises.

Many of the affected dogs came to the shelter after being abandoned, neglected or experiencing other hardships. At Sai Kung Stray Friends, they have found regular meals, veterinary treatment, companionship and a safe place to live.

Now, the charity has only a few weeks to make alternative arrangements for them.

“We urgently need your help,” the organisation told donors in an email sent on 18 August. “Every action could help save a life.”

Planning application remains under consideration

According to Sai Kung Stray Friends, the Planning Department has required it to vacate a portion of the land occupied by the shelter.

The charity says it has submitted planning applications covering the affected area and the remainder of the site as it works to regularise its operations there. The applications may take another two to three months to process, but the 12 September deadline remains in effect in the meantime. Sai Kung Stray Friends has asked for additional time while the applications are considered. It has not yet received confirmation that the deadline will be postponed.

The organisation expects to publish its planning application number and guidance for submitting public comments within the coming week. While that process continues, its immediate priority is finding safe places for the dogs.

Foster carers needed for at least three months

Sai Kung Stray Friends is seeking people who can foster a dog for at least three months, providing stability while the shelter works through the planning and relocation process.

Every successful foster placement reduces pressure on the shelter and gives an animal a secure home during an uncertain period. Fostering may be suitable for people who want to help but cannot make the lifelong commitment required by adoption. Prospective carers should consider whether they have enough time and space, whether their building permits dogs, and how a rescue dog would fit alongside children or existing pets.

The charity says the dogs in its care are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. They also receive preventative treatments and continued veterinary support.

People ready to make a permanent commitment are being encouraged to adopt. A successful adoption provides a dog with lasting security while creating space for the shelter to help another animal.

Dogs can live for 15 years or more, so adoption should always be approached carefully. Sai Kung Stray Friends normally asks prospective adopters to visit the shelter, meet its dogs and speak with its team before proceeding.

Upcoming adoption weekends

Sai Kung Stray Friends is holding public adoption weekends at its shelter on 29–30 August and 5–6 September, from 11am to 4.30pm. Volunteers will be available to introduce prospective adopters and foster carers to dogs of different ages and personalities. The shelter is located at 151 Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung, with parking available on site. Visitors are encouraged to arrange a time in advance by contacting Narelle on WhatsApp at 9199 2340. Those who are interested in helping but uncertain about adopting or fostering can visit, meet the dogs and discuss what would be involved with the shelter’s volunteers.

Donations and temporary premises also needed

The charity is preparing for potentially substantial costs as it adapts the unaffected part of its facilities and makes alternative arrangements for the dogs.

Expenses could include transport, temporary boarding, food, veterinary treatment and the practical work required to prepare safe accommodation. Donations of any size can help maintain the dogs’ care during this period. Offers of temporary or permanent premises could also make an important difference. Sai Kung Stray Friends is asking landowners, boarding operators, animal welfare groups and anyone with access to appropriate space to contact the organisation.

The shelter ordinarily cares for more than 100 dogs. The present appeal concerns approximately 70 animals accommodated in the affected part of the site.

For those dogs, the next few weeks will be critical. They cannot find new homes for themselves, but individual actions across the community could collectively keep them safe.

Adopting or fostering one dog may feel like a small response to a much larger problem. For that dog, it means everything.

How to help