Does anyone here have a rabbit or guinea pig?

[110624]

I'm new here. I came from Thailand about a month ago. I had to leave Thailand sadly due to a visa problem and for the moment my pets are still in Thailand. I'm looking into relocating them here after I'm all set up to live long term. Relocating exotic pets to HK is expensive and difficult, I know, but I insist on relocating them here.

I just want to find out if anyone has a rabbit or guinea pig with them here in HK. I have a few questions to ask. Stuff like vets, pet shops, pet friendly apartments, etc.

Thanks!

[MABinPengChau]

I don't have either but instead hamsters. Go to Goldfish street in Mong Kok and they have some specialty shops for small pets, one called I love rabbit I think, outlet in North point as well. Don't tell landlord, I mean these aren't really pets that can do any apartment damage, in Japan I lived in a no pets apartment with hamsters,. I mean, better to find a place that accepts pets, sure, but unless you are looking for a furnished place don't see how they can affect the landlord and this from someone who is upfront about my cats.

I am now in Taipei where I couldn't bring our office hamster but coworkers took her to a vet in Kennedy town. There's a number of exotic pets specialists so just Google and plenty of English speaking vets, pretty much all of them. SPCA has very reasonable vet prices call to see if they do exotic pets (pretty much anything not a dog or cat is considered an exotic pet).

Glad you are bringing them.

[Ellenna]

I had a rabbit and hamsters before. For veterinary care, I recommend Tai Wai Small Animals and Exotic hospital. They have special knowledge about "exotic" pets such as bunnies, and moreover are open 24/7. They also have a shop for pellets, hay and snacks suitable for rabbits.
Regarding a place to live, my rabbit was free to roam in the flat and did manage to chew the plaster off the wall behind the sofa! Luckily I was able to replaster and paint it and landlord was none the wiser. If your rabbit is not free-roaming it should not really matter where you live - other than choosing based on access to transportation to the vet in case of emergency!

[MABinPengChau]

Yes, I know rabbits can really need a specialized vet, my cat vet in TW is mainly rabbits, always a pile in the waiting room. They can have sensitive digestive needs so, sure, get a 24-hour clinic, just makes sense.

[newhkpr]

How's your visa situation here?

[110624]

Yeah, hamsters definitely could be included in this category. Thanks for the help! I'll check out the places.

Newhkpr, I'm very new here, but learning how the visa and job situation works. Some foreigners here gave me some tips from their experience. So far, it looks like Hong Kong is much more relaxed than Thailand with more bailout options. I've seen every trick in the book regarding visas and employers unfortunately. I'm just getting organized, getting stuff setup. I won't relocate my pets until I officially have a work visa. I know better.

[PLamHK]

So basically you're here as a visitor.

Everyone I know finds Thailand easier for "residence without a job" than HK. Good luck finding an employer happy to sponsor your work visa.

[Joie Lai]

There is a FB page where you can ask questions about rabbits. I read a few posts about rabbit owners who moved into an other country and wanted to know which airlines are rabbit friendly. The FB page is : House Rabbits Society. On that page there is a search button. Topics from people who asked about certain topic about rabbits. There you can find your answers. If not, you can post on their FB page with your questions. Bunnies do have sensitive digestive problems and can go in GI stasis you need an exotic vet which can be pricey. I recently prepared an emergency kit for in case I need it for my 2 rabbits and luckily I did. Not long after, one of my bun got in Gi stasis and I was glad that I got baby gas drops, painkiller and critical care at home.

[110624]

PlamHK, for now yes, I'm American and I got a 90 stamp. I've noticed HK schools are difficult when it comes to sponsoring foreigners. At least they're honest. In Thailand they'll often say they will but not actually do it. I've taught English in Thailand for a LONG time. My resume probably looked too good so I "dumbed it down" a bit yesterday to look more manageable. In Thailand, schools often actually prefer straight off the plane tourists they can push around with a lower salary. I'm sure it's the same here.

From my experience, Thailand has horrible, strict visa laws. It was a total rat race to get a one year visa. It's easier to get transit and tourist visas now, but I got scammed by a language school and visa agent during the pandemic and I can't go back for three years. I'm talking with lawyers, but that's another topic. Anyway, it wasn't my fault by the way. So.... I'm much happier to be here in HK.

At the moment, I'm teaching online. Not having to deal with crazy visa laws that I've experienced is giving me peace of mind. Some said I could also try Macau or Shen zhen for sponsorship. It's an option. If I have to, I'll get another 90 day stamp and keep looking. After I get a proper work visa, I'll work on relocating my pets. I have Thai friends who will help me get them relocated.

[110624]

Joie Lai,
Great info. I'll find the page and bookmark it. Thanks!