Pet owners are advised to thoroughly review the details when selecting accommodations for their pets and to avoid unlicensed establishments, according to the Consumer Council.
Earlier this year, the council conducted a random study of 18 licensed pet hotels in Hong Kong. It found that only five of these hotels had their fee structures available online, requiring consumers to go through the potentially cumbersome process of making direct inquiries.
Fee structures varied significantly among operators. During peak periods, such as the Lunar New Year holiday, some hotels charged up to twice their usual rates. Additional services, including the administration of medicines or nutritional supplements, also incurred extra costs.
In terms of liability, only four of the pet hotels surveyed offered compensation in the event of injury, illness, or death, with amounts ranging from HK$300 to HK$5,000. Eight hotels explicitly stated they assumed no legal liability through disclaimers.
The Consumer Council is urging pet hotel operators to improve transparency in their fee structures. Additionally, the council recommends that the government amend regulations to ensure all licensed animal boarding providers are listed on the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s website.
In a related study, the council examined private camping sites in Hong Kong and discovered that nearly 40 percent appeared to be operating illegally.
Out of 22 venues included in the study, only three had the appropriate license or compliance certificate to operate a holiday camp. Authorities are currently investigating whether any operators have violated regulations.
The council also reviewed seven “glamping” sites, which offer more luxurious amenities. It found that only three of these sites had third-party liability insurance, potentially leaving guests at other sites without adequate protection in case of emergencies or accidents.
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