The Veterinary Community Outreach Programme (VCOP), an initiative spearheaded by the Centre of Animal Health and Welfare, is making remarkable progress in enhancing animal welfare and providing essential pet care services to underserved communities in Hong Kong. VCOP's mission focuses on owner education, practical pet care support, and targeted research to address region-specific challenges. With a dedicated outreach van, the programme ensures access to communities in need.
VCOP kicked off 2025 with an action-packed January. In partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF Hong Kong), VCOP launched its first-ever preventative health care clinic in the Mai Po villages, providing health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control for over 30 dogs and cats in the area who would otherwise lack access to these vital services.
Expanding its reach, VCOP collaborated with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to organise a joint vaccination clinic at the Yuen Long rabies inoculation centre. Aimed at supporting pet owners with financial constraints, the clinic offered essential health services and rabies vaccinations. Nearly 20 dogs and cats received examinations, vaccinations, and parasite treatments during this event.
In addition to veterinary services, VCOP hosted an animal welfare education seminar in collaboration with partner organization Stewards Hong Kong at their annual Sha Kok Housing Estate carnival. The event attracted approximately 170 attendees, primarily families with children, who were eager to learn about the basics of pet care and animal welfare.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of VCOP colleagues and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine student volunteers, these events were a resounding success, marked by strong participation and fostering a greater understanding of responsible pet ownership while promoting animal welfare within the community.
VCOP is constantly working with partner organizations and community volunteers to promote animal welfare education, animal preventative health care, and desexing services to more remote villages and communities in need, including villages in Taipo, Fanling, Sheung Shui, and Tai Kwu Ling. Stay tuned for more events!
Support the VCOP!
VCOP’s impactful work relies on the generosity of donors and collaborators. By supporting VCOP, you can help improve the quality of life for pets and address pressing animal health and welfare issues in underserved communities.
To learn more about their work and how you can contribute, please visit the VCOP website.
