Own a dog but working in Quarry Bay - Which areas to stay?

[grooviegoo]

Hello to all,

This is my first post here after reading up on some insightful threads on living in Hong Kong. After having scouted through the Pet Owner's forum where a lot of my questions didn't get answered, I thought maybe some of you could help me out.

MY HISTORY
I relocate from India to Hong Kong sometime mid-to-end March to work for a television company, the workplace of which resides at Oxford House, King's Road, Quarry Bay. My package includes HK$540,000 excluding taxes, a USD3000 for my relocation costs, and a month's accomodation when I first move there to give me enough time to find a place to stay at my own expense.

I have a golden retriever who I plan on bringing to HK with me, and a Foreign Domestic Helper who's been with me here in India since the past 2 years. He loves my dog and should take good care of him, his meals & walks while I'm away working at Quarry Bay. I'm aware of the complications concerning bringing a dog from India (A Group III country by HK's standards) into HK - a Special Permit, an AVID microchip, reqd. certificates & a 4 month Quarantine Period. Me & my boy are gonna have a really hard time coping with our separation for the 4-month period, so here are a few questions that could help make our lives a lot easier while killing those 4 months... and a few more Q's on managing my budget & accomodation expenses. So here goes...

1. Since I'll be working in Quarry Bay what Animal Quarantine Centre should I put my boy in - Pok Fu Lam or Kowloon - considering I'd like to visit him as often as I can after work hours? How good are these quarantine centres? Will my dog's food, exercise, playtime & health be taken care of at all times?

2. What areas would you suggest I can look at staying in that are:-
(i) dog-friendly enough for me to walk my dog outside for a pee/poop or a run in a nearby park (out here he goes on the sidewalk that I clean up after he's done), taking him to a vet nearby in a cab
(ii) a short walk away for household groceries, meat
(iii) a couple of restaurants
(iv) a short walk (ideally)/cab-ride/bus-ride to the nearest MTR station that can take me to my workplace at Oxford House, King's Rd, Quarry Bay

My stay requirements include a 800-900 sq. ft semi-furnished place with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (ideally, or else one), a decent-sized balcony/terrace with a scenic view, convenient travel route to work. I'm alright with a max. travel time of 45 minutes if it means I can get comfortable & affordable living for me & my dog

4. I'm working on a slightly tight budget - Keeping the recent drop in prices of rented housing in HK, What kind of budget should I keep aside for renting a place that fits my requirement. Also, how much should I set aside each month for monthly maintenance expenses such as electricity, water, cooking gas? (I heard an acquaintance of mine is apparently staying in a 2 bedroom for only HK$6000/month)

5. I know this is probably asking for too much but I'm gonna ask anyway - Is it possible for me to be happy & live comfortably on an annual expense of HK$350,000 and save the rest for a rainy day?


Thanks for your help in advace. Look forward to some advice from all of you

[Hokuto]

Personally, I'd recommend Ma Wan/Park Island, because you have a large dog and living there is great with large dogs -- there are many other dog owners, few vehicles per island ban, and a number of convenient restaurants, etc. However, restaurants and the supermarket both close early, and it's a bit far from HK Island, especially where you'll be working... alas! (I just adore Ma Wan for pets, though I no longer live there.)

I do not have experience with the quarantine centres, sadly, but I have been told that they are in good condition. I'm guessing that someone else here will be able to answer your question, but, if not, I would recommend calling the quarantine centre directly to ask your questions -- which is more convenient to access, whether you can visit and at what times, etc. (They'll know and be able to answer these. The one time I called them, they were very kind.)

4. I'm working on a slightly tight budget - Keeping the recent drop in prices of rented housing in HK, What kind of budget should I keep aside for renting a place that fits my requirement.

Depending on where you choose to live, above 10K/month, excluding utilities (probably another 1-4K/month)

(I heard an acquaintance of mine is apparently staying in a 2 bedroom for only HK$6000/month)

You can get apartments at this size and price, but they're more likely to be a) older, b) smaller, and/or c) more inconvenient than what you're looking for.

5. I know this is probably asking for too much but I'm gonna ask anyway - Is it possible for me to be happy & live comfortably on an annual expense of HK$350,000 and save the rest for a rainy day?

Given that you'll probably be recommended various places on HK Island, I'll not comment on the feasibility of your apartment choice (I'm guessing that there are 2BR of those sizes there?), but I will say that it is more than possible for even expats to live on $350K/year, as there are many who live comfortably on less out of necessity.

[jimbo]

What nationality is your FDH? As you might have issues in bringing him in.

[grooviegoo]

Thanks for your response, Hokuto & Jimbo.

@ Jimbo - My FDH is from "Nepal". He's trustworthy and has been working with me since the past 2 years and takes good care of my dog & my house while I'm away, even on vacation. I plan to apply for an FDH once I go to HK in April.

@ Hokuto - I have a tight, but flexible budget that ranges anywhere between 11k-15k for a 2 bedroom place with a decent-sized balcony or terrace with a view that's big enough for me, my FDH & my dog to stay in. I have HK$4000/month set aside for utilities (electicity, water... etc.)

While I love socialising, i never go overboard so I don't expect to go out more than maybe 4-5 times a month. It would be nice if commuting to the 'socialising hot spots' would be reletavely short or at least easy. I know I can't have the best of both, but but anything.

What is commuting like from 'Ma Wan/Park Island' to 'King's Rd, Quarry Bay'? Are they other areas you suggest I check out?

[Hokuto]

What is commuting like from 'Ma Wan/Park Island' to 'King's Rd, Quarry Bay'? Are they other areas you suggest I check out?

A commute would likely be:
1. Walk to Ma Wan ferry pier (2-5 minutes);
2. Ferry ride to Central (25 minutes);
3. Walk to bus (1 minute -- #2 has a stop at the Discovery Bay Pier, which is next to the MW/PI pier) or MTR (10-15 minutes).
4. Bus or train to Quarry Bay (don't know, sorry -- 30-40 min, I'm guessing).

So, it's not the best option for you it seems.

There are some nice residential areas in the Taikoo Shing area, I recall. Someone more familiar with HK Island and the acceptance of large dogs there would be better able to help you. I think that a commute from Kowloon or the New Territories may be too far or long for you, sadly, though the sometimes larger space and/or lower prices sound like they might be preferable. But maybe my impression of HK Island housing is incomplete and there is something both large, convenient, and with a good area for your dog available.

[mytimeoff]

Hi,

We have 2 golden retrievers so we decided that we will leave further out.
We are at Fei Ngo Shan before getting into Saikung. My husband's commute to Central takes 45 minutes door to door.

From Choi Hung MTR you can go to Yau Tong to change to Tseung Kwan O line to Quarry bay. Or from Hang Hau (where some people in clearwater bay) straight to Quarry bay
So depending how far you are from Choi Hung or Hang Hau. The MTR ride from either to Quarry bay, shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.

For your budget you might have a place with a small garden for your dog, plus you can take him for nice walks at the country park.

If you do decide to live there, you are most welcome to have play dates with our goldies

Hope that helps.

[grooviegoo]

Thanks for such quick responses, guys.

Eventually, I'll need to stay in an area that my dog can spend his days in HK being happy & stress-free especially after the 4 month quarantine... but at the same time be an easy commute to an MTR station earby that can take me straight to Quarry Bay. I'd rather travel for an extra 15 minutes than switch multiple cabs & MTRs. I'm afraid I'll just end up getting lost since I'm not very good at these things. LOL!

@Hokuto, I guess that leaves out Ma Wan/Park Island :-( but I shall definitely look up Taikoo Shing. Will an FDH from Nepal be an issue to get into HK?

@mytimeoff, unless I misunderstood, commuting on the Hang Hau MTR line will take me straight to Quarry Bay while the Choi Hung MTR will require me to get off & switch lines halfway through the journey? In that case, staying close to Hang Hau will be preferable.

How is life in and around that area for us homosapiens & dogs both? Is it self-sufficient with places for grocery & meat shopping, pet food, restaurants, a vet, a hospital or at least a general doctor, a chemist etc? On the occasional day I chose to socialise with colleagues/new friends (I'm hopeful, you see ).

I'd love to have mine have play dates with your goldies!! A big kiss to both of them for now

Are there any other such areas you guys can suggest so I can choose the best option?

[mytimeoff]

Yap if you live in Saikung, you will need to get to Choi Hung which is the green line (Kwun Tong line), there's one change involved. While if you live in clearwater bay area, you can get to Hang Hau and that's straight to Quarry bay, very convenient for you and easier. Both Sai Kung and clearwater bay areas are great for dogs. You will see lots of dogs and owners at the weekend.
We found a great walk at Saikung Country Park where my goldies get to swim to their hearts delight then go on an hour walk and they are dry by the time we get back to the car.

I've been to TaiKooSing a few times and it's very build up. So if your goldie is used to walking on concrete/roads, then it's alright. Most of the 'green' grass area does not allow dogs on it, so i dunno how they are going to pee and poo??? Dun really see it that dog friendly really. But do go and have a look and have an open mind about different areas.

Pet food is easily obtained here. I order my online and have it delivered very useful. You have an option of food from UK/US or australia. So it's not a problem. Saikung has plenty of pet shops and vets, so again very convenient for the dog owner.

[grooviegoo]

Thanks for your help, mytimeoff. Both Sai Kung & Clear Water Bay seem like wonderful options and I'm going to go have a look at them once I get there in April.

I live an apartment life here, with an occasional run on the beach for my dog. The rest of the time, he usually walks on concrete roads and sidewalks so he's used to going about his business on them. Are there special assigned areas for dogs to poop/pee in back in HK? Or would picking up droppings after my boy's done be good enough? What about the pee-pee? Sorry for asking such basic questions, just making sure I'm aware of the rules

Lastly, what would your views be on areas such as:
Happy Valley
Discovery Bay
Pok Fu Lam
North Point

These were some other places I came across online while doing some research. Could you tell me the advantages/disadvantages of each of these places for living with a dog, the lifestyle I should expect & the commute to Quarry Bay?

Many thanks in advance

[mytimeoff]

Hi,

It's like everything you pick up the poo. Most people here use newspaper and if it's a crowded area, most will carry a bottle of water to wash the ground clean.

We are lucky whereby we live in a house with a terrace and a grass area, so my dogs goes to do their wee wee on their own. That's why I choose the place, coz my girl girl does not wee except on grass

North point is too build up to have a golden retriever. Alot of Hong kongers are quite apprehensive about large dogs. We get lots of people avoiding us at the country park when they see us with our goldies walking towards them!!! so i can't imagine you walking your goldie on the streets (markets and all) in North Point. Yes it's very close to your work. But you will be living in an apartment, and come downstairs to take your dog for a wee. But too many people and noise?? I am not sure about that.

I've not really been to Happy Valley but it's much greener and I've heard nice things about the area from dog owners , so might be worth a look. There's quite a few vets in the area, plus a dog park there??? I think.

Pok Fu Lam too is lovely, green, great for dogs. But I am not sure about the commute. Maybe others on the board can comment on that.
Discovery bay is more for family rather than a single guy like you. You are governed by the ferry timetable, but it's great for dogs. It works for some people but it's not my cup of tea. And you will probably have to commute longer than 45 mins?? 30 mins ferry and maybe 20 mins MTR??? Not sure, maybe have a look and try out the journey.

Hope that helps.