Companion Dog
Our Service
Companion Dog Scheme
Based on our experience and professional know-how, the organization has a vision to address social pain points and emerging needs by developing Companion Dog services to:
- Create a much bigger social impact to serve a broad base of users
- Develop a scalable and sustainable service such that our income would fund services to the underprivileged
- Create career change opportunities for cadet guide dogs which could be trained as companion dogs
- Provide a second life for abandoned dogs that have potentials as trained companion dogs
- Enable young people as assistant dog trainers by providing cadetship and volunteering positions at our training school, elderly home visits and puppy walker
- Through the above, to create shared values which contributes to a harmonic society
Today, the importance of a companion dog is finding a new meaning as many people are seeking comfort from the presence of their pets which allows them to feel empowered to take back control of their lives. And, this can also save the abandoned dogs due to huge migration and train them to be caring companion dogs.
What are Companion Dogs and what they can help?
Companion dogs are also called emotional support dogs. They are especially helpful for people with anxiety and depression. Oftentimes, companion dogs are recommended or prescribed by doctors for their patients who suffer from anxiety disorders and have difficulties getting through their daily lives. Companion dogs can help improve the quality of life of their owners by giving them a sense of independence and some freedom from their disorder.
According to a study conducted by Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness and University of Hong Kong, through telesurvey on 8,382 senior citizens aged 60 or above in 2020, 1 in 10 older adults reported depressive or anxiety symptoms in the pandemic. Among them, half reported both symptoms. For older adults aged 60 to 79, the percentage of reporting depressive or anxiety symptoms will reach 12%. In Hong Kong, 53% of the people who committed or attempted suicide were found to have major depressive disorder. The situation is worrying and needs our attention. Companion dogs would be helpful to support the lonely elders, especially who have depressive or anxiety symptoms.
According to a study on “Effect of a Companion dog on depression and anxiety levels of elderly residents in a long-term care facility” (published on Psychogeriatrics Volume 9, Issue 1 On March 2009), its confirmed that companion dog visits can make a difference to the depression level of the residents in long-term care facilities.
Elderly who lives alone or newly admitted to elderly institutions are all good to have regular visits by companion dogs. The visits by companion dogs can mitigate loneliness of elderly, steering their attention to the dog other than themself. It also helps diverting their worries and concerns to affections to companion dogs.
At present, there is no comprehensive companion dog service in Hong Kong. And the users who want help and supports need to train up the companion dogs by themselves.
Hiring of a Companion Dog
Hence, the hiring of a trained companion dog would be a good alternative of which allows the handler of the companion dog to have a time-limited duty to take care of the dog, whilst in relation to his / her capacity and independency. The frequent visit of a companion dog can warm the lonely heart of the elder, who would feel with emotional and caring touch from the dog, whilst also lessen the burden and loading to take care the daily needs of the dog.
In addition to visiting dogs, we can also offer residence dogs services to users who are able and willing to learn how to handle the dog. HKSED may offer dog secondment, in-house dog handler training, technical support, regular professional dog handler visits, dog health and well- being support and other customer services. This service could be on a monthly, annual or fixed term contract.
Strength of the HKSEDS in establishing Companion Dog Initiative
HKSEDS has remarkable experience in providing assistance dog services in Hong Kong since 2012.
Our professional team comprising of 2 Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, 4 Training Cadet and 3 Puppy Walkers. The team is supported by devoted and long- time volunteers and supporters. Our organization is also a member of international service dog training bodies, such as International Guide Dog Federations and Assistance Dog International.
By the end of 2022, the first Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Training School, pioneered by our organization, will be commissioned. That will equip us with a professionally designed facilities to power the Companion Dog Scheme.
With our professional knowledge (from breeding, training and service), experience and facilities, we are capable of providing companion dog service with reliable, professionally trained and healthy dogs who could comfort and support the users who suffer from depression and anxiety, while training up more trainers to support the services.
Key Stakeholders
- Funders who care about the well- being of elderly and related services
- Elderly centres, RCHE, elderly day care centres,
- Associations of elderly service ecosystem, such as HK Elder Care Association
- Dog rescue and shelters: where we can select, train, provide second lives for abandoned-dogs-turn-companion-dog, (such as Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) and Home for Homeless Dog (浪浪之家)
- Government Departments, Bureaus, lawmakers
- Celebrities who are dog lovers
Cooperation with Academia
We intend to collaborate with academia to conduct impact study of the Companion Dog in Hong Kong, so as to monitor the long- term effectiveness towards users, specially those have the need of mental health supports. We believe the study would provide good insight to help further improve the service.
Inquiry, contact:
If you have any inquiries about this project, please feel free to contact:
Center Manager Mr. Zeng Guoshu
Tel: 2628 1833
