While Hong Kong is known for being a place where pets such as dogs and cats get pampered and treated way better than animals in some other places, the Hong Kong Consumer Council has issued a warning for pet owners to be cautious of establishments that offer services at very high prices.

The Council, according to a report from the South China Morning Post, looked into 20 different boarding establishments that cater to pets.

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According to the laws, these establishments (pet hotels) need to be licensed and must also meet certain hygiene standards before they can offer boarding services. Fees and other miscellaneous services, however, are not regulated and are not required to follow any uniform or preset standards.

The Council has found that licensed establishments offer boarding services for cats and dogs that cost between HK$90 and $800 per day, depending on the animal's size.

The Council also found out that prices for additional or optional services, such as dog baths, have risen to almost 18 times the original – reaching HK$80 and above.

As such, the Council has warned the general pet-owning public to be cautious and mindful of the cost of care that they want for their pets.

“Pet owners’ expectations and demands for pet care often exceed the basic necessities,” explains Michael Hui King-man, chairman of the Consumer Council’s publicity and community relations committee “So they have to be careful when looking at costs for other services.”

King-man added that different pet breeds and sizes have different needs, and certain animals are harder to handle than others.

The Council also advised customers to check whether establishments have additional charges during special days and holidays, such as the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Pet-care establishments include pet hotels, dog bakeries, cat cafés and pet gardens.

TagsDogs, Cats, Hong Kong, Hong Kong pets, Hong Kong dog