Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in ... · Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Final Report - 2 - enumerated. Data from enumerated

Study on the Development of

the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong

Prepared By:

Table of Contents

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... 1

2 BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................ 24

3 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 26

3.1 SURVEY COVERAGE .......................................................................................................... 26

3.2 SURVEY DESIGN & DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................... 26

3.2.1 REGISTERED VETERINARY SURGEONS .................................................................................... 26

3.2.2 PERSONS-IN-CHARGE / OWNERS / MANAGERS OF PRIVATE VETERINARY CLINICS ...................... 27

3.2.3 OVERSEAS VETERINARY STUDENTS FROM HONG KONG .......................................................... 27

3.2.4 PET OWNERS ........................................................................................................................ 28

3.3 POINTS TO NOTE ............................................................................................................... 29

4 SURVEY FINDINGS – OVERVIEW OF THE VETERINARY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG ................ 30

4.1 HONG KONG VETERINARY ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS ............................................. 30

4.2 ESTIMATED POPULATION OF PETS IN HONG KONG .............................................................. 32

4.3 NUMBER OF REGISTERED VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG .................................... 33

4.4 VET-TO-PET RATIO IN HONG KONG .................................................................................... 36

5 SURVEY FINDINGS – PET OWNERS ................................................................................. 37

5.1 ESTIMATION OF POTENTIAL VETERINARY SERVICES USERS ................................................ 37

5.1.1 INCIDENCE AND INTENTION OF KEEPING PETS ......................................................................... 37

5.1.2 ESTIMATED POPULATION OF PETS .......................................................................................... 40

5.2 EXPERIENCES OF USING VETERINARY SERVICES AND OPINIONS TOWARDS VETERINARY

SERVICES IN HONG KONG ................................................................................................. 42

5.2.1 USAGE RATE OF VETERINARY SERVICES ................................................................................. 42

5.2.2 TYPES OF VETERINARY SERVICES WHICH WERE USED ............................................................. 43

5.2.3 SPENDING ON VETERINARY SERVICES IN LAST YEAR ............................................................... 44

5.2.4 OPINIONS TOWARDS THE FEES AND CHARGES OF VETERINARY SERVICES ................................ 45

5.2.5 SATISFACTION OF VETERINARY SERVICES IN HONG KONG ........................................................ 50

5.3 PERCEIVED SUFFICIENCY OF VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG ............................... 54

5.4 CHANNELS FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON THE VETERINARY SERVICES IN HONG KONG .. 55

6 SURVEY FINDINGS – VETERINARY CLINICS ...................................................................... 56

6.1 NUMBER OF PRIVATE VETERINARY CLINICS IN HONG KONG ................................................ 56

6.2 CURRENT BUSINESS OPERATION ....................................................................................... 57

6.2.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES ............................................................................................................. 57

6.2.2 YEARS OF ESTABLISHMENT AND GROSS FLOOR AREA .............................................................. 61

6.2.3 MANPOWER DEPLOYMENT ..................................................................................................... 62

6.2.4 DIFFICULTIES IN OPERATING VETERINARY CLINICS IN HONG KONG ........................................... 64

6.3 FUTURE PLANS ................................................................................................................. 65

6.3.1 MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS IN THE COMING 3 YEARS ............................................................. 65

6.3.2 RELOCATION AND EXPANSION PLANS IN THE COMING 3 YEARS ................................................. 69

6.3.3 VIEWS ON THE PROSPECT OF OPERATING VETERINARY CLINICS IN HONG KONG ....................... 71

6.4 PRICING INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 73

6.4.1 WHETHER PRICING INFORMATION IS READILY ACCESSIBLE ....................................................... 73

6.4.2 RANGES OF FEES AND CHARGES ............................................................................................ 74

7 SURVEY FINDINGS – VETERINARY SURGEONS ................................................................. 77

7.1 NUMBER OF REGISTERED VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG .................................... 77

7.2 PROFILE OF THE REGISTERED VETERINARY SURGEONS ..................................................... 79

7.3 WORKING STATUS ............................................................................................................. 82

7.4 OTHER POST-GRADUATE / SPECIALISTS QUALIFICATION ..................................................... 85

7.5 VIEWS ON THE DIFFICULTIES AND PROSPECT OF VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG ... 87

7.5.1 DIFFICULTIES FACING PRACTICING VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG ............................. 87

7.5.2 VIEWS ON THE PROSPECT OF WORKING AS VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG ................ 88

7.5.3 VIEWS ON THE MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS FOR VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG IN THE

COMING 3 YEARS ................................................................................................................ 90

7.5.4 PERCEIVED NECESSITY OF SETTING UP AN ACCREDITATION SCHEME / CLASSIFICATION SCHEME

FOR THE VETERINARY CLINICS IN HONG KONG ...................................................................... 91

7.6 PLANNED LENGTH OF PRACTICING IN HONG KONG ............................................................. 92

8 SURVEY FINDINGS – VETERINARY STUDENTS .................................................................. 93

8.1 PROFILE OF HONG KONG VETERINARY STUDENTS IN OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES .................. 93

8.2 FUTURE PLANS ................................................................................................................. 96

8.2.1 PREFERRED PATHS AFTER GRADUATION ................................................................................. 96

8.2.2 INTENTION OF COMING BACK TO HONG KONG FOR PRACTICING WITHIN 3 YEARS AFTER

GRADUATION ....................................................................................................................... 97

9 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................ 98

KEY FINDINGS REFERENCE ................................................................................................. 101

PET OWNERS ........................................................................................................................ 101

VETERINARY CLINICS ............................................................................................................. 102

VETERINARY SURGEONS........................................................................................................ 103

VETERINARY STUDENTS ........................................................................................................ 104

APPENDICES – QUESTIONNAIRES ........................................................................................ 105

Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Final Report

- 1 -

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

1.1 In order to improve understanding of the prospects and constraints of the

veterinary profession in Hong Kong, the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB),

through the administrative support and assistance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and

Conservation Department (AFCD), commissioned Mercado Solutions Associates Ltd. (MSA)

to conduct this study. The study results will help VSB in formulating recommendations to

further support the development of the veterinary profession in Hong Kong. This summary

highlights the major findings of the survey.

METHODOLOGY

1.2 Information was collected from different groups of stakeholders in the industry,

namely:

Registered veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong;

Persons-in-charge / owners / managers of private veterinary clinics in Hong

Kong;

Hong Kong students who are studying veterinary courses in overseas

universities; and

Pet owners.

Registered Veterinary Surgeons

1.3 Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all registered veterinary

surgeons (totaling 840 as at 10 March 2016, according to the veterinary surgeon list from

AFCD). Visits and calls were made to the veterinary clinics for inviting the veterinary

surgeons to participate in the survey. During 18 May to 30 June 2016, a total of 307

veterinary surgeons were successfully enumerated. Data from enumerated cases were

grossed up (projected) to represent the total 840 registered veterinary surgeons.

Private Veterinary Clinics

1.4 Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all private veterinary clinics

(totaling 160 as at 30 December 2015, according to the veterinary clinic list from AFCD).

Visits and calls were made to the veterinary clinics for inviting the persons-in-charge /

owners / managers to participate in the survey. During 18 May to 30 June 2016, 14 clinics

were found to be closed down. A total of 104 veterinary clinics were successfully


- 2 -

enumerated. Data from enumerated cases were grossed up (projected) to represent the

total 146 veterinary clinics.

1.5 For this target segment, information on fees and charges of some general

veterinary services were also collected. For those veterinary clinics which did not respond

to the pricing information, mystery shoppers were deployed to act as ordinary customers

and visit the concerned veterinary clinics for collecting the pricing information.

Overseas Veterinary Students from Hong Kong

1.6 Invitation emails (together with AFCD’s introductory letter and bilingual

questionnaires) were sent to the responsible persons of 55 selected overseas universities

(as at 10 March 2015) whose veterinary courses awards are recognized for registration as

a veterinary surgeon in Hong Kong. During the fieldwork period from 23 March to 7 July

2016, a total of 45 universities responded to the survey, indicating that there are 240 Hong

Kong students who are studying veterinary courses in overseas universities.

1.7 Finally, a total of 65 completed questionnaires from the students were received.

Data from enumerated cases were grossed up (projected) to represent the total 240

overseas veterinary students from Hong Kong.

Pet Owners

1.8 Telephone interviews were conducted during 5 May to 12 June 2016. A total of 5

800 residential telephone numbers were attempted, in which 851 were found to be invalid

(including non-operating numbers, fax numbers, non-residential numbers, etc.). After

excluding the invalid cases, a total of 2 514 households were successfully enumerated (in

which 308 of them are pet owners), constituting a response rate of 50.8%. Data from

enumerated cases were grossed up (projected) to represent the total 2 368 400

households in Hong Kong (based on the population data of 2011 Census issued by the

Census & Statistics Department).

KEY FINDINGS – OVERVIEW OF THE VETERINARY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong Veterinary Activities in the Past 10 Years

1.9 Based on the statistics issued by the Census and Statistics Department, in the

recent 5 years, the growth of establishments and persons engaged in the veterinary

industry has slowed down and was growing at a relatively moderate pace. From a

10-year growth perspective, the number of veterinary establishments has been growing at

Study on th

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- 4 -

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- 5 -

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KEY FINDIN

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kept pets

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household

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fession in Ho

- 6 -

ces Users

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in the pas

increased

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coming 3

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About 545

about 510

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Note: The num

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-17: Estima

and estim

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eterinary Prof

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number of p

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the nearest hun

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- 7 -

1 600 pets

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about 415

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past 12 month

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Final Report

shes) were

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and cats in

by the Ce

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(

st 12 month

in the comi

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and cats,

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except fish

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(Ref.: Cha

hs before en

ng 3 years

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Hong Kong

which was

ccording to

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pets in the

es) will be

kept in the

2 months).

pared with

rt 1.16-17)

numeration,

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s

o

s

e

e

e

.

h

)


- 8 -

Experiences of Using Veterinary Services and Opinions towards Veterinary Services in

Hong Kong

Usage Rate of Veterinary Services

1.18 Of the households which kept pets (except fishes) in the past 12 months, 71.4%

said they have ever brought their pets to see veterinary surgeons (vets), with 40.5% visited

vets in the past 12 months. Among the 28.6% who have never brought their pets to see

vets, the majority said “my pet has no sickness before” (87.1%).

Types of Veterinary Services which were Used

1.19 Of the households which have ever brought pets to see vets, 86.8% said that they

sought general consultation (e.g. health examinations / follow-up consultation) in last time

of seeing vets. It was followed by vaccination / microchipping (31.3%) and surgery

(18.9%).

Spending on Veterinary Services in Last Year

1.20 Of the households which brought pets to see vets in the past 12 months, the

median range of spending on veterinary services in the last year was $2,000 – less than

$3,000.

Opinions towards the Fees and Charges of Veterinary Services

1.21 Of the households which have ever brought pets to see vets, 45.2% considered

that the fees and charges of veterinary services in Hong Kong were very / quite reasonable.

Yet, a similar proportion (47.5%) considered the opposite. Among them, relatively more

(63.8%) thought that the consultation fee of general vets was very / quite unreasonable,

followed by medicine (36.3%) and surgery (30.1%).

1.22 If they were told that certain examination / treatment (e.g. lab tests, imaging,

surgery or other kinds of treatment) was required for their pets, nearly three-quarters of the

pet owners said either the vet (55.3%) or other clinic staff (19.1%) have explained to them

about the reason of conducting those examinations / treatments before doing so (the vast

majority of them considered that the explanation of vet (96.1%) or other clinic staff (95.1%)

was very / quite clear). Only 7.3% claimed that no explanation was given.


- 9 -

1.23 Among the pet owners who have ever been told that certain examination /

treatment was required for their pets (no matter whether explanation was given), 77.3%

said that the vet / clinic staff have explained the approximate fees and charges before

service. Moreover, 94.4% said that receipt was issued to them after paying the required

fees and charges. Among them, 88.8% said that breakdown items of the fees and

charges for examination / treatment were shown on the receipt.

1.24 Besides, of the households which have ever brought pets to see vets, 45.8%

considered the price transparency very / quite adequate. 26.8% rated average. Among

the 22.9% who considered very / quite inadequate, relatively more thought that the price

transparency of consultation fee of general vets (67.4%) was inadequate, followed by

hospitalization (37.7%) and medicines (36.3%). Besides, when asked to suggest ways for

improvement, many of them claimed that the clinics should post the list of basic fees and

charges at the clinic (78.5%).

Satisfaction of Veterinary Services in Hong Kong

1.25 Based on their experience from the last time they sought veterinary attention, the

majority of pet owners were very / quite satisfied with the attitude and courtesy (86.4%) and

professional knowledge (77.3%) of vets. Relatively speaking, their satisfaction levels were

lower on other aspects, including whether alternative treatment advice was offered by the

vets (59.8%), whether proactive suggestions were made on taking care of the pets (61.9%)

and value for money of the overall service quality of the vets (61.9%). Nevertheless, only

small proportions of the pet owners were very / quite dissatisfied with these aspects (about

1% - 7%).

1.26 29.4% of the pet owners said that they have ever consulted more than one vets

for the same problem of their pets. Among them, most of the reasons were related to the

vet / clinic, including: “the problem of my pet did not improve” (58.0%), “the fees and

charges of the first vet / clinic for the required examination / treatment were too expensive”

(20.5%) and “dissatisfaction with the vet’s professional knowledge” (2.7%).

1.27 In overall of the various aspects of their veterinary visit, 55.4% of the pet owners

were very / quite satisfied with the veterinary services in Hong Kong. Among the 4.8%

who were very / quite dissatisfied, many said it was because of the unreasonable fees and

charges (80.6%).

1.28 About their reaction towards dissatisfactory veterinary services, most of the pet

owners (64.7%) claimed that they have not encountered dissatisfactory veterinary services.

However, for the others who have ever encountered such situation, relatively more (27.1%)


- 10 -

did not take any action. Many of them said it was because they just decided not to visit

that vet clinic / hospital again (33.2%), they were not aware of the complaint channels

(30.3%) and they did not think taking any action could help (28.6%). On the other hand,

for the 8.2% who have taken action, many of them said they have reported to the vet clinic /

hospital (and undergo mediation) (66.5%). Some shared their experience in forum / social

network on the internet (30.7%).

Perceived Sufficiency of Veterinary Surgeons in Hong Kong

1.29 Of the pet owners who have experience in using veterinary services, 49.7%

considered the number of vets in Hong Kong very / quite sufficient. On the contrary,

25.2% considered the opposite. Among them, many thought that the number of general

vets (70.3%) was insufficient, followed by the vets who are specialized in exotic animals

(29.9%) and internal medicine (22.6%).

Channels for Access to Information on the Veterinary Services in Hong Kong

1.30 Of all potential veterinary services users (no matter whether ever used veterinary

services or not), relatively more said that they know about the veterinary services in Hong

Kong from friends / relatives (37.2%), followed by social network / forum on the internet

(23.5%), websites of vet clinics (18.0%) and printing materials (e.g. leaflet, booklet)

(17.1%).

KEY FINDINGS – VETERINARY CLINICS

Number of Private Veterinary Clinics in Hong Kong

1.31 During the survey period from May to June 2016, there were about 146 private

veterinary clinics in Hong Kong. Relatively speaking, fewer were located in Kowloon East

(i.e. Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong – 3.4%; vs. more than 19% in other districts).

Current Business Operation

Scope of Services

1.32 Virtually all veterinary clinics (vet clinics) provide services for cats (97.7%) and

dogs (96.1%). About half provide services for rabbits (51.2%) and hamster and chinchilla

(49.9%) respectively. Relatively speaking, fewer provide services for reptiles (e.g. turtles,

snakes, lizards, etc.) (26.8%) and birds (18.1%).


- 11 -

1.33 Apart from general consultation (e.g. health examination, vaccination,

microchipping) which was provided by all vet clinics, the vast majority of vet clinics provide

routine / simple surgery (99.3%), on-site diagnostic tests (95.7%), imaging (92.8%) and

hospitalization (93.9%). Moreover, about half of the vet clinics provide advanced surgery

(50.3%) and acupuncture (47.3%) respectively, 42.8% provide vets house call service /

mobile service, and some provide Chinese veterinary medicine (15.4%), pet boarding

service (14.9%) and pet grooming service (12.2%).

1.34 Moreover, 64.3% of the vet clinics have 24 hours hospitalization services. Yet,

among them, only 27.2% have 24 hours attending staff (with 15.7% having attending vets

and 15.6% having attending clinic staff). Furthermore, 31.5% of the clinics have

after-hours / 24 hours consultation service. Most of them (64.5%) said that they do not

have 24 hours vets on-site (i.e. the vets will be attended on-call).

1.35 21.3% of the clinics claimed that they provide specialty services. Among them,

relatively more provide the specialty services of imaging (63.2%), followed by dentistry

(51.6%), surgery (38.7%), small animal internal medicine (36.6%), dermatology (35.5%)

and ophthalmology (33.6%).

Years of Establishment and Gross Floor Area

1.36 51.2% of the vet clinics have been established for 10 years or more. Only a few

(7.7%) were established in the recent 2 years. Besides, most of the clinics occupied 500 –

less than 1,000 sq.ft. (33.6%) and 1,000 – less than 1,500 sq.ft. (27.3%) of gross floor area.

Manpower Deployment

1.37 On average, each vet clinic has about 10 – 11 full-time positions (not persons,

because a person can be employed by multiple clinics), including about 3 vet surgeons, 5

vet assistants, 1 vet technician, 1 administrative staff and 1 other staff. Part-time and

locum positions accounted for about 13% of all positions only.

(Ref.: Chart 1.37)

Study on th

Chart 1.37:

Base: All priva

1.38 I

employme

above.

Difficulties

1.39 W

81.3% of

distantly b

staff in H

customers

“high staff

Future Pla

Manpowe

1.40 I

full-time p

of enumer

1.41 6

e Developme

Average

ate veterinary cl

In overall,

ent size of

s in Opera

When aske

the clinics

by “keen c

K” (33.8%

s / pet ow

f cost (incl.

ans

er Requirem

It was est

positions, 1

ration, incl

60.8% of th

ent of the Ve

number of d

linics in HK (N =

, 70.2% o

f 1 – 9, wh

ting Veterin

ed about th

s ranked “

ompetition

%). Apart

ners’ unre

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ments in th

imated tha

30 part-tim

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he vet clini

eterinary Prof

different po

= 146; n = 104)

of the ve

hile 9.0% w

nary Clinic

eir perceiv

“high rent”

n among ve

from these

alistic exp

nge benefi

he Coming

at during t

me position

ut 400 vete

ics claimed

fession in Ho

- 12 -

ositions in ea

) [Ref.:A6]

et clinics

were medi

cs in Hong

ved difficult

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e 3 aspect

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its, etc.)” (3

3 Years

he survey

ns and 80 l

erinary sur

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ong Kong – F

ach veterina

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toward vet

30.5%) are

period in

ocum posi

rgeon (vet

intended t

Final Report

ary clinic

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terinary se

e their majo

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or difficultie

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ents, with

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ong Kong,

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at “difficult

2.8%) and

es.

bout 1 520

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r

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t

d

0

e

g

Study on th

3 years.

graduates

that they

about 280

surgeons,

Chart 1.40-

Base: All priva

Note: The figu

1.42 O

from univ

relatively

followed b

hiring vets

preferred

small anim

e Developme

Among th

s. Moreov

anticipated

0 – 290 a

, 180 vet a

-41: Curren

the comi

ate veterinary cl

ures were round

Of all clinic

versities in

more pref

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s with spec

vets with

mal interna

ent of the Ve

hem, 63.8%

ver, they w

d to open

additional

assistants,

t manpower

ng 12 mont

linics in HK (N =

ded to the neare

cs, 48.8% s

n particula

ferred vets

ealand (26

cialty / spe

specialty

al medicine

eterinary Prof

% claimed

were furthe

in the com

full-time p

20 vet tech

r deploymen

hs

= 146; n = 104)

est ten.

said that th

ar countrie

s who gra

6.2%). Be

ecial interes

/ special i

e (17.9%) a

fession in Ho

- 13 -

that they

er asked a

ming 12 m

positions w

hnicians, 1

nt and manp

) [Ref.:A6 & B2]

hey had no

es / regio

aduated fro

esides, 52

sts. Of th

interests o

and Chines

ong Kong – F

intended to

about the n

onths. Th

will be ope

10 adminis

power requi

]

o preferenc

ons. Of t

om Austra

2.3% of al

hose which

of surgery

se medicin

Final Report

o hire fres

number of

he survey

ened, incl

trative staf

(

rements of

ce in hiring

those whic

alia (38.0%

l clinics ha

h had prefe

(24.3%), e

ne / acupun

sh / recent

f additiona

results sh

uding abo

ff and 10 o

(Ref.: Cha

veterinary c

g vets who

ch had p

%) and UK

ad no pre

erence, slig

exotic pets

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veterinary

l positions

howed that

out 70 vet

other staff.

rt 1.40-41)

clinics in

graduated

preference,

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ference in

ghtly more

s (20.6%),

.0%).

y

s

t

t

)

d

,

,

n

e

,


- 14 -

Relocation and Expansion Plans in the Coming 3 Years

1.43 About one-tenth of the vet clinics respectively claimed that they had relocation

plan (9.6%) and expansion plan in opening more clinics in Hong Kong (13.8%) in the

coming 3 years. Among those which had relocation plan, 55.7% said they will stay in the

same district, while 8.6% will move to other district. Among those which had expansion

plan, only 6.8% said the additional clinics will be opened in the same district, whereas

43.3% preferred other district. Besides, most of them (66.0%) intended to open one more

clinic only in the coming 3 years.

1.44 Assumed that those which claimed “undecided on the number of additional clinics”

(for expansion) will open one clinic only, it was estimated that in total about 20 more vet

clinics will be opened in the coming 3 years (which will be increased by 13.7% between

2016 and 2019). Furthermore, assumed that those which claimed “no preference on

district” (for relocation or expansion) will remain in the same district or will open more clinics

in the same district, it was observed that the proportion of vet clinics in Kowloon East will

still be relatively small (4.8%; vs. more than 18% in other districts) in the coming 3 years.

(Ref.: Table 1.44)

Table 1.44: Number of veterinary clinics during the survey period (May – June 2016) and in the

coming 3 years – by districts

May – June 2016 In the coming 3 years

No. (%) No. (%)

HK Island 35 24.0 37 22.3

Kowloon East 5 3.4 8 4.8

Kowloon West 38 26.0 44 26.5

NT East 29 19.9 31 18.7

NT West 39 26.7 46 27.7

Total 146 100.0 166 100.0

Base: All private veterinary clinics in HK (N = 146; n = 104)

Notes: (1) Assumed that those which claimed “no preference on district” (for relocation or expansion) will remain in the same district; and

(2) Assumed that those which claimed “undecided on the no. of additional clinics” (for expansion) will open 1 clinic only;

Views on the Prospect of Operating Veterinary Clinics in Hong Kong

1.45 Of all vet clinics, only 7.1% said they were very optimistic / tended to be optimistic

about the prospect of operating vet clinics in Hong Kong. 73.0% were neutral on this issue.

Among the 19.9% which were very pessimistic / tended to be pessimistic, the key reasons

are “HK market is too small / too many vet clinics in HK” (37.5%), “keen competition among

vet clinics” (33.4%) and “higher and higher operating costs” (28.0%).

Pricing Information


- 15 -

Whether Pricing Information is Readily Accessible

1.46 The survey results showed that only 14.4% of the clinics posted the general price

list at prominent positions of the clinics. For the remaining majority (85.6%), pricing

information is not readily accessible for walk-in customers.

Ranges of Fees and Charges

1.47 For a general consultation on cats / dogs and a routine canine vaccination with

5-in-1 DHPPi/L vaccine, most of the clinics charged $200 - $299 (65.8% and 76.7%

respectively).

1.48 For routine de-sexing surgeries on cats / dogs, the survey revealed that there are

variations among different vet clinics. For cats, about 15% of the clinics charged below

$600, 32% charged $600 - $799, 25% charged $800 - $999, and 27% charged $1,000 or

above. The median price range was $800 - $899. For dogs, about 22% of the clinics

charged below $1,100, 23% charged $1,100 - $1,299, 23% charged $1,300 - $1,499, and

31% charged $1,500 or above. The median price range was $1,300 - $1,399.

1.49 For over-night hospitalization for an adult dog, about 10% of the clinics charged

below $300, 23% charged $300 - $399, 23% charged $400 - $499 and 21% charged $500

or above. Besides, about 23% of the clinics did not provide such service. Among those

which have such service, the median price range was $400 - $499.

KEY FINDINGS – VETERINARY SURGEONS

Number of Registered Veterinary Surgeons in Hong Kong

1.50 According to the statistical data from VSB, there were 823 registered vet surgeons

in Hong Kong in 2015, which was about a double as compared with 10 years ago (412 in

2006). In addition, there were 18 registered vet surgeons who were authorized by VSB to

advertise as, or profess to be, specialists in Hong Kong in 2015, which was increased by

360% as compared with 5 years ago (5 in 2011).

1.51 For the newly registered vet surgeons in the past 10 years, it was observed that

since 2009, the number of Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) / HKSAR passport holders and

non-HKID / HKSAR passport holders were very close. Among the newly registered vet

surgeons who were holding HKID / HKSAR passport in the past 10 years, it was observed

that there are more and more fresh / recent graduates who were registered in VSB within 3

Study on th

years of g

graduates

Chart 1.51a

Chart 1.51b

* Those who w

Profile of

1.52 T

as at 10 M

in Australi

of all regi

practicing

e Developme

graduation.

s are relativ

a: Number

past 10 y

b: Number

not fresh

were registered

the Regist

This surve

March 2016

ia (41.0%)

stered vet

, whilst ab

ent of the Ve

. On the o

vely stable

of newly reg

years

of newly reg

h / recent gra

in VSB within 3

tered Veter

ey covered

6. Among

, followed

ts were fre

bout 76% h

eterinary Prof

other hand

e.

gistered vet

gistered vet

aduates in t

3 years of grad

rinary Surg

840 veter

g them, rel

by Taiwan

esh / recen

have 5 yea

fession in Ho

- 16 -

d, the numb

t surgeons w

surgeons (w

the past 10 y

uation

geons

rinary surg

atively mo

(24.5%) a

nt graduate

ars of expe

ong Kong – F

bers of tho

with / withou

with HKID /

years

geons (vets

ore obtaine

nd UK and

es, with 2

erience or

Final Report

ose who we

(Re

ut HKID / HK

HKSAR pas

s) who wer

d their vete

d Ireland (1

years of e

more (28

ere not fres

ef.: Charts

KSAR passp

ssport) who

re register

erinary qua

17.0%). A

experience

.3% for 5

sh / recent

1.51a & b)

port in the

were / were

red in VSB

alifications

About 12%

or less in

– 9 years;

t

)

e

B

s

%

n

;

Study on th

47.5% for

1.53 7

in which

registered

Working S

1.54 8

Kong at t

individual

working f

education

laboratory

part-time j

Chart 1.54:

Base: All regis

1.55 A Note Some o

e Developme

r 10 years o

72.5% of t

93.8% ha

d vets, 67.9

Status

80.0% of t

the time o

private cli

full-time in

nal institut

y (0.3%).

jobs and 4

Types of

working

stered veterinar

Among the f the vets ha

ent of the Ve

or above).

he register

ve Hong

9% are Ho

the registe

of enumera

nics (60.5%

n the gov

ions (0.7%

In overa

4% were w

veterinary e

status at th

ry surgeons in H

e 80.9% o

ave more tha

eterinary Prof

red vets ha

Kong perm

ng Kong p

ered vets w

ation. Am

%) and/or

vernment

%), pharm

all, about

orking as l

establishme

e time of en

HK (N = 840; n

of the vets

n one job at

fession in Ho

- 17 -

ave been l

manent ide

permanent

were work

mong them

group / ch

(8.2%), a

maceutical

87% of th

locum at th

ents for whi

numeration

= 307) [Ref.: A

who work

the time of e

ong Kong – F

iving in Ho

entity card

residents.

ing in the

m, the majo

hain private

animal gro

/ pet foo

he vets ha

he time of e

ch they wer

1]

ked in indiv

enumeration.

Final Report

ong Kong f

d. In othe

veterinary

ority were

e clinics (1

oups / or

od compa

ave full-tim

enumeratio

re working a

vidual or g

.

for 7 years

er words,

y professio

working f

3.2%). S

rganization

anies (0.7%

me jobs,

onNote.

(Ref.: C

and the corr

group / cha

s or above,

among all

on in Hong

full-time in

Some were

ns (5.3%),

%) and/or

11% have

Chart 1.54)

responding

ain private

l

g

n

e

,

r

e

)

e


- 18 -

clinics, 31.3% claimed that they owned veterinary clinics in Hong Kong. Among those who

did not, only 7.1% said they considered to open their own clinic in the coming 3 years.

1.56 Of all vets who worked in the veterinary profession in Hong Kong, virtually all

provide services for cats (93.1%) and/or dogs (92.1%). For other types of animals,

relatively more vets provide services for rabbits (37.5%), followed by hamster and chinchilla

(30.9%), reptiles (e.g. turtles, snakes, lizards, etc.) (21.7%) and birds (20.1%).

Other Post-graduate / Specialists Qualification

1.57 Of all vets who worked in Hong Kong, apart from their basic veterinary

qualifications, 36.5% said they obtained other veterinary post-graduate / specialists

qualifications. In addition, 55.6% of the vets said they were very / quite likely to take other

veterinary post-graduate / specialists studies in the coming 3 years. Most of them were

interested in the area of small animal internal medicine (59.8%). It was followed by small

animal surgery (28.4%), acupuncture (23.7%), veterinary imaging (21.9%) and Chinese

veterinary medicine (20.7%).

Views on the Difficulties and Prospect of Veterinary Surgeons in Hong Kong

Difficulties Facing Practicing Veterinary Surgeons in Hong Kong

1.58 When asked about their perceived difficulties facing as vets in Hong Kong,

relatively more vets in Hong Kong (46.0%) claimed that one of the top 3 difficulties was that

there were “too many vet surgeons in HK, which leads to intense competitions”. It was

followed by “difficult customers / pet owners’ unrealistic expectations toward vet services”

(36.2%) and “decreasing / stagnated salary” (32.2%). Apart from these 3 aspects, many

vets mentioned that “long working hours” (27.7%), “stress from complaints and customers”

(27.3%) and “lack of qualified vet assistants” (27.0%) are their major difficulties.

Views on the Prospect of Working as Veterinary Surgeons in Hong Kong

1.59 Of all vets who worked in Hong Kong, 18.7% said they were very optimistic /

tended to be optimistic about the prospect of working as vet surgeons in Hong Kong, whilst

23.7% were very pessimistic / tended to be pessimistic. 57.6% were neutral on this issue.

Among those who were optimistic, relatively more mentioned that “pet owners are willing to

spend more / care about their pets more” (31.6%) and “pet numbers will be increased /

there is still demand for vets” (28.1%). It was noteworthy that among those who were

pessimistic, many of them claimed that “HK market is too small / too many vets in HK”

(34.7%).


- 19 -

Views on the Manpower Requirements for Vet Surgeons in Hong Kong in the Coming 3 Years

1.60 21.4% of the vets thought that the manpower requirements for vet surgeons in

Hong Kong will be increased, whereas a similar proportion (24.0%) thought that the

manpower requirements will be decreased. 31.2% considered that it will remain

unchanged.

Perceived Necessity of Setting Up an Accreditation / Classification Scheme for the Vet

Clinics in Hong Kong

1.61 38.5% of the vets considered very / quite necessary to set up an accreditation

scheme / classification scheme for the vet clinics in Hong Kong, while relatively few (11.2%)

considered the opposite. 50.4% were neutral on this issue. Among those who

considered necessary, relatively more mentioned the reasons “to set a benchmark of

service level / as a guideline for pet owners” (37.6%), “to ensure the quality / standard of vet

services” (19.7%) and “quality of vet services will be improved / uplifted” (15.4%).

Conversely, among those who considered unnecessary, many of them claimed that it is

“difficult to decide on grading / assessment” (14.7%) and “unfair to small clinics / small

clinics will be more difficult to survive” (14.7%), and some thought that “good clinic service

depends on good vets rather than the setting up of clinic” (11.8%).

Planned Length of Practicing in Hong Kong

1.62 Of all vets who worked in Hong Kong, 80.2% planned to practice in Hong Kong for

a long period of time, with 26.3% said they planned for 10 years or above and 54.0% said

they have no time frame.

KEY FINDINGS – VETERINARY STUDENTS

Profile of Hong Kong Veterinary Students in Overseas Universities

1.63 During the survey period from March to July 2016, among the 55 selected

overseas universities whose veterinary courses awards are recognized for registration as a

veterinary surgeon (vet) in Hong Kong, 15 said they have students from Hong Kong who

are studying veterinary courses in their universities. They indicated that in total there are

240 Hong Kong veterinary students in overseas universities.

1.64 Most of the students are studying in Australia (63.8%). It was followed by UK

(25.8%), Taiwan (5.0%), New Zealand (3.3%) and USA (2.1%).


- 20 -

1.65 Relatively more students were studying Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)

(44.8%) at the time of enumeration, followed by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

(20.2%) and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) (16.0%). Besides,

27.8% of the students were studying Year 1, while about 21% were studying in their final

stage (18.6% in Year 5 and 2.6% in Year 6).

1.66 71.4% of the students were females. 47.4% aged 21 – 25, 28.9% aged below 21

and 19.5% aged 26 – 29. Besides, 97.5% of the students have been living in Hong Kong

for 7 years or above, and are Hong Kong permanent residents.

Future Plans

Preferred Paths after Graduation

1.67 When asked about their preferred paths after graduation, 90.2% of the students

ranked “practicing – in clinics” as one of the top 3 preferred paths. It was followed

distantly by “practicing – in animal groups / organizations” (59.6%) and “further studies –

internship / residency” (51.7%). Apart from these 3 paths, many students mentioned that

they preferred “practicing – in government” (48.1%) and “further studies – Master / Ph.D.”

(21.7%) after graduation.

Intention of Coming Back to Hong Kong for Practicing within 3 Years after Graduation

1.68 58.7% of the students said they were very / quite likely to come back to Hong

Kong for practicing within 3 years after graduation. Such proportion was relatively higher

among those who were studying in Year 5 and 6 (68.2%; vs. below 59% in earlier stages of

study).

1.69 Among those who intended to practice in Hong Kong within 3 years after

graduation, 62.8% said they were very / quite likely to work in private sector, whereas

26.2% preferred working in the public sector.

(Ref.: Chart 1.68-69)

Study on th

Chart 1.68-

Base: All HK s

CONCLUSI

Overview

1.70 S

recent 5

industry

internation

veterinary

Views on

1.71 A

difficulties

expectatio

1.72 I

pessimisti

similar.

e Developme

-69: Intentio

students who w

ON

of the Indu

Statistics o

years, the

has slowe

nal third p

y services i

the Difficu

Among th

s were “inte

ons” (36.2%

It was no

ic (23.7%)

ent of the Ve

on of comin

ere studying ve

ustry

of the Cen

e growth

ed down

party rese

industry na

lties and P

e vet sur

ense comp

%) and “de

oted that t

) about the

eterinary Prof

g back to H

eterinary course

nsus and S

of establis

and was

earch supp

ational dem

Prospect of

rgeons wh

petitions” (4

ecreasing /

the propor

e prospect

fession in Ho

- 21 -

ong Kong f

es in overseas u

Statistics D

shments a

growing

plier also

mand and e

f Vet Surge

ho worked

46.0%), “d

/ stagnated

rtions of v

t of workin

ong Kong – F

or practicin

universities (N

Departmen

and person

in a rela

projected

employme

eons in Ho

d in Hong

ifficult cust

d salary” (3

vets who

ng as vet

Final Report

g within 3 y

= 240; n = 65) [

t (C&SD)

ns engage

atively mo

slow ove

nt.

ng Kong

g Kong, th

tomers / pe

32.2%).

were opti

surgeons

years after g

[Ref.: B2 & B3]

indicated

ed in the

oderate p

erall growt

he top 3

et owners’

imistic (18

in Hong K

graduation

that in the

veterinary

ace. An

ths of the

perceived

unrealistic

8.7%) and

Kong were

e

y

n

e

d

c

d

e


- 22 -

Views on the Difficulties and Prospect of Vet Clinics in Hong Kong

1.73 Among the private vet clinics, the majority ranked “high rent” (81.3%) as one of

the top 3 difficulties in operating vet clinics in Hong Kong. It was followed distantly by

“keen competition among vet clinics” (35.5%) and “lack of qualified supporting staff in HK”

(33.8%).

1.74 In fact, survey results showed that about 280 – 290 additional full-time positions

will be opened by vet clinics in the coming 12 months, with more than 60% (180) are vet

assistant positions. Such results showed that the industry required more new blood to

perform the supporting role.

1.75 Besides, only 7.1% of the vet clinics were optimistic about the prospect of

operating vet clinics in Hong Kong, whilst 19.9% were pessimistic. Among those which

were pessimistic, their major concerns were that “HK market is too small”, they faced “keen

competition among vet clinics” and “higher and higher operating costs”.

Pet Owners’ Experiences and Opinions of Vet Services in Hong Kong

1.76 71.4% of the pet owners have ever brought their pets to see vets, with 40.5%

visited vets in the past 12 months before enumeration. Such results revealed that bringing

pets to see vets for annual health check-up is not a common practice among pet owners.

1.77 Among the pet owners who have ever visited vets, they were generally contented

with the vet surgeons and vet services in Hong Kong. Yet, 27.1% claimed that they did not

take any action when encountering dissatisfactory vet services. The top 3 reasons were

“just decided not to visit that vet clinic / hospital again”, “not aware of the complaint

channels” and “don’t think that taking any action could help”. Such results showed that pet

owners may need more information about their rights and the complaint channels.

Price Level and Transparency of Veterinary Services in Hong Kong

1.78 45.2% of the vet services users considered that the fees and charges of

veterinary services in Hong Kong were reasonable. Yet, a similar proportion (47.5%)

considered the opposite.


- 23 -

1.79 General information of the fees and charges of vet clinics was investigated. It

was revealed that there are certain extent of variations among different vet clinics. The

table below summarized the results. Lowest price range Median price range Highest price range

A general consultation on cats / dogs (about 15 min. or less) $100 - $199 $200 - $299 $400 or above

A routine canine vaccination with 5-in-1 DHPPi/L vaccine (incl.

a basic health examination of dog) Below $200 $200 - $299 $400 or above

A routine de-sexing surgery on an average adult female CAT Below $500 $800 - $899 $1,000 or above

A routine de-sexing surgery on an average adult female DOG (10 – 20kg)

Below $1,000 $1,300 - $1,399 $1,500 or above

Over-night hospitalization for an adult dog (under 10kg) Below $200 $400 - $499 $500 or above

Base: All private veterinary clinics in HK (N = 146)

1.80 Moreover, when asked their perceived transparency of the fees and charges of

veterinary services in Hong Kong, it was observed that less than half of the pet owners

(45.8%) considered the price transparency adequate. On the other hand, 22.9%

considered inadequate. Among them, many claimed that the clinics should post the list of

basic fees and charges at the clinic.

1.81 However, the survey results showed that only 14.4% of the clinics posted the

general price list at prominent positions of the clinics. For the remaining majority (85.6%),

pricing information is not readily accessible for walk-in customers. The above findings

showed that pet owners may need more information on the fees and charges of veterinary

services.


- 24 -

2 BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

BACKGROUND

2.1 In the course of the consultation exercise on the proposed amendments to the

Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance (Chapter 529) in 2015, different stakeholders

including registered veterinary surgeons, members of the public and legislators had

expressed concerns about (i) the current manpower situation of the veterinary profession in

Hong Kong and (ii) whether the rates of fees charged by veterinary surgeons for their

services are fair and reasonable. In order to address these concerns, the Veterinary

Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), through the administrative support and assistance

from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), commissioned

Mercado Solutions Associates Ltd. (MSA) to conduct a study on the development of the

veterinary profession in Hong Kong.

2.2 This report documented the findings of the study.

OBJECTIVES

2.3 The objectives of this study are to obtain up-to-date information from the

concerned stakeholders in the veterinary industry on the following issues:

The future supply and demand of veterinary surgeons / services in Hong Kong,

which may influence the career prospects of registered veterinary surgeons;

and

The current services offered by the registered veterinary surgeons and the

views of consumers on veterinary services in Hong Kong.

2.4 Stemming from the aforementioned issues, the objectives of this study attempt to

collect and analyze critical information on the following areas:

To collect data on existing demographic profile and market structure of the

veterinary profession in Hong Kong;

To assess the existing and projected supply and demand of the veterinary

services for measuring the adequacy of current and future veterinary services

available in Hong Kong;

To collect and synthesize registered veterinary surgeons’ views on the current

status of development of the veterinary industry, e.g. career as well as

business prospect of the veterinary industry, challenges of operating


- 25 -

veterinary clinics in Hong Kong, different types of veterinary services

providing to customers on current market, etc.; and

To collect consumer’s views on various aspects relating to veterinary services,

e.g. pet owner’s perception and experience on veterinary services in Hong

Kong, areas of dissatisfaction and transparency of veterinary information such

as pricing, etc.


- 26 -

3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 SURVEY COVERAGE

3.1.1 In view of the survey objectives, information was collected from different groups of

stakeholders in the industry, namely:

Registered veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong;

Persons-in-charge / owners / managers of private veterinary clinics in Hong

Kong;

Hong Kong students who are studying veterinary courses in overseas

universities; and

Pet owners.

3.1.2 4 sets of bilingual questionnaires were designed to seek their views and attitudes

towards the industry. The questionnaires are appended in Appendices for reference.

3.2 SURVEY DESIGN & DATA COLLECTION

3.2.1 REGISTERED VETERINARY SURGEONS

3.2.1.1 Integrated electronic and mailed self-administered questionnaires were used to

conduct the survey. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all registered

veterinary surgeons (totaling 840 as at 10 March 2016, according to the veterinary surgeon

list from AFCD). Respondents could choose to return their completed questionnaires via

mail, fax, email or complete the online questionnaire. During 18 May to 30 June 2016,

visits and calls were made to the veterinary clinics for inviting the veterinary surgeons to

participate in the survey. Face-to-face and/or telephone interviews were conducted with

them where appropriate. A telephone enquiry hotline was also set up to handle enquiries

throughout the survey period.

3.2.1.2 Finally, a total of 307 veterinary surgeons were successfully enumerated. Data

from enumerated cases were grossed up (projected) according to the place of

correspondence address (i.e. in Hong Kong or outside Hong Kong) to represent the total

840 registered veterinary surgeons. The corresponding level of precision of the survey

result was ±4.5% at 95% confidence level.


- 27 -

3.2.2 PERSONS-IN-CHARGE / OWNERS / MANAGERS OF PRIVATE VETERINARY CLINICS

3.2.2.1 Integrated electronic and mailed self-administered questionnaires were used to

conduct the survey. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all private veterinary

clinics (totaling 160 as at 30 December 2015, according to the veterinary clinic list from

AFCD). Respondents could choose to return their completed questionnaires via mail, fax,

email or complete the online questionnaire. During 18 May to 30 June 2016, visits and

calls were made to the veterinary clinics for inviting the persons-in-charge / owners /

managers to participate in the survey. Face-to-face and/or telephone interviews were

conducted with them where appropriate. A telephone enquiry hotline was also set up to

handle enquiries throughout the survey period.

3.2.2.2 During the fieldwork period, 14 clinics were found to be closed down. Finally, a

total of 104 veterinary clinics were successfully enumerated. Data from enumerated

cases were grossed up (projected) according to the districts to represent the total 146

veterinary clinics. The corresponding level of precision of the survey result was ±5.2% at

95% confidence level.

3.2.2.3 For this target segment, information on fees and charges of some general

veterinary services were also collected, so as to find out the range of prices provided in the

current market and whether there is a wide range of variations among the veterinary clinics

or not. For those veterinary clinics which did not respond to the pricing information,

mystery shoppers were deployed to act as ordinary customers and visit the concerned

veterinary clinics for collecting the pricing information.

3.2.3 OVERSEAS VETERINARY STUDENTS FROM HONG KONG

3.2.3.1 In order to assess the potential supply of veterinary surgeons in the near future,

invitation emails (together with AFCD’s introductory letter and bilingual questionnaires)

were sent to the responsible persons of 55 selected overseas universities (as at 10 March

2015) whose veterinary courses awards are recognized for registration as a veterinary

surgeon in Hong Kong. The responsible persons (dean or other senior management level)

were asked whether there are students from Hong Kong who are studying veterinary

courses in their universities; and if yes, they were asked to indicate the number of the

concerned students and dispatch the questionnaires to the concerned students.

3.2.3.2 During the fieldwork period from 23 March to 7 July 2016, a total of 45 universities

responded to the survey, indicating that there are 240 Hong Kong students who are

studying veterinary courses in overseas universities.


- 28 -

3.2.3.3 Electronic self-administered questionnaires were used to conduct the survey.

Students could choose to return their completed questionnaires via fax, email or complete

the online questionnaire. Finally, a total of 65 completed questionnaires from the students

were received. Data from enumerated cases were grossed up (projected) according to

the place of universities to represent the total 240 overseas veterinary students from Hong

Kong. The corresponding level of precision of the survey result was ±10.5% at 95%

confidence level.

3.2.4 PET OWNERS

3.2.4.1 In order to assess the potential demand for veterinary services as well as the

consumers’ satisfaction towards the current veterinary service standards, a telephone

survey was conducted for which the objectives are:

Among non-pet owners, the intention of keeping a pet in the next 3 years and

the types of pet intended to keep; and

Among pet owners, whether have used veterinary services in the past 12

months and their attitudes and views towards the current veterinary services.

3.2.4.2 The survey was conducted by means of deploying the telephone interviewing

method. A random sample of residential telephone numbers was drawn systematically

from the telephone database maintained by MSA.

3.2.4.3 The telephone interviews were conducted during 5 May to 12 June 2016. A total

of 5 800 residential telephone numbers were attempted, in which 851 were found to be

invalid (including non-operating numbers, fax numbers, non-residential numbers, etc.).

After excluding the invalid cases, a total of 2 514 households were successfully enumerated

(in which 308 of them are pet owners), constituting a response rate of 50.8%. Data from

enumerated cases were grossed up (projected) according to the districts to represent the

total 2 368 400 households in Hong Kong (based on the population data of 2011 Census

issued by the Census & Statistics Department). The corresponding level of precision of

the survey result was ±2.0% at 95% confidence level.


- 29 -

3.3 POINTS TO NOTE

In this report, “N” denotes the weighted (projected) number of households (for

both non-pet owners and pet owners), veterinary surgeons, veterinary clinics

and veterinary students, whereas “n” denotes the actual sample sizes.

The weighted numbers of households were rounded to the nearest hundred,

while the weighted numbers of veterinary surgeons, veterinary clinics and

veterinary students were rounded to the nearest ten.

Some of descriptive percentages might not add up to 100% due to rounding of

figures.

Respondents might give multiple responses in a number of questions and

therefore the sum of individual responses (numbers / percentages) would

probably not add up to the total / subtotal.


- 30 -

4 SURVEY FINDINGS – OVERVIEW OF THE VETERINARY

INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG

4.1 HONG KONG VETERINARY ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS

4.1.1 Based on the statistics issued by the Census and Statistics Department, in the


industry has slowed down and was growing at a relatively moderate pace (i.e. 5-year

compound annual growth rates are smaller than 10-year compound annual growth rates).

4.1.2 From a 10-year growth perspective, the number of veterinary establishments has

been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%. However, there are indications

that the nearer term establishment growth trend has slowed down as indicated by its 5-year

compound annual growth rate at 4.6%, which was much lower than the 10-year compound

annual growth of 8.5%.

4.1.3 The same observation also appears in number of persons engaged, as its 5-year

compound annual growth rate is 4.8%, compared with 10-year compound annual growth of

6.6%.

(Ref.: Chart 4.1)

Chart 4.1: Hong Kong veterinary activities in the past 10 years

Source: Employment and Vacancy Statistics, Census and Statistics Department


- 31 -

4.1.4 An international third party research supplier, QuERI*, projected slow overall

growths of the veterinary services industry national demand (0.4% increase in total demand

revenue from 2016 to 2017) and employment (2.6% increase from 2016 to 2017) in 2016

and 2017.

4.1.5 Whilst the accuracy of the absolute forecasted numbers of the veterinary service

and employment cannot be determined instantaneously, it is worth to note that the

projected growth trend, in terms of percentage growth on both industry demand and

employment, do not support the hypothesis of a strong Hong Kong veterinary service

industrial growth.

Source: - *QuERI- (QuERI Global Forecast is a forecasting service provided by the company Emerging Markets Direct. Emerging

Markets Direct is headquartered in Boston, with further research and editorial bureaus in Istanbul, Sofia and Kuala Lumpur,

and with staff in 12 countries in Asia, the MENA region, and Europe. Their QuERI-International trade and industry

databases cover 72 countries and more than 400 industry (commodity) categories classified at the US NAICS 6 level of

detail.)

- Based on primary data sources from the United Nations (UNIDO, UN SNA, Comrades) as well as national source data,

QuERI models and databases extend the reach of these government datasets by adding additional information derived

from their proprietary methods.

Study on th

4.2 E

4.2.1 B

48) condu

100 and 4

was estim

enumerat

4.2.2 I

kept were

2015, to 6

Chart 4.2:

Notes: (1) The

wa

(2) The

e Developme

ESTIMATE

Based on t

ucted by th

415 100 d

mated that

ion, and ab

It was obse

e decreasi

6.9% betwe

Estimate

ematic Househ

as conducted by

e number of do

ent of the Ve

ED POPULA

the Thema

e Census

ogs and c

about 510

bout 545 6

erved that

ng, from 3

een 2016 a

ed number o

old Survey was

y means of tele

ogs and cats we

eterinary Prof

ATION OF

atic Househ

and Statist

cats were k

0 600 dogs

600 dogs a

the growth

39.7% bet

and 2019.

of dogs and

s conducted by

ephone interview

ere rounded to t

fession in Ho

- 32 -

PETS IN H

hold Surve

tics Depart

kept at the

s and cats

and cats wi

h rates on

tween 200

cats which

means of door

wing method.

the nearest hun

ong Kong – F

HONG KON

eys in 2005

tment, it w

e time of e

were kept

ll be kept i

the numbe

05 and 201

were kept i

r-to-door house

ndred.

Final Report

NG

5 and 2010

as estimat

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t in the pa

n the comi

er of dogs a

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n 2005, 2010

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0 (Report N

ted that ab

on. In this

st 12 mon

ing 3 years

and cats w

between

(Ref.:

0, 2016 and

ng method, whi

No. 26 and

out 297

s survey, it

ths before

s.

which were

2010 and

Chart 4.2)

2019

le this survey

d

7

t

e

e

d

)


- 33 -

4.3 NUMBER OF REGISTERED VETERINARY SURGEONS IN HONG KONG

4.3.1 According to the statistical data from VSB, there were 823 registered vet surgeons

in Hong Kong in 2015, which was about a double as compared with 10 years ago (412 in

2006). When using 5-year compound annual growth rate to estimate the number of

registered vet surgeons in the coming 3 years, there will be about 874 in 2016, 927 in 2017,

984 in 2018 and 1 044 in 2019 (between 2016 and 2019, the growth rate will be 19.5%). (Ref.: Table 4.3.1 & Chart 4.3.1)

Table 4.3.1: Number of registered vet surgeons in the past 10 years and estimated number of

registered vet surgeons in the coming 3 years

Actual no. (from VSB) Estimated no.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

(A) Total no. of

registered vets 412 447 491 532 565 611 662 695 746 823 ~874 ~927 ~984 ~1 044

Annual growth rate +14.1% +8.5% +9.8% +8.4% +6.2% +8.1% +8.3% +5.0% +7.3% +10.3% +6.1% (Note 1)

+6.1% (Note 1)

+6.1% (Note 1)

+6.1% (Note 1)

(B) No. of newly

registered vets (C+D) 62 54 57 53 48 71 68 57 71 104 66 66 66 66

(C) No. of vets

without HKID /

HKSAR passport

46

46

45

29

23

36

33

25

33

55

36 (Note 2)

36 (Note 2)

36 (Note 2)

36 (Note 2)

(D) No. of vets with

HKID / HKSAR

passport (E+F)

16 8 12 24 25 35 35 32 38 49 30 30 30 30

(E) No. of vets who

were fresh / recent

graduates

(registered in VSB

within 3 years after

graduation)

12

5

10

22

22

31

29

31

36

40

26 (Note 3)

26 (Note 3)

26 (Note 3)

26 (Note 3)

(F) No. of vets who

were NOT fresh /

recent graduates

4 3 2 2 3 4 6 1 2 9 4

(Note 4) 4

(Note 4) 4

(Note 4) 4

(Note 4)

(G) Net reduction 11 19 13 12 15 25 17 24 20 27 15

(Note 5) 13

(Note 5) 9

(Note 5) 6

(Note 5)

Notes: (1) 5-Year Compound Annual Growth Rate: 2011 – 2015: 6.1%.

(2) Average no. of newly registered vets without HKID / HKSAR passport between 2011 and 2015: 36

(3) In this survey, it was found that 102 vet students who were studying Year 2 – 6 said they are likely to come back to HK for

practicing within 3 years after graduation, i.e. about 26 in each year.

(4) Average no. of newly registered vets with HKID / HKSAR passport who were NOT fresh / recent graduates between 2011

and 2015: 4

(5) Total no. of registered vets (A) in the previous year + No. of newly registered vets (B) in the present year – Total no. of

registered vets (A) in the present year (i.e. in the year 2016: 823 + 66 – 874; in the year 2017: 874 + 66 – 927; in the

year 2018: 927 + 66 – 984; in the year 2019: 984 + 66 – 1044).

Chart 4.3.1: Number of registered vet surgeons in the past 10 years and estimated number of

Study on th

4.3.2 A

who were

which wa

5-year co

years, the

Table 4.3.2

(A) Total no. o

Annual growth

5-Year Compo

e Developme

registere

According

e authorize

s increase

mpound a

ere will be a

: Number

specialis

f registered spe

h rate

ound Annual Gr

ent of the Ve

ed vet surge

to the stat

ed to adve

ed by 360%

nnual grow

about 23 in

of specialis

sts in the co

ecialists

rowth Rate: 201

eterinary Prof

eons in the c

tistical data

rtise as, o

% as comp

wth rate to

n 2016, 30

sts registere

oming 3 year

11 – 2015

fession in Ho

- 34 -

coming 3 ye

a from VSB

r profess t

pared with

estimate t

0 in 2017, 3

ed in VSB i

rs

Ac

2011 20

5

+40

ong Kong – F

ears

B, there we

to be, spec

h 5 years a

the numbe

39 in 2018

(R

n the past

ctual no. (from

012 2013 2

7 8

0.0% +14.3% +1

29.2%

Final Report

ere 18 reg

cialists in H

ago (5 in 2

r of specia

and 50 in

Ref.: Table

5 years and

VSB)

2014 2015

9 18

12.5% +100%

+

istered vet

Hong Kon

2011). W

alists in the

2019.

e 4.3.2 & C

d estimated

Estimat

2016 2017

~23 ~30

+29.2%+29.2%

t surgeons

g in 2015,

When using

e coming 3

Chart 4.3.2)

d number of

ted no.

2018 2019

~39 ~50

+29.2% +29.2%

s

g

3

)

f

%

Study on th

Chart 4.3.2

e Developme

: Number

specialis

ent of the Ve

of specialis

sts in the co

eterinary Prof

ts registere

oming 3 year

fession in Ho

- 35 -

ed in VSB in

rs

ong Kong – F

the past 5 y

Final Report

years and esstimated nuumber of

Study on th

4.4 V

4.4.1 O

compare

developed

4.4.2 A

Animals i

1 : 2 543

vet-to-pet

observed

addition, i

1 : 735 in

Chart 4.4:

Note: The num

Source: Figure

2008”

who pr

Note A smalle

e Developme

VET-TO-P

One comm

Hong Ko

d countries

According

in 2008, t

3 in Singap

ratios in H

that Hong

it was note

2010, 1 : 6

Vet-to-pe

dogs and

mber of dogs an

res of Singapor

issued by Wor

rovide services

er ratio mean

ent of the Ve

ET RATIO

mon indicat

ng’s veter

sNote.

to a summ

he vet-to-

pore, 1 : 2

Hong Kong

Kong’s ra

ed that Hon

620 in 201

et ratio in Ho

d cats which

nd cats were ro

re, UK and USA

rld Society for th

s for small anim

ns there are

eterinary Prof

IN HONG

tor to acce

rinarian-to-

mary of re

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2 374 in U

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atio is much

ng Kong’s

5 – 2016 t

ong Kong (t

h were kept)

unded to the ne

A are from “Glo

he Protection o

al (dog / cat) ca

more vets av

fession in Ho

- 36 -

KONG

ess the ove

-pet ratio

port issue

of other

UK and 1 :

years (1 :

h lower tha

vet-to-pet

to 1 : 523 i

the number

)

earest hundred

obal Companio

of Animals, rega

are within the c

vailable for a

ong Kong – F

erall situat

(mainly c

d by World

comparab

3 072 in

823 in 20

an those o

ratio is like

n 2019).

of registere

.

on Animal Own

arding the num

ountry.

a number of c

Final Report

tion of vete

cats and d

d Society f

le develop

USA. As

05 and 1 :

f Singapor

ely to be fu

ed vet surge

ership and Tra

mber of small an

cats and dog

erinary ser

dogs) with

for the Pro

ped count

s compare

735 in 20

re, UK and

urther decl

(Ref.:

eons to the n

ade: Project Su

nimal or mixed

gs.

rvices is to

h selected

otection of

ries were:

d with the

10), it was

d USA. In

ined (from

Chart 4.4)

number of

ummary, June

vet surgeons

o

d

f

:

e

s

n

m

)

Study on th

5 S

5.1 E

5.1.1 I

5.1.1.1 B

Census a

Hong Ko

415 100 d

5.1.1.2 I

kept pets

only, and

about 289

5.1.1.3 O

which was

Chart 5.1.1

Base: All hous

e Developme

SURVEY

ESTIMATIO

INCIDENCE

Based on

nd Statisti

ng (i.e. a

dogs and c

In this surv

(any spec

12.2% ke

9 100 hous

Of all hou

s increased

a: Whether

whether

seholds (N = 2 3

ent of the Ve

Y FINDIN

ON OF POT

AND INTENT

the Them

cs Departm

bout 249

cats) at the

vey, of all 2

cies) in the

ept other p

seholds).

useholds, 1

d by 3.2%

the househ

those which

368 400; n = 2

eterinary Prof

NGS – P

TENTIAL V

TION OF KE

matic Hous

ment, it wa

400 hous

time of en

2 368 400 h

e past 12 m

pets (excep

10.9% kep

as compa

holds kept p

h did not ke

514) [Ref.: Q1,

fession in Ho

- 37 -

PET OW

VETERINAR

EEPING PET

sehold Sur

as estimate

seholds) w

numeration

household

months be

pt fishes)

pt dogs an

ared with a

pets in the p

eep pets inte

Q2, Q3 & Q4a

ong Kong – F

WNERS

RY SERVIC

S

rvey (Repo

ed that abo

were keep

n (Oct – De

s in Hong

efore enum

(i.e. poten

nd/or cats

bout 249 4

ast 12 mont

ended to do

a]

Final Report

CES USER

ort No. 48

out 10.6%

ping dogs

ec 2010).

Kong, 14.8

meration, w

ntial veterin

(about 25

400 househ

ths before e

so in the co

RS

8) conduct

of all hou

and/or ca

8% claimed

with 2.6% k

nary servic

57 500 ho

holds in 20

(Ref.: Ch

enumeration

oming 3 yea

ted by the

seholds in

ats (about

d that they

kept fishes

ces users;

useholds),

010.

art 5.1.1a)

n, and

ars

e

n

t

y

s

;

,

)

Study on th

5.1.1.4 B

said that t

only, and

5.1.1.5 W

those whi

household

coming 3

5.1.1.6 I

cats in the

500 in the

Chart 5.1.1

Notes: (1) The

wa

(2) The

e Developme

Besides, 1

they were

some wou

When agg

ich will ke

ds will kee

years.

In addition

e coming 3

e past 12 m

b: Estimate

ematic Househ

as conducted by

e number of ho

ent of the Ve

.1% of all

likely to do

uld keep ot

gregating t

eep pets in

ep pets (ex

, it was es

3 years, wh

months.

ed number o

old Survey was

y means of tele

ouseholds were

eterinary Prof

household

o so in the

her pets.

he househ

n the comi

xcept fishe

timated tha

hich will be

of household

s conducted by

ephone interview

rounded to the

fession in Ho

- 38 -

ds which di

coming 3 y

holds whic

ing 3 year

es) (i.e. po

at about 28

increased

ds which ke

means of door

wing method.

e nearest hundr

ong Kong – F

d not keep

years. So

ch kept pe

rs, it was

otential vet

81 000 hou

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ept dogs and

r-to-door house

red.

Final Report

p any pet in

ome of the

ts in the p

estimated

terinary se

useholds w

as compare

d/or cats in

hold interviewin

n the past

m would k

past 12 m

that abou

ervices use

will keep do

ed with ab

(Ref.: Cha

2010, 2016

ng method, whi

12 months

keep fishes

onths and

ut 311 100

ers) in the

ogs and/or

out 257

art 5.1.1b)

and 2019

le this survey

s

s

d

0

e

r

7

)

Study on th

5.1.1.7 O

months, m

30.8% in

Table 5.1.1

HK Island

Kowloon East

Kowloon Wes

NT East

NT West

Base: All hous

Notes: (1) HK

Ko

Ko

NT

NT

(2) Th

5.1.1.8 M

of the hou

they had 1

Chart 5.1.1

Base: All hous

e Developme

Of the abo

most of the

N.T. West.

: Number

enumera

t

st

seholds which k

K Island incl. Ce

owloon East inc

owloon West inc

T East incl. Nort

T West incl. Kw

he number of ho

Most of the

useholds w

10 years o

c: Years of

seholds which k

ent of the Ve

out 289 10

em were liv

of househo

ation – by di

kept pets (excep

entral & Wester

cl. Wong Tai Sin

cl. Yau Tsim Mo

th, Tai Po, Sha

wai Tsing, Tsuen

ouseholds were

ese pet ow

which kept

or more of e

experience

kept pets (excep

eterinary Prof

0 househo

ving in the

lds which k

stricts

pt fishes) in the

rn, Wan Chai, E

n, Kwun Tong

ong, Sham Shu

Tin, Sai Kung

Wan, Tuen Mu

e rounded to the

wners were

pets (exce

experience

in keeping

pt fishes) in the

fession in Ho

- 39 -

olds which

New Territ

kept pets (ex

e past 12 month

Eastern, Southe

ui Po, Kowloon C

un, Yuen Long,

e nearest hund

e experien

ept fishes)

e in keepin

pets

e past 12 month

ong Kong – F

kept pets

tories (N.T

xcept fishes

hs before enum

ern

City

Islands

red.

ced in kee

in the pas

ng pets.

hs before enum

Final Report

(except fi

T.), with 30.

) in the past

No.

35 300

39 500

36 700

88 500

89 200

eration (N = 28

eping pets.

st 12 mont

eration (N = 28

shes) in th

.6% in N.T

(Ref.: Ta

t 12 months

89 100; n = 308

. Nearly t

ths (57.9%

(Ref.: Ch

89 100; n = 308

he past 12

T. East and

Table 5.1.1)

s before

(%)

12.2

13.7

12.7

30.6

30.8

) [Ref.: X3]

three-fifths

%) said that

hart 5.1.1c)

) [Ref.: Q5]

2

d

)

s

t

)

Study on th

5.1.2 E

5.1.2.1 I

in the pas

dogs and

about 415

-

-

- 5.1.2.2 A

coming 3

kept in the

coming 3

About 545

about 510

Chart 5.1.2

Base: All house

all house

Note: The num

e Developme

ESTIMATED

It was estim

st 12 mont

213 100

5 100 dogs

- about 95

- about 45

- about 29

Assumed

years wou

e coming 3

years (wh

5 600 will

0 600 in the

a: Estimate

and estim

eholds which ke

eholds which in

mber of pets we

ent of the Ve

D POPULATIO

mated that

hs before

cats respe

s and cats

5 900 rept

5 800 birds

9 400 othe

that each

uld keep 1

3 years. I

hich will b

be dogs a

e past 12 m

ed number o

mated total

ept pets (excep

ntended to keep

ere rounded to t

eterinary Prof

ON OF PETS

t about 681

enumerati

ectively), w

in 2010.

iles (e.g. tu

s; and

er pets (e.g

of the ho

pet only, a

In total, ab

e increase

and cats, w

months.

of pets whic

number of p

pt fishes) in the

p pets (except fi

the nearest hun

fession in Ho

- 40 -

S

1 600 pets

on. Abou

which was

Other pets

urtles, sna

g. hamster,

ouseholds

about 45 3

bout 726 90

ed by 6.6%

which will b

h were kept

pets which w

past 12 month

ishes) in the co

ndred.

ong Kong – F

s (except fi

ut 510 600

increased

s included:

kes, etc.);

, chinchilla

which we

300 additio

00 pets (ex

%, vs. 681

be increas

t in the past

will be kept

s before enume

oming 3 years (N

Final Report

shes) were

were dog

d by 23.0%

, rabbits, e

ere likely t

nal pets (e

xcept fishe

600 in th

ed by 6.9%

(Ref

12 months

in the comi

eration, and

N = 311 100; n

e kept in H

gs and cats

% as comp

etc.)

to keep p

except fish

es) will be

he past 12

% as comp

f.: Charts 5

before enu

ng 3 years

= 332) [Ref.: Q

Hong Kong

s (297 500

pared with

pets in the

es) will be

kept in the

2 months).

pared with

5.1.2a & b)

meration,

Q3, Q4a & c]

g

0

h

e

e

e

.

h

)

Study on th

Chart 5.1.2

Notes: (1) The

wa

(2) The

5.1.2.3 S

with 28.3%

Table 5.1.2

HK Island

Kowloon East

Kowloon Wes

NT East

NT West

Base: All hous

Notes: (1) HK

Ko

Ko

NT

NT

(2) Th

e Developme

b: Estima

ematic Househ

as conducted by

e number of do

Similar to t

% in N.T. E

: Number

which we

t

st

seholds which k

K Island incl. Ce

owloon East inc

owloon West inc

T East incl. Nort

T West incl. Kw

he number of ho

ent of the Ve

ated numbe

old Survey was

y means of tele

ogs and cats we

the pet ow

East and 38

of househo

ere kept in t

kept pets (excep

entral & Wester

cl. Wong Tai Sin

cl. Yau Tsim Mo

th, Tai Po, Sha

wai Tsing, Tsuen

ouseholds and

eterinary Prof

er of dogs an

s conducted by

ephone interview

ere rounded to t

ners, most

8.3% in N.

lds which k

the past 12 m

H

No.

35 300

39 500

36 700

88 500

89 200

pt fishes) in the

rn, Wan Chai, E

n, Kwun Tong

ong, Sham Shu

Tin, Sai Kung

Wan, Tuen Mu

pets were roun

fession in Ho

- 41 -

nd cats whi

means of door

wing method.

the nearest hun

t of the pet

T. West.

kept pets (ex

months befo

ouseholds

(

1

1

1

3

3

e past 12 month

Eastern, Southe

ui Po, Kowloon C

un, Yuen Long,

nded to the near

ong Kong – F

ch were kep

r-to-door house

ndred.

ts were ke

xcept fishes

ore enumera

(%)

2.2

3.7

2.7

30.6

30.8

hs before enum

ern

City

Islands

rest hundred.

Final Report

pt in 2005, 2

hold interviewin

pt in the N

) and estima

ation – by d

No.

67 200

76 200

84 000

192 900

261 400

eration (N = 28

2010, 2016 a

ng method, whi

New Territo

(Ref.: Ta

ated numbe

districts

Pets

89 100; n = 308

nd 2019

le this survey

ries (N.T.),

Table 5.1.2)

er of pets

(%)

9.9

11.2

12.3

28.3

38.3

) [Ref.: X3]

,

)

Study on th

5.2 EV

5.2.1 U

5.2.1.1 O

said they

vets in the

5.2.1.2 O

vets. Am

claimed th

Chart 5.2.1

Base: All hous

(N = 289

e Developme

EXPERIEN

VETERINA

USAGE RAT

Of the hou

have ever

e past 12 m

On the oth

mong them

hat “it was j

: Whether

not bring

seholds which k

9 100; n = 308)

ent of the Ve

NCES OF UARY SERVI

TE OF VETE

useholds w

brought th

months.

her hand, 2

m, the majo

just a mino

the pet own

ging pets to

kept pets (excep

[Ref.: Q6a & b]

eterinary Prof

USING VET

ICES IN HO

ERINARY SE

which kept

heir pets to

28.6% of th

ority said “

or problem

ners brough

see vets

pt fishes) in the

]

fession in Ho

- 42 -

TERINARY

ONG KONG

ERVICES

pets (exce

o see veter

he pet own

“my pet ha

for my pet

ht pets to se

e past 12 month

ong Kong – F

SERVICES

G

ept fishes)

rinary surg

ners have n

as no sick

t, it should

ee veterinary

hs before enum

Final Report

S AND OPI

in the pas

eons (vets

never brou

kness befo

be fine in a

y surgeons

eration

INIONS TO

st 12 mont

s), with 40.

ught their p

ore” (87.1%

a few days

(Ref.: C

(vets), and

OWARDS

ths, 71.4%

5% visited

pets to see

%). Some

s” (10.1%).

Chart 5.2.1)

reasons of

%

d

e

e

.

)

Study on th

5.2.2 T

5.2.2.1 O

the types

of them (

follow-up

surgery (1

5.2.2.2 A

clinic / h

(97.4%).

5.2.2.3 A

their pets

and ortho

5.2.2.4 A

the veterin

Chart 5.2.2

Base: All hous

e Developme

TYPES OF V

Of the hou

of veterina

(86.8%) sa

consultati

18.9%).

Among tho

ospital (97

Among tho

receiving

pedic surg

Among the

nary clinic

: Types of

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

VETERINARY

useholds w

ary service

aid that th

ion). It w

ose pet ow

7.7%) and

ose who br

de-sexing

gery (11.8%

e 6.3% who

/ hospital p

veterinary s

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

Y SERVICES

which have

s which we

ey sought

was follow

wners who

d used the

rought pets

surgery, fo

%).

o used the

provided 2

services wh

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 43 -

S WHICH WE

e ever brou

ere used in

t general c

wed by va

sought co

e veterina

s to see ve

followed by

e hospitaliz

24 hours at

hich were us

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

ERE USED

ught pets t

n the last ti

consultatio

accination

onsultation

ary service

ets for surg

y teeth clea

zation serv

ttending sta

sed in the la

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

o see vets

me of seei

on (e.g. he

/ microch

n, virtually

es in norm

gery, most o

aning / den

vices, the m

aff for takin

ast time of s

Ref.: Q7a – e]

s, when as

ing vets, th

ealth exam

ipping (31

all visited

mal operat

of them (7

ntal surger

majority (81

ng care of

(Ref.: C

seeing vets

sked about

he majority

minations /

1.3%) and

veterinary

ting hours

5.8%) had

ry (13.3%)

1.7%) said

their pets.

Chart 5.2.2)

t

y

/

d

y

s

d

)

d

)

Study on th

5.2.3 S

5.2.3.1 O

median ra

$3,000.

5.2.3.2 U

household

5.2.3.3 A

services u

see vets

aggregate

126 000 h

Chart 5.2.3

Base: All hous

e Developme

SPENDING O

Of the hou

ange of sp

Using the m

ds which b

As mentio

users in th

at least o

ed total yea

households

: Spending

seholds which b

ent of the Ve

ON VETERIN

useholds w

pending on

mid-point o

brought pet

oned in se

he coming

once in the

arly spend

s.

g on veterin

brought pets to

eterinary Prof

NARY SERV

which brou

n veterinary

of each ran

ts to see ve

ection 5.1.

3 years.

e past yea

ing on vete

nary service

see vets in the

fession in Ho

- 44 -

VICES IN LAS

ught pets

y services

nge to calc

ets in the p

.1, there a

Assumed

ar (with re

erinary ser

s in last yea

past 12 month

ong Kong – F

ST YEAR

to see vet

in the las

culate the a

past 12 mo

are about

that 40.5%

ference to

rvices is ab

ar

s (N = 117 200

Final Report

ts in the p

t year was

aggregated

onths, it is a

311 100

% of them

o section 5

bout $0.52

; n = 125) [Ref.

past 12 m

s $2,000 –

d total spen

about $0.4

potential

would bri

5.2.1), the

2 billion am

(Ref.: C

.: Q9]

onths, the

– less than

nding of all

48 billion.

veterinary

ng pets to

projected

mong about

Chart 5.2.3)

e

n

l

y

o

d

t

)

Study on th

5.2.4 O

Whether p

5.2.4.1 O

that the fe

Yet, a sim

(63.8%) t

followed b

Chart 5.2.4

Base: All hous

e Developme

OPINIONS T

pet owners

Of the hou

ees and ch

milar propo

hought tha

by medicin

4a: Whether

Kong rea

consider

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

TOWARDS TH

s considere

useholds w

arges of ve

ortion (47.5

at the cons

e (36.3%)

pet owners

asonable, an

red unreaso

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

HE FEES AN

ed the fees

which have

eterinary s

5%) consid

sultation fe

and surge

s considered

nd the types

onable

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 45 -

ND CHARGE

s and char

e ever brou

services in

dered the o

ee of gene

ery (30.1%)

d the fees an

s of services

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

ES OF VETE

ges of vete

ught pets t

Hong Kong

opposite.

eral vets w

).

nd charges

s for which

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

RINARY SER

erinary ser

to see vets

g were ver

Among th

was very /

of veterinar

the fees and

Ref.: Q10a & b]

RVICES

rvices reas

s, 45.2% c

ry / quite re

hem, relat

quite unre

(Ref.: Ch

ry services

d charges w

sonable

considered

easonable.

ively more

easonable,

art 5.2.4a)

in Hong

was

d

.

e

)

Study on th

Whether t

required m

before ser

5.2.4.2 I

surgery or

pet owner

about the

7.3% claim

5.2.4.3 W

owners co

/ quite cle

respective

Chart 5.2.4

Base: All hous

e Developme

the vets / c

medical ex

rvice, and

If they we

r other kind

rs said eith

e reason o

med that n

When furt

onsidered t

ear, where

ely).

4b: Whether

treatmen

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

clinic staff

xamination

availability

ere told tha

ds of treatm

her the vet

f conducti

no explanat

her asked

that the ex

eas only s

vets / clinic

nts before do

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

have clear

/ treatme

y of receipt

at certain

ment) was

t (55.3%) o

ng those e

tion was gi

d about th

xplanation o

small propo

c staff expla

oing so, and

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 46 -

rly commu

ent and not

ts and brea

examinati

s required f

or other cli

examinatio

iven.

e clarity o

of vet (96.

ortions co

ained the rea

d whether th

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

nicated wi

tified the a

akdown ite

on / treatm

for their pe

nic staff (1

ons / treatm

of explana

1%) or oth

onsidered t

ason of con

heir explana

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

th pet own

approximat

ems on rec

ment (e.g.

ets, nearly t

9.1%) hav

ments befo

ation, the v

er clinic sta

the oppos

ducting cert

ation clear o

Ref.: Q11a – c]

ners about

te fees an

ceipts

. lab tests

three-quar

ve explaine

ore doing

vast majo

aff (95.1%

ite (1.6%

(Ref.: Ch

rtain examin

or not

their pets’

nd charges

, imaging,

rters of the

ed to them

so. Only

rity of pet

) was very

and 4.9%

art 5.2.4b)

nations or

’

s

e

m

y

t

y

%

)

Study on th

5.2.4.4 A

treatment

said that

service, w

the servic

Chart 5.2.4

Base: All hous

e Developme

Among th

was requ

the vet /

whilst 22.7%

ces.

4c: If their pe

explained

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

e pet own

uired for th

clinic staff

% said they

ets required

d the appro

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

ners who

heir pets (n

f have exp

y were not

d certain exa

ximate fees

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 47 -

have eve

no matter

plained the

t notified a

aminations

s & charges

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

er been to

whether e

e approxim

bout the fe

or treatmen

before doin

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

old that ce

explanation

mate fees

ees and ch

ts, whether

ng so

Ref.: Q11a & d]

ertain exa

n was give

and charg

harges befo

(Ref.: Ch

r vets / clinic

mination /

en), 77.3%

ges before

ore having

hart 5.2.4c)

c staff

/

%

e

g

)

Study on th

5.2.4.5 M

examinati

given and

was issue

that break

the receip

Chart 5.2.4

Base: All hous

e Developme

Moreover,

on / treatm

d whether t

ed to them

kdown item

pt.

4d: If their pe

after pay

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

among t

ment was

they were

after payin

ms of the fe

ets required

yment and a

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

the pet o

required f

notified ab

ng the requ

ees and ch

d certain exa

vailability o

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 48 -

owners wh

for their pe

bout the fee

uired fees

harges for

aminations

of breakdow

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

ho have

ets (no ma

es and cha

and charg

examinati

or treatmen

n items on t

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

ever bee

atter wheth

arges), 94.

es. Amon

on / treatm

ts, whether

the receipts

Ref.: Q11a, e &

n told th

her explan

.4% said th

ng them, 8

ment were

(Ref.: Ch

r receipt was

s

f]

at certain

nation was

hat receipt

88.8% said

shown on

art 5.2.4d)

s issued

n

s

t

d

n

)

Study on th

Whether p

5.2.4.6 O

their perc

(e.g. exce

on the fee

were infor

5.2.4.7 I

transpare

average.

5.2.4.8 A

relatively

(67.4%) w

Besides,

clinics sho

websites (

Chart 5.2.4

Base: All hous

e Developme

pet owners

Of the hou

eived tran

ept in an e

es and cha

rmed when

It was obse

ncy very /

Among tho

more thou

was inade

when aske

ould post

(33.7%).

4e: Whether

Kong tra

consider

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

s considere

useholds w

sparency o

mergency

arges befo

n there is a

erved that

/ quite ade

ose who c

ught that

equate, fol

ed to sugg

the list of

pet owners

ansparent en

red inadequ

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

ed the fees

which have

of the fees

situation,

ore conduc

additional t

less than h

equate, wh

considered

the price

llowed by

gest ways

basic fees

s considered

nough, the t

ate, and sug

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 49 -

s and char

e ever bro

s and char

whether th

cting the e

treatment /

half of the

hile 22.9%

d the price

transparen

hospitaliz

for improv

s and char

d the fees an

types of serv

ggestions fo

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

ges of vet

ought pets

rges of vet

he vet / cli

examinatio

/ testing).

pet owner

considere

e transpare

ncy of con

zation (37.

vement, m

rges at the

nd charges

vices for wh

or making th

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

services tr

to see ve

erinary ser

nic staff ga

n / treatme

s (45.8%)

ed the opp

ency very

nsultation

7%) and

many of the

e clinic (78

of veterinar

hich the pric

he price mo

Ref.: Q12a – c]

ransparent

ets, they w

rvices in H

ave the ge

ent, or wh

considered

posite. 26

/ quite in

fee of ge

medicines

em claime

8.5%) and/

(Ref.: Ch

ry services

ce transpare

ore transpare

t enough

were asked

Hong Kong

eneral idea

ether they

d the price

6.8% rated

nadequate,

neral vets

s (36.3%).

ed that the

/or in their

art 5.2.4e)

in Hong

ency was

ent

d

g

a

y

e

d

s

.

e

r

)

Study on th

5.2.5 S

Satisfactio

5.2.5.1 B

majority o

profession

lower on o

vets (59.8

and value

5.2.5.2 N

dissatisfie

Chart 5.2.5

Base: All hous

e Developme

SATISFACTI

on towards

Based on t

of pet owne

nal knowle

other aspe

8%), wheth

e for money

Neverthele

ed with thes

5a: Satisfact

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

ION OF VET

s veterinary

their exper

ers were ve

dge (77.3%

ects, includ

her proactiv

y of the ov

ess, only

se aspects

tion towards

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

TERINARY S

y surgeons

rience from

ery / quite s

%) of vets.

ding wheth

ve suggest

erall servic

small pro

s (about 1%

s veterinary

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 50 -

ERVICES IN

s

m the last t

satisfied w

Relative

her alterna

tions were

ce quality o

oportions

% - 7%).

y surgeons

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

HONG KON

time they s

with the attit

ely speakin

tive treatm

made on t

of the vets

of the pe

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

NG

sought vete

tude and c

g, their sat

ment advice

taking care

(61.9%).

et owners

Ref.: Q8a – e]

erinary atte

courtesy (8

tisfaction le

e was offe

e of the pe

were ve

(Ref.: Ch

ention, the

6.4%) and

evels were

red by the

ts (61.9%)

ry / quite

art 5.2.5a)

e

d

e

e

)

e

)

Study on th

Experienc

5.2.5.3 A

more than

were relat

improve” (

treatment

knowledg

Chart 5.2.5

Base: All hous

e Developme

ce of consu

About thre

n one vets

ted to the

(58.0%), “t

were too

e” (2.7%).

5b: Whether

their pets

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

ulting multi

ee-tenths o

for the sam

vet / clinic

the fees an

o expensiv

pet owners

s, and the re

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

iple vets fo

of the pet o

me problem

c. They s

nd charges

ve” (20.5%

s have ever c

easons of d

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 51 -

or the same

owners (29

m of their p

said it was

s of the first

%) and “dis

consulted m

oing so

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

e problem

9.4%) said

pets. Am

because “

t vet / clinic

ssatisfactio

more than on

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

of pets

that they

ong them,

“the proble

c for the re

on with th

ne vet for th

Ref.: Q13a & b]

have ever

most of th

em of my p

equired exa

e vet’s pr

(Ref.: Ch

he same pro

consulted

he reasons

pet did not

amination /

rofessional

art 5.2.5b)

oblem of

d

s

t

/

l

)

Study on th

Overall sa

5.2.5.4 I

owners (5

Converse

because o

Chart 5.2.5

Base: All hous

e Developme

atisfaction

In overall o

55.4%) we

ely, only a

of the unre

5c: Overall s

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

of veterina

of the vario

ere very /

few (4.8%

easonable f

satisfaction

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

ary service

ous aspect

quite sati

%) were ve

fees and c

of veterinar

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 52 -

s in Hong

ts of their v

sfied with

ery / quite

charges (80

ry services i

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

Kong

veterinary

the veter

dissatisfie

0.6%).

in Hong Kon

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

visit, more

inary serv

d. Many

ng

Ref.: Q14a & b]

e than half

vices in Ho

of them s

(Ref.: Ch

f of the pet

ong Kong.

said it was

hart 5.2.5c)

t

.

s

)

Study on th

Reaction t

5.2.5.5 M

dissatisfac

such situa

because t

aware of t

(28.6%).

5.2.5.6 O

have repo

their expe

Chart 5.2.5

Base: All hous

e Developme

towards di

Most of t

ctory veter

ation, relat

they just d

the compla

On the oth

orted to the

erience in f

5d: Reaction

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

issatisfacto

the pet ow

rinary serv

ively more

ecided not

aint channe

her hand, f

e vet clinic

forum / soc

n towards di

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

ory veterina

wners (64

vices. Ho

e (27.1%) d

t to visit tha

els (30.3%

for the 8.2%

c / hospital

cial networ

ssatisfactor

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 53 -

ary service

4.7%) clai

owever, for

did not tak

at vet clini

) and they

% who hav

(and unde

rk on the in

ry veterinar

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

es

med that

r the other

ke any actio

c / hospita

did not thi

ve taken a

ergo media

nternet (30

ry services

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

they hav

s who hav

on. Many

al again (33

nk taking a

action, man

ation) (66.

.7%).

Ref.: Q15a & b]

ve not en

ve ever en

y of them s

3.2%), they

any action

ny of them

5%). Som

(Ref.: Ch

ncountered

ncountered

said it was

y were not

could help

m said they

me shared

art 5.2.5d)

d

d

s

t

p

y

d

)

Study on th

5.3 P

5.3.1 O

(49.7%) c

contrary, a

that the n

specialize

Chart 5.3:

Base: All hous

e Developme

PERCEIVE

Of the pet

considered

about one-

number of

ed in exotic

Perceive

were con

seholds which h

ent of the Ve

ED SUFFIC

owners w

d the num

-quarter (2

general v

c animals (

ed sufficienc

nsidered ins

have ever broug

eterinary Prof

CIENCY OF

who have e

ber of vet

5.2%) con

vets (70.3%

29.9%) an

cy of veterin

sufficient

ght pets to see

fession in Ho

- 54 -

VETERINA

experience

ts in Hong

sidered the

%) was ins

nd internal

nary surgeo

vets (N = 206 4

ong Kong – F

ARY SURG

e in using v

g Kong ve

e opposite

sufficient,

medicine (

ns in Hong

400; n = 220) [R

Final Report

GEONS IN H

veterinary

ery / quite

. Among

followed b

(22.6%).

Kong, and t

Ref.: Q16a & b]

HONG KO

services,

e sufficient

them, ma

by the vets

(Ref.:

the types of

ONG

about half

t. On the

ny thought

s who are

Chart 5.3)

f vets which

f

e

t

e

)

Study on th

5.4 CH

5.4.1 O

services o

Kong from

(23.5%),

(17.1%).

Chart 5.4:

Base: All hous

e Developme

CHANNEL

HONG KO

Of all pote

or not), rela

m friends /

websites

Channels

seholds which k

ent of the Ve

LS FOR AC

ONG

ntial veteri

atively mo

/ relatives

of vet cli

s for pet ow

kept pets (excep

eterinary Prof

CCESS TO I

inary servi

re said tha

(37.2%), f

nics (18.0

wners to kno

pt fishes) in the

fession in Ho

- 55 -

INFORMAT

ces users

at they kno

followed b

0%) and p

ow about the

e past 12 month

ong Kong – F

TION ON TH

(no matter

ow about th

y social ne

printing m

e veterinary

hs before enum

Final Report

HE VETER

r whether e

he veterina

etwork / fo

aterials (e

services in

eration (N = 28

RINARY SE

ever used

ary service

orum on th

e.g. leaflet

(Ref.:

n Hong Kong

89 100; n = 308

RVICES IN

veterinary

es in Hong

he internet

t, booklet)

Chart 5.4)

g

) [Ref.: Q17]

N

y

g

t

)

)

Study on th

6 S

6.1 N

6.1.1 D

veterinary

(3.4%; vs

Chart 6.1:

Total no.

35 in

5 in

38 in

29 in

39 in

Base: All priva

Note: - HK Isla

Kowlo

Kowlo

NT Ea

NT We

e Developme

SURVEY

NUMBER O

During the

y clinics in

. more tha

Number

. of private

n HK Island

Kowloon E

n Kowloon

n NT East (

n NT West

ate veterinary cl

and incl. Centra

on East incl. W

on West incl. Y

ast incl. North, T

est incl. Kwai Ts

ent of the Ve

Y FINDIN

OF PRIVAT

e survey pe

Hong Kon

n 19% in o

of private ve

veterinary

d (24.0%)

East (3.4%)

n West (26.0

(19.9%)

(26.7%)

linics in HK (N =

al & Western, W

Wong Tai Sin, Kw

Yau Tsim Mong,

Tai Po, Sha Tin,

sing, Tsuen Wa

eterinary Prof

NGS – V

TE VETERI

eriod from

g. Relativ

other distric

eterinary cli

y clinics: 14

)

0%)

= 146)

Wan Chai, Easte

wun Tong

Sham Shui Po

Sai Kung

an, Tuen Mun, Y

fession in Ho

- 56 -

VETERIN

INARY CLI

m May to J

vely speak

cts).

inics in Hon

46 (during

ern, Southern

o, Kowloon City

Yuen Long, Isla

ong Kong – F

NARY CL

INICS IN H

une 2016,

king, fewer

ng Kong

survey per

nds

Final Report

LINICS

HONG KON

there wer

r were loca

riod from M

NG

re about 1

ated in Kow

(Ref.:

May – June

46 private

wloon East

Chart 6.1)

e 2016

e

t

)

Study on th

6.2 C

6.2.1 S

Types of a

6.2.1.1 V

dogs (96.

(49.9%) re

snakes, liz

Chart 6.2.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

CURRENT

SCOPE OF S

animals for

Virtually al

1%). Abo

espectively

zards, etc.

a: Types of

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

T BUSINES

SERVICES

r which the

ll veterinar

out half pro

y. Relativ

) (26.8%)

animals for

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

SS OPERAT

e veterinary

ry clinics (

ovide servi

vely speaki

and birds (

r which the v

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 57 -

TION

y clinics pr

(vet clinics

ices for rab

ing, fewer

(18.1%).

veterinary c

) [Ref.:A1]

ong Kong – F

rovide serv

s) provide

bbits (51.2

provide se

clinics provi

Final Report

vices

services fo

%) and ha

ervices for

ide services

or cats (97

amster and

reptiles (e

(Ref.: Ch

s

7.7%) and

d chinchilla

e.g. turtles,

art 6.2.1a)

d

a

,

)

Study on th

Types of v

6.2.1.2 A

microchip

vet clinics

imaging (

provide a

provide ve

6.2.1.3 A

and 90.2%

6.2.1.4 A

imaging (9

Chart 6.2.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

veterinary

Apart fro

pping) whic

s provide

(92.8%) a

advanced

ets house c

Among tho

% provide o

Among tho

98.8%) and

b: Types of

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

services p

m gener

ch was pro

routine /

nd hospita

surgery (5

call service

ose which p

other diagn

ose which

d ultrasoun

veterinary s

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

rovided

al consu

ovided by a

simple su

alization (9

50.3%) an

e / mobile

provide on

nostic tests

provide i

nd imaging

services pro

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 58 -

ltation (e

all vet clini

urgery (99

93.9%). M

nd acupun

service.

-site diagn

s (e.g. cyto

maging se

g (92.2%).

ovided

) [Ref.:A2a]

ong Kong – F

e.g. healt

cs, it was

9.3%), on-s

Moreover,

cture (47.

nostic tests

ology test /

ervices, th

Final Report

h examin

found that

site diagno

about ha

3%) respe

s, 98.5% pr

/ urine test

e vast ma

nation, va

t the vast m

ostic tests

alf of the

ectively, a

rovide bloo

t).

ajority prov

(Ref.: Ch

accination,

majority of

s (95.7%),

vet clinics

and 42.8%

od analysis

vide X-ray

art 6.2.1b)

f

,

s

%

s

y

)

Study on th

Provision

6.2.1.5 O

Yet, amon

vets and 1

6.2.1.6 B

consultati

on-site (i.e

Chart 6.2.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

of after-ho

Of all vet c

ng them, o

15.6% hav

Besides, m

on service

e. the vets

c: Provision

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

ours servic

clinics, nea

only 27.2%

ving attend

more than t

e. Most o

will be att

n of after-ho

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

ces

arly two-thir

% have 24 h

ing clinic s

three-tenth

of them (6

ended on-

ours service

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 59 -

rds (64.3%

hours atte

staff).

hs of the cl

64.5%) sai

call).

es

) [Ref.:A2a & b]

ong Kong – F

%) have 24

nding staff

inics (31.5

d that the

]

Final Report

hours hos

f (with 15.7

%) have a

ey do not

spitalization

7% having

after-hours

have 24 h

(Ref.: Ch

n services.

g attending

/ 24 hours

hours vets

hart 6.2.1c)

.

g

s

s

)

Study on th

Provision

6.2.1.7 A

Among th

dentistry

(35.5%) a

Chart 6.2.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

of specialt

About one

em, relativ

(51.6%), s

and ophtha

d: Provision

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

ty services

-fifth of the

vely more p

surgery (38

almology (3

n of special

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

s by veterin

e clinics (2

provide the

8.7%), sma

33.6%).

ty services

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 60 -

nary clinics

1.3%) clai

e specialty

all animal

) [Ref.:A3]

ong Kong – F

s

med that th

services o

internal m

Final Report

hey provid

of imaging

medicine (3

de specialty

(63.2%), fo

36.6%), de

(Ref.: Ch

y services.

ollowed by

ermatology

art 6.2.1d)

.

y

y

)

Study on th

6.2.2 Y

6.2.2.1 M

more. O

6.2.2.2 B

1,000 – le

Chart 6.2.2

Base: All priva

e Developme

YEARS OF E

More than

Only a few (

Besides, m

ess than 1,

: Years of

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

ESTABLISHM

half of th

(7.7%) wer

most of the

500 sq.ft. (

establishme

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

MENT AND G

e vet clinic

re establish

e clinics o

(27.3%) of

ent and gro

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 61 -

GROSS FLO

cs (51.2%

hed in the

ccupied 50

f gross floo

oss floor are

) [Ref.:A4 & A5]

ong Kong – F

OOR AREA

) have bee

recent 2 y

00 – less

or area.

ea

]

Final Report

en establis

years.

than 1,000

shed for 10

0 sq.ft. (33

(Ref.: C

0 years or

3.6%) and

Chart 6.2.2)

r

d

)

Study on th

6.2.3 M

6.2.3.1 O

because a

vet assist

locum pos

6.2.3.2 I

part-time

Chart 6.2.3

Base: All priva

Note 1 The es

e Developme

MANPOWER

On averag

a person c

tants, 1 ve

sitions acc

In total, it

positions a

a: Average

ate veterinary cl

stimated num

ent of the Ve

R DEPLOYM

ge, each v

can be em

et technicia

counted for

was estim

and 80 locu

number of d

linics in HK (N =

mbers were ro

eterinary Prof

MENT

vet clinic h

ployed by

an, 1 adm

r about 13%

mated tha

um position

different po

= 146; n = 104)

ounded to th

fession in Ho

- 62 -

as about 1

multiple cl

ministrative

% of all pos

at there ar

ns in the in

ositions in ea

) [Ref.:A6]

he nearest te

ong Kong – F

10 – 11 fu

linics), incl

staff and

sitions only

re about 1

ndustryNote

ach veterina

n.

Final Report

ull-time pos

uding abo

1 other s

y.

1 520 full-1.

ary clinic

sitions (no

out 3 vet su

staff. Part

-time posi

(Ref.: Ch

ot persons,

urgeons, 5

t-time and

tions, 130

art 6.2.3a)

5

d

0

)

Study on th

6.2.3.3 I

small-size

were med

Chart 6.2.3

Base: All priva

e Developme

In overall,

ed establis

dium-sized

b: Employm

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

it was fo

hments, w

with empl

ment size (n

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

ound that a

with employ

oyment siz

umber of fu

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 63 -

about sev

yment size

ze of 20 or

ull-time staff

) [Ref.:A6]

ong Kong – F

ven out of

e of 1 – 9,

r above.

f)

Final Report

ten vet c

while nea

clinics (70.

arly one-ten

(Ref.: Ch

.2%) were

nth (9.0%)

art 6.2.3b)

e

)

)

Study on th

6.2.4 D

6.2.4.1 W

it was fou

difficulties

“lack of qu

6.2.4.2 A

pet owner

(incl. sala

Chart 6.2.4

Base: All priva

e Developme

DIFFICULTIE

When aske

und that th

s. It was f

ualified sup

Apart from

rs’ unrealis

ry, fringe b

4: Perceive

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

ES IN OPER

ed about th

he majority

followed d

pporting st

m the above

stic expecta

benefits, et

ed top 3 diffi

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

RATING VETE

eir perceiv

y of clinics

istantly by

taff in HK”

e 3 aspects

ations towa

c.)” (30.5%

culties in op

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 64 -

ERINARY CL

ved difficult

s (81.3%)

y “keen com

(33.8%).

s, many cl

ard veterin

%) are their

perating vet

) [Ref.:A7]

ong Kong – F

LINICS IN HO

ties in oper

ranked “h

mpetition a

inics ment

ary service

r major diff

terinary clin

Final Report

ONG KONG

rating vet c

high rent” a

among vet

ioned that

es” (32.8%

ficulties.

nics in Hong

clinics in H

as one of

clinics” (3

“difficult cu

%) and “high

(Ref.: C

g Kong

ong Kong,

the top 3

5.5%) and

ustomers /

h staff cost

Chart 6.2.4)

3

d

/

t

)

Study on th

6.3 F

6.3.1 M

Intention

recent vet

6.3.1.1 A

staff in the

recent vet

Chart 6.3.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

FUTURE P

MANPOWER

of hiring m

terinary gra

About thre

e coming 3

terinary gra

a: Intention

recent ve

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

PLANS

R REQUIREM

more staff

aduates

e-fifths of t

3 years. A

aduates.

n of hiring m

eterinary gra

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

MENTS IN TH

in the com

the vet clin

Among the

more staff in

aduates

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 65 -

HE COMING

ming 3 yea

nics (60.8%

em, 63.8%

the coming

) [Ref.:B1 & B3]

ong Kong – F

G 3 YEARS

ars, and w

%) claimed

claimed th

g 3 years, an

]

Final Report

hether inte

that they in

hat they int

nd whether i

ended to h

ntended to

tended to h

(Ref.: Ch

intended to

hire fresh /

o hire more

hire fresh /

art 6.3.1a)

hire fresh /

/

e

/

)

Study on th

Manpowe

6.3.1.2 I

full-time p

of enumer

6.3.1.3 A

coming 3

anticipate

6.3.1.4 T

be opene

20 vet tec

6.3.1.5 M

and less t

Chart 6.3.1

Base: All priva

Note: The figu

Note 2 The es

e Developme

er requirem

It was est

positions, 1

ration, incl

Among the

years, the

ed to open

The survey

d in the co

chnicians, 1

Moreover,

than 10 loc

b: Manpowe

ate veterinary cl

ures were round

stimated num

ent of the Ve

ments of all

imated tha

30 part-tim

uding abou

e vet clinic

ey were fur

in the com

y results s

oming 12 m

10 adminis

it was est

cum additio

er requirem

linics in HK (N =

ded to the neare

mbers were ro

eterinary Prof

veterinary

at during t

me position

ut 400 vete

cs which c

rther asked

ming 12 mo

howed tha

months, inc

strative sta

timated tha

onal positio

ents of all v

= 146; n = 104)

est ten.

ounded to th

fession in Ho

- 66 -

y clinics in

he survey

ns and 80 l

erinary sur

claimed tha

d about the

onths.

at about 28

cluding ab

aff and 10 o

at there are

ons in the

veterinary cl

) [Ref.:A6 & B2]

he nearest te

ong Kong – F

the coming

period in

ocum posi

rgeon (vet

at they inte

e number o

80 – 290 a

bout 70 vet

other staff.

e about 20

industry in

linics in the

]

n.

Final Report

g 12 month

total there

tions in the

surgeon) p

ended to h

of additiona

dditional fu

t surgeons

0 part-time

the comin

coming 12

hs

e were ab

e industry a

positions.

hire more s

al positions

ull-time po

s, 180 vet a

e additiona

ng 12 mont

(Ref.: Ch

months

bout 1 520

at the time

staff in the

s that they

sitions will

assistants,

al positions

thsNote 2.

art 6.3.1b)

0

e

e

y

l

,

s

)

Study on th

Preferenc

6.3.1.5 N

vets who

preferenc

(36.3%), f

Chart 6.3.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

ce in hiring

Nearly hal

graduated

e, relative

followed by

c: Preferen

countries

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

vets who

f of the ve

from univ

ly more pr

y New Zea

ce in hiring

s / regions

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

graduated

et clinics (4

ersities in

referred ve

aland (26.2

veterinary s

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 67 -

from parti

48.8%) sa

particular c

ets who gr

2%).

surgeons w

) [Ref.:B4]

ong Kong – F

cular coun

aid that the

countries /

raduated fr

who graduate

Final Report

ntries / regi

ey had no

/ regions.

rom Austra

ed from univ

ions

preferenc

Of those

alia (38.0%

(Ref.: Ch

versities in

e in hiring

which had

%) and UK

hart 6.3.1c)

particular

g

d

K

)

Study on th

Preferenc

6.3.1.6 M

vets with

preferred

small anim

Chart 6.3.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

ce in hiring

More than

specialty

vets with

mal interna

d: Preferen

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

vets with s

half of the

/ special

specialty

al medicine

ce in hiring

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

specialty /

e vet clinics

interests.

/ special i

e (17.9%) a

veterinary s

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 68 -

special int

s (52.3%) s

Of thos

interests o

and Chines

surgeons w

) [Ref.:B5]

ong Kong – F

terests

said that th

se which h

of surgery

se medicin

with specialty

Final Report

hey had no

had prefer

(24.3%), e

ne / acupun

y / special in

o preferenc

rence, slig

exotic pets

ncture (14.

(Ref.: Ch

nterests

ce in hiring

ghtly more

s (20.6%),

.0%).

art 6.3.1d)

g

e

,

)

Study on th

6.3.2 R

6.3.2.1 A

plan (9.6%

coming 3

6.3.2.2 A

district, wh

6.3.2.3 A

be opene

them (66.

Chart 6.3.2

Base: All priva

e Developme

RELOCATIO

About one

%) and ex

years.

Among tho

hile 8.6% w

Among tho

d in the sa

0%) intend

: Relocatio

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

ON AND EXP

e-tenth of t

xpansion p

ose which

will move t

ose which

ame distric

ded to ope

on and expa

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

PANSION PL

the vet clin

plan in op

had reloc

to other dis

had expan

ct, whereas

n one mor

ansion plans

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 69 -

LANS IN THE

nics respe

pening mor

cation plan

strict.

nsion plan,

s 43.3% pr

re clinic on

s in the com

) [Ref.:B6 & B7]

ong Kong – F

E COMING 3

ectively cla

re clinics

n, 55.7% s

, only 6.8%

referred ot

ly in the co

ming 3 years

]

Final Report

YEARS

aimed that

in Hong K

aid they w

% said the

ther district

oming 3 ye

s

they had

Kong (13.8

will stay in

additional

ct. Beside

ears.

(Ref.: C

relocation

8%) in the

the same

clinics will

es, most of

Chart 6.3.2)

n

e

e

l

f

)


- 70 -

6.3.2.4 Assumed that those which claimed “undecided on the number of additional clinics”

(for expansion) will open one clinic only, it was estimated that in total about 20 more vet

clinics will be opened in the coming 3 years (which will be increased by 13.7% between

2016 and 2019).

6.3.2.5 Furthermore, assumed that those which claimed “no preference on district” (for

relocation or expansion) will remain in the same district or will open more clinics in the

same district, it was observed that the proportion of vet clinics in Kowloon East will still be

relatively small (4.8%; vs. more than 18% in other districts) in the coming 3 years. With

reference to the distribution of households keeping pets in different districts, the proportion

of vet clinics in Kowloon East also seemed to be small.

(Ref.: Tables 6.3.2a & b)

Table 6.3.2a: Number of veterinary clinics during the survey period (May – June 2016) and in the


May – June 2016 In the coming 3 years

No. (%) No. (%)

HK Island 35 24.0 37 22.3

Kowloon East 5 3.4 8 4.8

Kowloon West 38 26.0 44 26.5

NT East 29 19.9 31 18.7

NT West 39 26.7 46 27.7

Total 146 100.0 166 100.0


Notes: (1) Assumed that those which claimed “no preference on district” (for relocation or expansion) will remain in the same district; and

(2) Assumed that those which claimed “undecided on the no. of additional clinics” (for expansion) will open 1 clinic only;

Table 6.3.2b: Number of households which kept pets (except fishes) in the past 12 months and in the


In the past 12 months In the coming 3 years

No. (%) No. (%)

HK Island 35 300 12.2 38 900 12.5

Kowloon East 39 500 13.7 40 500 13.0

Kowloon West 36 700 12.7 41 800 13.4

NT East 88 500 30.6 94 900 30.5

NT West 89 200 30.8 95 000 30.5

Total 289 100 100.0 311 100 100.0

Base: All households which kept pets (except fishes) in the past 12 months before enumeration (N = 289 100; n = 308) [Ref.: X3]

Note: The number of households were rounded to the nearest hundred.

Study on th

6.3.3 V

6.3.3.1 O

tended to

considera

remaining

6.3.3.2 I

“HK mark

clinics” (3

Chart 6.3.3

Base: All priva

e Developme

VIEWS ON T

Of all vet c

be optimi

able propo

g majority (

It was note

et is too sm

3.4%) and

: Views on

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

THE PROSP

clinics, it w

stic about

rtion (19.9

(73.0%) we

eworthy tha

mall / too m

“higher an

n the prospe

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

ECT OF OPE

was observ

the prosp

9%) were v

ere neutral

at among t

many vet c

nd higher o

ect of operat

= 146; n = 104)

fession in Ho

- 71 -

ERATING VE

ved that on

pect of ope

very pessi

l on this iss

those whic

clinics in HK

operating c

ting veterin

) [Ref.:B8]

ong Kong – F

ETERINARY

nly 7.1% s

erating vet

imistic / te

sue.

ch were pe

K” (37.5%)

costs” (28.0

ary clinics i

Final Report

CLINICS IN

aid they w

clinics in H

ended to b

essimistic,

), “keen co

0%).

n Hong Kon

HONG KON

were very o

Hong Kon

be pessimi

the key re

ompetition a

(Ref.: C

ng

NG

optimistic /

g, whilst a

istic. The

easons are

among vet

Chart 6.3.3)

/

a

e

e

t

)


- 72 -

6.3.3.3 When analyzed by their employment size (i.e. the number of full-time staff), it was

observed that the smaller the employment sizes, the higher were the proportions of clinics

which were pessimistic (from 11.9% for employment size of 10 or above; to 32.7% for 4 or

below).

(Ref.: Table 6.3.3)

Table 6.3.3: Views on the prospect of operating veterinary clinics in Hong Kong – by employment

size (number of full-time staff)

4 or below

(%) 5 – 9 (%)

10 or above (%)

Very optimistic / Tended to be optimistic 3.2 6.8 10.7

Neutral 64.1 74.9 77.4

Very pessimistic / Tended to be pessimistic 32.7 18.4 11.9


Study on th

6.4 P

6.4.1 W

6.4.1.1 W

whether th

14.4% of

the remai

customers

Chart 6.4.1

Base: All priva

e Developme

PRICING I

WHETHER P

When visi

he pricing

the clinics

ining majo

s.

: Whether

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

NFORMAT

PRICING INF

ting the v

informatio

posted th

ority (85.6%

clinics pos

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

ION

FORMATION

vet clinics,

n is readily

e general

%), pricing

ted general

= 146)

fession in Ho

- 73 -

N IS READILY

interview

y accessib

price list a

g informati

price list at

ong Kong – F

Y ACCESSIB

wers were

le. The s

at prominen

on is not

t prominent

Final Report

BLE

required t

urvey resu

nt positions

readily ac

positions o

to pay att

ults showed

s of the cli

ccessible f

(Ref.: C

of the clinics

tention on

d that only

nics. For

for walk-in

Chart 6.4.1)

s

n

y

r

n

)

Study on th

6.4.2 R

6.4.2.1 A

general ve

did not re

have visite

6.4.2.2 F

canine va

dog), mos

Chart 6.4.2

Base: All priva

e Developme

RANGES OF

As mentio

eterinary s

espond to

ed them fo

For a gene

accination

st of the cli

a: Charge f

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

F FEES AND

ned in sec

services w

these que

or collecting

eral consul

with 5-in-1

nics charg

for general c

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

D CHARGES

ction 3.2.2

ere listed

estions, my

g the pricin

tation on c

1 DHPPi/L

ged $200 -

consultation

= 146) [Ref.:C1

fession in Ho

- 74 -

2, question

on the que

ystery sho

ng informa

cats / dogs

L vaccine (

$299 (65.8

n on cats / d

& C2]

ong Kong – F

ns about th

estionnaire

ppers who

tion.

s (about 15

(including

8% and 76

dogs and rou

Final Report

he fees an

e. For tho

o acted as

5 minutes o

a basic he

6.7% respe

utine canine

nd charges

ose vet clin

s ordinary

or less) and

ealth exam

ectively).

(Ref.: Ch

e vaccinatio

s of some

nics which

customers

d a routine

mination of

art 6.4.2a)

on

e

h

s

e

f

)

Study on th

6.4.2.3 F

revealed t

6.4.2.4 F

anesthetic

etc.), abo

charged $

$800 - $8

6.4.2.5 F

(including

collars, et

23% char

range was

Chart 6.4.2

Base: All priva

e Developme

For routine

that there a

For a rou

c, but excl

out 15% o

$800 - $99

99.

For a rout

anesthetic

tc.), about

rged $1,30

s $1,300 -

b: Charge f

dog (10 –

medicati

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

e de-sexin

are variatio

utine de-se

luding any

of the clini

99, and 27

tine de-sex

c, but excl

22% of the

00 - $1,49

$1,399.

for routine d

– 20kg) (incl

on, collars,

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

ng (non-co

ons among

exing surg

y blood tes

cs charge

7% charged

xing surge

uding any

e clinics ch

99, and 31

de-sexing (n

l. anesthetic

etc.)

= 146) [Ref.:C3

fession in Ho

- 75 -

omplicated

g different v

gery on a

st, addition

ed below $

d $1,000 o

ery on an

blood test

harged belo

% charge

on-complic

c, but excl. a

3 & C4]

ong Kong – F

) surgerie

vet clinics.

an average

nal post-su

$600, 32%

or above.

average a

, additiona

ow $1,100,

ed $1,500

ated) surge

any blood te

Final Report

s on cats

e adult fe

urgery oral

% charged

The med

adult fema

al post-surg

, 23% char

or above.

ry on an ave

est, addition

/ dogs, t

emale cat

medicatio

$600 - $

dian price r

ale dog (1

gery oral m

rged $1,10

The me

(Ref.: Ch

erage adult

nal post-sur

the survey

(including

on, collars,

$799, 25%

range was

0 – 20kg)

medication,

00 - $1,299

edian price

art 6.4.2b)

female cat /

rgery oral

y

g

,

%

s

)

9,

e

)

/

Study on th

6.4.2.6 F

additional

etc.), abo

charged $

did not pr

range was

Chart 6.4.2

Base: All priva

e Developme

For over-n

care, suc

out 10% o

$400 - $49

rovide suc

s $400 - $4

c: Charge f

care, suc

ate veterinary cl

ent of the Ve

night hosp

h as intens

of the clini

9 and 21%

ch service.

499.

for over-nigh

ch as intens

linics in HK (N =

eterinary Prof

pitalization

sive care,

cs charge

% charged

Among

ht hospitaliz

sive care, ox

= 146) [Ref.:C5

fession in Ho

- 76 -

for an a

oxygenatio

ed below $

$500 or ab

those whic

zation for an

xygenation,

5]

ong Kong – F

adult dog

on, heat-pa

$300, 23%

bove. Be

ch have s

n adult dog

heat-pad wa

Final Report

(under 10

ad warmin

% charged

sides, abo

uch servic

(under 10kg

arming, med

0kg) (exclu

ng, medica

$300 - $

out 23% of

ce, the me

(Ref.: Ch

g) (excl. any

dication giv

uding any

tion given,

$399, 23%

the clinics

edian price

hart 6.4.2c)

y additional

ven, etc.)

y

,

%

s

e

)

Study on th

7 S

7.1 N

7.1.1 A

in Hong K

2006).

Chart 7.1a:

7.1.2 I

advertise

360% as c

Chart 7.1b:

e Developme

SURVEY

NUMBER O

According

Kong in 20

Number

In addition

as, or pro

compared

: Number

ent of the Ve

Y FINDIN

OF REGIST

to the stat

15, which

of registere

, there wer

ofess to be

with 5 yea

of specialis

eterinary Prof

NGS – V

TERED VE

istical data

was abou

d vet surge

re 18 regis

e, specialis

ars ago (5 i

ts registere

fession in Ho

- 77 -

VETERIN

ETERINARY

a from VSB

t a double

eons in the p

stered vet s

sts in Hong

in 2011).

ed in VSB in

ong Kong – F

NARY SU

Y SURGEO

B, there we

as compa

past 10 year

surgeons w

g Kong in 2

the past 5 y

Final Report

URGEON

ONS IN HO

re 823 reg

ared with 1

rs

who were a

2015, whic

years

NS

ONG KONG

gistered vet

10 years a

(Ref.: C

authorized

ch was inc

(Ref.: C

G

t surgeons

go (412 in

Chart 7.1a)

by VSB to

creased by

Chart 7.1b)

s

n

)

o

y

)

Study on th

7.1.3 F

since 200

non-HKID

Chart 7.1c:

7.1.4 A

passport i

graduates

the numbe

Chart 7.1d:

* Those who w

e Developme

For the ne

09, the num

D / HKSAR

Number

past 10 y

Among the

in the past

s who were

ers of thos

: Number

not fresh

were registered

ent of the Ve

ewly registe

mber of Ho

passport h

of newly reg

years

e newly re

t 10 years,

e registere

se who wer

of newly reg

h / recent gra

in VSB within 3

eterinary Prof

ered vet su

ng Kong Id

holders we

gistered vet

egistered

it was obs

ed in VSB

re not fresh

gistered vet

aduates in t

3 years of grad

fession in Ho

- 78 -

urgeons in

dentity Car

ere very clo

t surgeons w

vet surge

served tha

within 3 y

h / recent g

surgeons (w

the past 10 y

uation

ong Kong – F

n the past

rd (HKID) /

ose.

with / withou

ons who w

at there are

ears of gra

graduates

with HKID /

years

Final Report

10 years,

/ HKSAR p

ut HKID / HK

were hold

e more and

aduation.

are relativ

HKSAR pas

it was obs

passport ho

(Ref.: C

KSAR passp

ding HKID

d more fres

On the o

vely stable.

(Ref.: C

ssport) who

served that

olders and

Chart 7.1c)

port in the

/ HKSAR

sh / recent

ther hand,

Chart 7.1d)

were / were

t

d

)

R

t

)

e

Study on th

7.2 P

Place of g

7.2.1 T

as at 10 M

in Australi

Chart 7.2a:

Base: All regis

e Developme

PROFILE O

graduation

This surve

March 2016

ia (41.0%)

Place of

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

OF THE RE

ey covered

6. Among

, followed

graduation

ry surgeons in H

eterinary Prof

EGISTERED

840 veter

g them, rel

by Taiwan

HK (N = 840)

fession in Ho

- 79 -

D VETERIN

rinary surg

atively mo

(24.5%) a

ong Kong – F

NARY SUR

geons (vets

ore obtaine

and UK and

Final Report

RGEONS

s) who wer

d their vete

d Ireland (1

re register

erinary qua

17.0%).

(Ref.: C

red in VSB

alifications

Chart 7.2a)

B

s

)

Study on th

Years of p

7.2.2 O

experienc

(28.3% fo

7.2.3 B

Kong for 7

identity ca

residents.

Chart 7.2b:

Base: All regis

e Developme

practicing a

Of all regis

ce or less

or 5 – 9 yea

Besides, a

7 years or

ard. In oth

.

: Years of

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

as vets and

stered vets

in practici

ars; 47.5%

about seve

above, in

her words,

practicing a

ry surgeons in H

eterinary Prof

d years of

s, about 12

ng, whilst

for 10 yea

n out of te

which the

among al

as veterinar

HK (N = 840; n

fession in Ho

- 80 -

residence

2% were f

about 76

ars or abov

n registere

vast majo

l registered

ry surgeon a

= 307) [Ref.: D

ong Kong – F

in Hong K

fresh / rec

% have 5

ve).

ed vets (72

rity (93.8%

d vets, 67.

and years of

D3 & D4]

Final Report

Kong

ent gradua

years of

2.5%) have

%) have Ho

9% are Ho

f residence

ates, with

experienc

e been livin

ong Kong p

ong Kong p

(Ref.: C

in Hong Ko

2 years of

e or more

ng in Hong

permanent

permanent

Chart 7.2b)

ng

f

e

g

t

t

)

Study on th

Demograp

7.2.4 T

the males

above (31

Chart 7.2c:

Base: All regis

e Developme

phic inform

The propo

s (44.9%).

1.7%).

Demogra

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

mation

rtion of fem

Relativel

aphic inform

ry surgeons in H

eterinary Prof

male regist

y more of t

mation

HK (N = 840; n

fession in Ho

- 81 -

tered vets

the registe

= 307) [Ref.: D

ong Kong – F

(55.1%) wa

ered vets a

D1 & D2]

Final Report

as relative

ged 30 – 3

ly higher th

39 (42.0%)

(Ref.: C

han that of

) and 40 or

Chart 7.2c)

f

r

)

Study on th

7.3 W

Types of v

working st

7.3.1 O

profession

working fu

(13.2%).

organizati

(0.7%) an

7.3.2 I

4% were w

Chart 7.3a:

Base: All regis

Note 3 Some

e Developme

WORKING

veterinary

tatus at the

Of all reg

n in Hong

ull-time in

Some w

ions (5.3%

nd/or labora

In overall,

working as

Types of

working

stered veterinar

of the vets h

ent of the Ve

G STATUS

establishm

e time of e

gistered ve

Kong at

individual

were work

%), educatio

atory (0.3%

about 87%

s locum at

veterinary e

status at th

ry surgeons in H

have more th

eterinary Prof

ments for w

enumeratio

ets, the m

the time o

private cl

king full-tim

onal institu

%).

% of the ve

the time of

establishme

e time of en

HK (N = 840; n

an one job a

fession in Ho

- 82 -

which they w

on

majority (8

of enumer

linics (60.5

me in the

utions (0.7%

ets have fu

f enumera

ents for whi

numeration

= 307) [Ref.: A

at the time of

ong Kong – F

were work

80.0%) we

ration. Am

5%) and/o

governm

%), pharma

ll-time jobs

tionNote 3.

ch they wer

1]

f enumeration

Final Report

king and the

ere workin

mong them

r group /

ent (8.2%

aceutical /

s, 11% hav

re working a

n.

e correspo

ng in the

m, the maj

chain priv

%), animal

pet food c

ve part-time

(Ref.: C

and the corr

onding

veterinary

ority were

vate clinics

groups /

companies

e jobs and

Chart 7.3a)

responding

y

e

s

/

s

d

)

Study on th

Ownershi

7.3.3 A

clinics, 31

did not, on

Chart 7.3b:

Base: All regis

e Developme

p of veterin

Among the

.3% claim

nly 7.1% s

: Ownersh

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

nary clinic

e 80.9% o

ed that the

aid they co

hip of veterin

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

in Hong K

of the vets

ey owned v

onsidered

nary clinic i

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 83 -

Kong

who work

veterinary c

to open th

n Hong Kon

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

ked in indiv

clinics in H

eir own cli

ng

fession in HK (

Final Report

vidual or g

ong Kong.

nic in the c

N = 672; n = 29

group / cha

. Among

coming 3 y

(Ref.: C

96) [Ref.: A1 & A

ain private

those who

years.

Chart 7.3b)

A2]

e

o

)

Study on th

Types of a

7.3.4 O

provide s

relatively

(30.9%), r

Chart 7.3c:

Base: All regis

e Developme

animals for

Of all vets

services fo

more vets

reptiles (e.

Types of

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

r which the

s who wor

or cats (93

provide se

g. turtles, s

animals for

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

e vets prov

rked in the

3.1%) and

ervices for

snakes, liz

r which the v

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 84 -

vide service

e veterinar

d/or dogs

rabbits (37

zards, etc.)

vet surgeon

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

es

ry professi

(92.1%).

7.5%), follo

) (21.7%) a

ns provide s

fession in HK (

Final Report

on in Hon

For othe

owed by ha

and birds (2

services

N = 672; n = 29

ng Kong, v

er types o

amster and

20.1%).

(Ref.: C

96) [Ref.: A3]

virtually all

f animals,

d chinchilla

Chart 7.3c)

l

a

)

Study on th

7.4 O

Whether o

7.4.1 O

qualificatio

post-grad

in veterin

Veterinary

and obtai

(10.8%).

Chart 7.4a:

Base: All regis

e Developme

OTHER PO

obtained a

Of all vet

ons, mor

uate / spe

ary related

y Scientist

ined the q

Whether

qualifica

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

OST-GRAD

ny other ve

ts who w

e than o

cialists qua

d studies

s (MACVS

qualificatio

the vet surg

tions

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

DUATE / SP

eterinary p

worked in

one-third

alifications

(40.6%), f

Sc) (14.5%

ons in Inte

geons obtai

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 85 -

PECIALIST

post-gradua

Hong Ko

(36.5%)

s. Among

followed b

%), certifica

ernational

ined any oth

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

TS QUALIF

ate / speci

ong, apart

said they

g them, re

by Member

ate in vete

Veterinary

her veterina

fession in HK (

Final Report

FICATION

alists quali

t from the

y obtained

elatively m

r of the A

rinary rela

y Acupunc

ry post-grad

N = 672; n = 29

ifications

eir basic

d other

more obtain

Australian C

ated studie

cture Socie

(Ref.: C

duate / spec

96) [Ref.: A4a &

veterinary

veterinary

ned master

College of

es (12.6%)

ety (IVAS)

Chart 7.4a)

cialists

& b]

y

y

r

f

)

)

)

Study on th

Whether i

in the com

7.4.2 I

were very

coming 3

medicine

veterinary

Chart 7.4b:

Base: All regis

e Developme

ntended to

ming 3 yea

In addition

y / quite lik

3 years.

(59.8%).

y imaging (

: Whether

studies i

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

o take othe

rs

, more tha

kely to tak

Most of th

It was foll

(21.9%) an

the vet surg

n the comin

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

er veterinar

n half of al

ke other ve

hem were

owed by s

nd Chinese

geons inten

ng 3 years

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 86 -

ry post-gra

ll vets who

eterinary p

e intereste

mall anima

e veterinary

nded to take

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

aduate / sp

o worked in

post-gradua

d in the a

al surgery

y medicine

e other veter

fession in HK (

Final Report

pecialists st

n Hong Kon

ate / spec

area of sm

(28.4%), a

e (20.7%).

rinary post-g

N = 672; n = 29

tudies

ng (55.6%

cialists stud

mall anim

acupunctur

(Ref.: C

graduate / s

96) [Ref.: A5]

) said they

dies in the

al internal

e (23.7%),

Chart 7.4b)

specialists

y

e

l

,

)

Study on th

7.5 VH

7.5.1 D

7.5.1.1 W

relatively

there wer

followed b

(36.2%) a

7.5.1.2 A

(27.7%),

assistants

Chart 7.5.1

Base: All regis

e Developme

VIEWS ON

HONG KO

DIFFICULTIE

When ask

more vets

re “too ma

by “difficult

and “decrea

Apart from

“stress fro

s” (27.0%)

: Perceive

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

N THE DIFF

ONG

ES FACING

ked about

in Hong K

ny vet sur

t customer

asing / stag

m the above

om compl

are their m

ed top 3 diffi

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

FICULTIES

PRACTICING

their perc

Kong (46.0%

rgeons in H

rs / pet ow

gnated sal

e 3 aspect

laints and

major difficu

culties facin

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 87 -

AND PRO

G VETERINA

ceived diff

%) claimed

HK, which

wners’ unre

lary” (32.2%

ts, many v

custome

ulties.

ng practicin

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

SPECT OF

ARY SURGE

ficulties fa

d that one o

leads to

ealistic exp

%).

vets mentio

rs” (27.3%

ng veterinary

fession in HK (

Final Report

F VETERINA

EONS IN HON

acing as v

of the top 3

intense co

pectations t

oned that “

%) and “la

y surgeons

N = 672; n = 29

ARY SURG

NG KONG

vets in Ho

3 difficultie

ompetitions

toward vet

“long work

ack of qu

(Ref.: C

in Hong Ko

96) [Ref.: B1]

GEONS IN

ong Kong,

es was that

s”. It was

t services”

king hours”

alified vet

Chart 7.5.1)

ong

t

s

”

”

t

)

Study on th

7.5.2 V

7.5.2.1 O

tended to

more tha

remaining

7.5.2.2 A

willing to

increased

who were

HK” (34.7

Chart 7.5.2

Base: All regis

e Developme

VIEWS ON T

Of all vets

be optimis

n one-fifth

g three-fifth

Among tho

spend mo

d / there is

pessimist

7%).

: Views on

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

THE PROSP

s who wor

stic about t

h (23.7%)

hs (57.6%)

ose who we

ore / care

s still dema

ic, many o

n the prospe

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

ECT OF WO

rked in Ho

the prospe

were ver

were neut

ere optimis

about the

and for vet

f them clai

ect of workin

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 88 -

ORKING AS V

ong Kong,

ect of work

ry pessim

tral on this

stic, relativ

eir pets m

ts” (28.1%

imed that “

ng as veteri

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

VETERINARY

18.7% sa

ing as vet

istic / ten

issue.

vely more m

more” (31.6

%). It was

“HK marke

inary surgeo

fession in HK (

Final Report

Y SURGEON

aid they we

surgeons i

ded to be

mentioned

6%) and “p

noteworth

t is too sm

ons in Hong

N = 672; n = 29

NS IN HONG

ere very o

in Hong Ko

e pessimis

that “pet o

pet numbe

hy that am

all / too ma

(Ref.: C

g Kong

96) [Ref.: B2]

G KONG

optimistic /

ong, whilst

stic. The

owners are

ers will be

mong those

any vets in

Chart 7.5.2)

/

t

e

e

e

e

n

)


- 89 -

7.5.2.3 When analyzed by whether they owned vet clinic or not, it was observed that

higher proportion of those who owned vet clinic were pessimistic (35.1), as compared with

those who did not have their own clinic (19.8%).

(Ref.: Table 7.5.2)

Table 7.5.2: Views on the prospect of working as veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong – by whether

owned vet clinic or not

Owned vet clinic

(%) Not owned vet clinic

(%)

Very optimistic / Tended to be optimistic 13.0 20.7

Neutral 51.9 59.5

Very pessimistic / Tended to be pessimistic 35.1 19.8

Base: All registered veterinary surgeons who worked in the veterinary profession in HK (N = 672; n = 296)

Study on th

7.5.3 V

K

7.5.3.1 2

Hong Kon

requireme

that it will

Chart 7.5.3

Base: All regis

e Developme

VIEWS ON T

KONG IN TH

21.4% of t

ng will be

ents will be

remain un

: Views on

coming 3

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

THE MANPO

HE COMING

the vets th

increased

e decrease

nchanged.

n the manpo

3 years

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

OWER REQU

3 YEARS

hought tha

d, whereas

ed (24.0%)

ower require

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 90 -

UIREMENTS

at the man

s a similar

. Besides

ements for v

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

FOR VETER

power req

r proportio

s, about th

veterinary su

fession in HK (

Final Report

RINARY SUR

quirements

n thought

ree-tenths

urgeons in H

N = 672; n = 29

RGEONS IN H

s for vet su

that the m

s (31.2%) c

(Ref.: C

Hong Kong

96) [Ref.: B3]

HONG

urgeons in

manpower

considered

Chart 7.5.3)

in the

n

r

d

)

Study on th

7.5.4 P

S

7.5.4.1 W

scheme /

(38.5%) c

opposite.

7.5.4.2 A

“to set a b

quality / s

uplifted” (

claimed th

clinics / sm

clinic serv

Chart 7.5.4

Base: All regis

e Developme

PERCEIVED

SCHEME FO

When ask

classificat

considered

The rem

Among tho

benchmark

standard o

15.4%).

hat it is “di

mall clinics

vice depen

4: Perceive

veterinar

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

D NECESSITY

OR THE VET

ked about

ion schem

d very / qu

maining half

ose who co

k of service

of vet servi

Conversely

ifficult to d

s will be m

ds on good

ed necessity

ry clinics in

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

Y OF SETTIN

TERINARY C

their per

e for the ve

uite neces

f (50.4%) w

onsidered

e level / as

ces” (19.7

y, among t

ecide on g

ore difficul

d vets rath

y of setting u

Hong Kong

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 91 -

NG UP AN A

CLINICS IN H

rceived ne

et clinics in

ssary, while

were neutr

necessary

a guidelin

7%) and “q

those who

grading / a

t to survive

her than the

up an accre

g

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

ACCREDITAT

HONG KONG

ecessity of

n Hong Ko

e relatively

al on this i

y, relatively

e for pet o

quality of v

o considere

assessmen

e” (14.7%)

e setting u

ditation sch

fession in HK (

Final Report

TION SCHEM

G

f setting u

ng, nearly

y few (11.

ssue.

y more me

wners” (37

vet service

ed unneces

t” (14.7%)

), and som

p of clinic”

heme / class

N = 672; n = 29

ME / CLASS

up an ac

two-fifths

2%) cons

entioned th

7.6%), “to e

es will be i

ssary, man

) and “unfa

e thought

(11.8%).

(Ref.: C

sification sc

96) [Ref.: B4]

SIFICATION

creditation

of the vets

idered the

he reasons

ensure the

mproved /

ny of them

air to small

that “good

Chart 7.5.4)

cheme for

n

s

e

s

e

/

m

l

d

)

Study on th

7.6 P

7.6.1 O

for 7 years

a long pe

54.0% sai

Chart 7.6:

Base: All regis

e Developme

PLANNED

Of all vets

s or above

eriod of tim

id they hav

Planned

stered veterinar

ent of the Ve

LENGTH

who worke

e (80.9%).

me (80.2%

ve no time

length of pr

ry surgeons who

eterinary Prof

OF PRACT

ed in Hong

Moreove

), with 26.

frame.

racticing in

o worked in the

fession in Ho

- 92 -

TICING IN H

g Kong, the

er, the majo

.3% said t

Hong Kong

e veterinary pro

ong Kong – F

HONG KO

e majority

ority planne

hey planne

g

fession in HK (

Final Report

ONG

have been

ed to pract

ed for 10

N = 672; n = 29

n living in H

tice in Hon

years or a

(Ref.:

96) [Ref.: D3a &

Hong Kong

g Kong for

above and

Chart 7.6)

& D5]

g

r

d

)

Study on th

8 S

8.1 P

8.1.1 D

overseas

veterinary

are studyi

240 Hong

Place of s

8.1.2 M

(25.8%), T

Chart 8.1a:

Base: All HK s

e Developme

SURVEY

PROFILE O

During the

universitie

y surgeon

ing veterin

g Kong vete

studying

Most of th

Taiwan (5.0

Place of

students who w

ent of the Ve

Y FINDIN

OF HONG

e survey p

es whose v

(vet) in Ho

nary course

erinary stu

e students

0%), New

studying

ere studying ve

eterinary Prof

NGS – V

KONG VE

period from

veterinary c

ong Kong,

es in their

dents in ov

s are study

Zealand (3

eterinary course

fession in Ho

- 93 -

VETERIN

ETERINARY

m March

courses aw

15 said th

universitie

verseas un

ying in Au

3.3%) and

es in overseas u

ong Kong – F

NARY ST

Y STUDEN

to July 2

wards are r

hey have s

es. They i

niversities.

ustralia (63

USA (2.1%

universities (N

Final Report

TUDENT

TS IN OVE

016, amo

recognized

students fr

ndicated t

3.8%). It w

%).

= 240)

TS

ERSEAS U

ng the 55

d for registr

rom Hong

that in tota

was follow

(Ref.: C

NIVERSITI

5 selected

ration as a

Kong who

l there are

wed by UK

Chart 8.1a)

ES

d

a

o

e

K

)

Study on th

Courses a

8.1.3 O

were stud

followed

Medicine

8.1.4 B

studying i

Chart 8.1b:

Base: All HK s

e Developme

and years o

Of all Hon

dying Bach

by Doctor

and Surge

Besides, 2

n their fina

: Courses

students who w

ent of the Ve

of the vete

ng Kong v

helor of Vet

r of Veteri

ery (BVMS

27.8% of t

al stage (18

and years o

ere studying ve

eterinary Prof

erinary stud

veterinary

terinary Sc

nary Medi

) (16.0%).

the studen

8.6% in Ye

of the veteri

eterinary course

fession in Ho

- 94 -

dents’ curre

students i

cience (BV

icine (DVM

nts were s

ear 5 and 2

inary studen

es in overseas u

ong Kong – F

ent studies

n oversea

VSc) (44.8%

M) (20.2%

studying Ye

2.6% in Yea

nts’ current

universities (N

Final Report

s

as universi

%) at the t

%) and Bac

ear 1, whi

ar 6).

studies

= 240; n = 65) [

ties, relati

time of enu

chelor of

ile about 2

(Ref.: C

[Ref.: A2 & A3]

vely more

umeration,

Veterinary

21% were

Chart 8.1b)

e

y

e

)

Study on th

Gender, a

8.1.5 M

28.9% ag

have bee

residents.

Chart 8.1c:

Base: All HK s

e Developme

age and ye

Most of the

ged below

en living in

.

Gender, a

students who w

ent of the Ve

ears of resi

e students

21 and 19

n Hong Ko

age and yea

ere studying ve

eterinary Prof

dence in H

s (71.4%) w

9.5% aged

ong for 7

ars of reside

eterinary course

fession in Ho

- 95 -

Hong Kong

were fema

d 26 – 29.

years or

ence in Hon

es in overseas u

ong Kong – F

g

ales. Nea

Besides

above, an

g Kong

universities (N

Final Report

rly half (47

, virtually a

d are Hon

= 240; n = 65) [

7.4%) aged

all student

ng Kong p

(Ref.: C

[Ref.: C1 – C3]

d 21 – 25,

ts (97.5%)

permanent

Chart 8.1c)

)

t

)

Study on th

8.2 F

8.2.1 P

8.2.1.1 W

nine out o

paths. It

and “furth

8.2.1.2 A

“practicing

graduation

Chart 8.2.1

Base: All HK s

e Developme

FUTURE P

PREFERRED

When aske

of ten stude

t was follow

er studies

Apart from

g – in gove

n.

: Top 3 pre

students who w

ent of the Ve

PLANS

D PATHS AF

ed about t

ents (90.2%

wed distan

– internsh

m the abov

ernment” (

eferred path

ere studying ve

eterinary Prof

FTER GRADU

heir prefer

%) ranked “

ntly by “pra

hip / residen

ve 3 path

(48.1%) an

hs after grad

eterinary course

fession in Ho

- 96 -

UATION

rred paths

“practicing

acticing – in

ncy” (51.7%

hs, many s

nd “further

duation

es in overseas u

ong Kong – F

after grad

g – in clinics

n animal g

%).

students m

r studies –

universities (N

Final Report

uation, it w

s” as one o

roups / org

mentioned

Master /

= 240; n = 65) [

was found

of the top 3

ganizations

that they

Ph.D.” (21

(Ref.: C

[Ref.: B1]

that about

3 preferred

s” (59.6%)

preferred

.7%) after

Chart 8.2.1)

t

d

)

d

r

)

Study on th

8.2.2 I

G

8.2.2.1 N

come bac

was relati

59% in ea

8.2.2.2 A

graduation

(including

contrary,

institution

Chart 8.2.2

Base: All HK s

e Developme

INTENTION

GRADUATIO

Nearly thre

ck to Hong

ively highe

arlier stage

Among th

n, most of

vet clinics

26.2% pre

s).

: Intention

students who w

ent of the Ve

OF COMING

ON

ee-fifths of

g Kong for

er among t

es of study)

ose who

them (62.8

s, Hong Ko

eferred wo

n of coming

ere studying ve

eterinary Prof

G BACK TO H

f the stude

practicing

those who

).

intended

8%) said th

ong Jockey

orking in

back to Hon

eterinary course

fession in Ho

- 97 -

HONG KON

ents (58.7

within 3 y

were stud

to practic

hey were v

y Club, Oc

the public

ng Kong for

es in overseas u

ong Kong – F

NG FOR PRA

7%) said th

years after

dying in Ye

ce in Hon

very / quite

ean Park,

c sector (i

r practicing

universities (N

Final Report

ACTICING WI

hey were v

r graduatio

ear 5 and

g Kong w

e likely to w

Kadoorie F

.e. govern

within 3 yea

= 240; n = 65) [

ITHIN 3 YEA

very / quit

on. Such

6 (68.2%;

within 3 y

work in priv

Farm, etc.

nment / e

(Ref.: C

ars after gra

[Ref.: B2 & B3]

ARS AFTER

te likely to

proportion

vs. below

years after

vate sector

). On the

ducational

Chart 8.2.2)

aduation

o

n

w

r

r

e

l

)


- 98 -

9 CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW OF THE INDUSTRY

9.1 Statistics of the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) indicated that in the


industry has slowed down and was growing in a relatively moderate pace. An

international third party research supplier also projected slow overall growths of the

veterinary services industry national demand and employment.

VIEWS ON THE DIFFICULTIES AND PROSPECT OF VET SURGEONS IN HONG KONG

9.2 Among the vet surgeons who worked in the veterinary profession in Hong Kong,

the top 3 perceived difficulties were “intense competitions” (46.0%), “difficult customers /

pet owners’ unrealistic expectations” (36.2%) and “decreasing / stagnated salary” (32.2%).

Moreover, “long working hours” (27.7%), “stress from complaints and customers” (27.3%)

and “lack of qualified vet assistants” (27.0%) were also commonly mentioned.

9.3 It was noted that the proportions of vets who were optimistic (18.7%) and

pessimistic (23.7%) about the prospect of working as vet surgeons in Hong Kong were

similar.

VIEWS ON THE DIFFICULTIES AND PROSPECT OF VET CLINICS IN HONG KONG

9.4 Among the private vet clinics, the majority ranked “high rent” (81.3%) as one of

the top 3 difficulties in operating vet clinics in Hong Kong. It was followed distantly by

“keen competition among vet clinics” (35.5%) and “lack of qualified supporting staff in HK”

(33.8%). In addition, “difficult customers / pet owners’ unrealistic expectations” (32.8%)

and “high staff cost (incl. salary, fringe benefits, etc.)” (30.5%) were also commonly

mentioned.

9.5 It was noteworthy that “intense / keen competitions”, “difficult customers / pet

owners’ unrealistic expectations” and “lack of qualified supporting staff / vet assistants”

were the common difficulties of vet surgeons and clinics. Besides, it was observed that

while some vet surgeons were dissatisfied with their “decreasing / stagnated salary”, a

number of vet clinics claimed that “high staff cost” was one of their difficulties.

9.6 In fact, survey results showed that about 280 – 290 additional full-time positions

will be opened by vet clinics in the coming 12 months, with more than 60% (180) are vet


- 99 -

assistant positions. Such results showed that the industry required more new blood to

perform the supporting role.

9.7 Besides, only 7.1% of the vet clinics were optimistic about the prospect of

operating vet clinics in Hong Kong, whilst 19.9% were pessimistic. Among those which

were pessimistic, their major concerns were that “HK market is too small”, they faced “keen

competition among vet clinics” and “higher and higher operating costs”.

PET OWNERS’ EXPERIENCES AND OPINIONS OF VET SERVICES IN HONG KONG

9.8 In this survey, results showed that 71.4% of the pet owners have ever brought

their pets to see vets, with 40.5% visited vets in the past 12 months before enumeration.

Such results revealed that bringing pets to see vets for annual health check-up is not a

common practice among pet owners.

9.9 Among the pet owners who have ever visited vets, they were generally contented

with the vet surgeons and vet services in Hong Kong. Yet, 27.1% claimed that they did not

take any action when encountering dissatisfactory vet services. The top 3 reasons were

“just decided not to visit that vet clinic / hospital again”, “not aware of the complaint

channels” and “don’t think that taking any action could help”. Such results showed that pet

owners may need more information about their rights and the complaint channels.

PRICE LEVEL AND TRANSPARENCY OF VET SERVICES IN HONG KONG

9.10 45.2% of the vet services users considered that the fees and charges of vet

services in Hong Kong were reasonable. Yet, a similar proportion (47.5%) considered the

opposite.

9.11 General information of the fees and charges of vet clinics was investigated. It

was revealed that there are certain extent of variations among different vet clinics. The

table below summarized the results. Lowest price range Median price range Highest price range

A general consultation on cats / dogs (about 15 min. or less) $100 - $199 $200 - $299 $400 or above

A routine canine vaccination with 5-in-1 DHPPi/L vaccine (incl.

a basic health examination of dog) Below $200 $200 - $299 $400 or above

A routine de-sexing surgery on an average adult female CAT Below $500 $800 - $899 $1,000 or above

A routine de-sexing surgery on an average adult female DOG (10 – 20kg)

Below $1,000 $1,300 - $1,399 $1,500 or above

Over-night hospitalization for an adult dog (under 10kg) Below $200 $400 - $499 $500 or above

Base: All private veterinary clinics in HK (N = 146)


- 100 -

9.12 Moreover, when asked their perceived transparency of the fees and charges of

vet services in Hong Kong, it was observed that less than half of the pet owners (45.8%)

considered the price transparency adequate. On the other hand, 22.9% considered

inadequate. Among them, many claimed that the clinics should post the list of basic fees

and charges at the clinic.

9.13 However, the survey results showed that only 14.4% of the clinics posted the

general price list at prominent positions of the clinics. For the remaining majority (85.6%),

pricing information is not readily accessible for walk-in customers. The above findings

showed that pet owners may need more information on the fees and charges of veterinary

services.


- 101 -

KEY FINDINGS REFERENCE

PET OWNERS

Section no.

No. of households which kept pets (except fishes) (i.e. potential vet services

users):

289 100 in the past 12 months before enumeration

311 100 in the coming 3 years

No. of households which kept dogs and/or cats:

249 400 in 2010 (Thematic Household Survey of C&SD)

257 500 in 2015 – 2016 (in the past 12 months before enumeration in this

survey)

281 000 in 2019 (in the coming 3 years after enumeration in this survey)

5.1.1

No. of pets which were kept (except fishes):

681 600 in the past 12 months before enumeration

726 900 in the coming 3 years

No. of dogs and cats which were kept:



510 600 in 2015 – 2016 (in the past 12 months before enumeration in this

survey)

545 600 in 2019 (in the coming 3 years after enumeration in this survey)

5.1.2

71.4% of the pet owners have ever brought their pets to see veterinary surgeons

(vets), with 40.5% visited vets in the past 12 months. 5.2.1

Whether pet owners considered the fees and charges of veterinary services in

Hong Kong reasonable:

45.2% said very / quite reasonable

47.5% said very / quite unreasonable

7.3% said don’t know / no comment / hard to say

Whether pet owners considered the fees and charges of veterinary services in

Hong Kong transparent enough:

45.8% said very / quite adequate transparency

26.8% said average

22.9% said very / quite inadequate transparency


5.2.4

Overall satisfaction of veterinary services in Hong Kong:

55.4% said very / quite satisfied

38.4% said average

4.8% said very / quite dissatisfied


5.2.5


- 102 -

Perceived sufficiency of vet surgeons in Hong Kong:

49.7% said very / quite sufficient

18.6% said average

25.2% said very / quite insufficient


5.3

VETERINARY CLINICS

Section no.

No. of private veterinary clinics in Hong Kong during survey period from May to

June 2016: 146 6.1

64.3% of the veterinary clinics have 24 hours hospitalization services, in which

72.8% have no 24 hours attending staff

31.5% of the veterinary clinics have after-hours / 24 hours consultation service, in

which 64.5% have no 24 hours vets on-site

6.2.1

Manpower requirement

At the time of enumeration

- 1 520 full-time positions (incl. 400 vet surgeon, 780 vet assistant, 90

vet technician, 160 administrative and 100 other positions)

- 130 part-time positions

- 80 locum positions

In the coming 12 months

- About 280 – 290 additional full-time positions (incl. about 70 vet

surgeon, 180 vet assistant, 20 vet technician, 10 administrative and 10

other positions)

- About 20 additional part-time positions

- About 10 additional locum positions

In the coming 3 years

- 60.8% of the vet clinics intended to hire more staff, in which 63.8%

intended to hire fresh / recent veterinary graduates

6.3.1

Perceived top 3 difficulties in operating veterinary clinics in Hong Kong:

High rent

Keen competition among vet clinics

Lack of qualified supporting staff in HK

6.2.4

9.6% of the vet clinics had relocation plan in the coming 3 years

13.8% of the vet clinics had expansion plan in opening more clinics in Hong Kong

in the coming 3 years

Estimated no. of vet clinics in the coming 3 years: 166

6.3.2

Views on the prospect of operating vet clinics in Hong Kong:

7.1% were very optimistic / tended to be optimistic

73.0% were neutral

19.9% were very pessimistic / tended to be pessimistic

6.3.3


- 103 -

14.4% of the vet clinics posted the general price list at prominent positions of the

clinics

Median price ranges of general veterinary services:

$200 - $299 for a general consultation on cats / dogs

$200 - $299 for a routine canine vaccination with 5-in-1 DHPPi/L vaccine

$800 - $899 for a routine de-sexing surgery on an average adult female cat

$1,300 - $1,399 for a routine de-sexing surgery on an average adult female

dog (10 – 20 kg)

$400 - $499 for over-night hospitalization for an adult dog (under 10kg)

6.4

VETERINARY SURGEONS

Section no.

The number of registered vet surgeons in Hong Kong increased from 412 in 2006

to 823 in 2015 (statistical data from VSB)

Using 5-year compound annual growth rate for estimation, the number of

registered vets in 2019: 1 044

The number of registered vets who were authorized to advertise as, or profess to

be, specialists in Hong Kong increased from 5 in 2011 to 18 in 2015 (statistical

data from VSB)

Using 5-year compound annual growth rate for estimation, the number of

specialists in 2019: 50

4.3

Vet-to-pet ratio in Hong Kong:

1 : 823 in 2005

1 : 735 in 2010

1 : 620 in 2015 – 2016

1 : 523 in 2019

Vet-to-pet ratios in other comparable developed countries (in 2008):

1 : 2 543 in Singapore

1 : 2 374 in UK

1 : 3 072 in USA

4.4

This survey covered 840 vets who were registered in VSB as at 10 March 2016.

Among them, 72.5% have been living in Hong Kong for 7 years or above.

67.9% are Hong Kong permanent residents

7.2

80.0% of the registered vets were working in the veterinary profession in Hong

Kong at the time of enumeration. Among them, the majority were working

full-time in individual (60.5%) and/or group / chain (13.2%) private clinics

7.3


- 104 -

Among the 80.0% who worked in the veterinary profession in Hong Kong, 36.5%

of the vets obtained other veterinary post-graduate / specialists qualifications

Whether intended to take other veterinary post-graduate / specialists studies in

the comng 3 years:

55.6% said very / quite likely

30.3% said very / quite unlikely

14.1% said undecided

7.4

Perceived top 3 difficulties facing practicing vet surgeons in Hong Kong:

Too many vet surgeons in HK, which leads to intense competitions

Difficult customers / pet owners’ unrealistic expectations toward vet services

Decreasing / stagnated salary

7.5.1

Views on the prospect of working as vet surgeons in Hong Kong:

18.7% were very optimistic / tended to be optimistic

57.6% were neutral

23.7% were very pessimistic / tended to be pessimistic

7.5.2

80.2% of the vets planned to practice in Hong Kong for a long period of time (10

years or above / no time frame) 7.6

VETERINARY STUDENTS

Section no.

15 out of 55 overseas universities responded that they have veterinary students

from Hong Kong. They indicated that in total there are 240 Hong Kong students

Place of studying:

63.8% in Australia

25.8% in UK

5.0% in Taiwan

3.3% in New Zealand

2.1% in USA

97.5% of the students are Hong Kong permanent residents

8.1

Intention of coming back to Hong Kong for practicing within 3 years after

graduation:

58.7% said very / quite likely

19.4% said very / quite unlikely


Among the 58.7%, preference of working in public / private sector:

62.8% said very / quite likely to work in private sector

26.2% said very / quite likely to work in public sector


8.2.2


- 105 -

APPENDICES – QUESTIONNAIRES

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漁農自然護理署 2 米嘉道資訊策略有限公司 Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Mercado Solutions Associates Ltd.

【For the following questions, Please “” the answer chosen in the box .】

Part A. About Your Working Status

A1 Which type(s) of veterinary establishment are you currently working for, and your working status in

the corresponding establishment(s) is(are): [Can choose more than one]

Full-time Part-time

Locum

(or temporary position)

Individual private clinic 01 02 03

Group / chain private clinic 04 05 06

Animal groups / organizations (e.g. SPCA, HK

Jockey Club, Ocean Park, Kadoorie Farm, etc.) 07 08 09

Government 10 11 12

Educational institutions 13 14 15

Laboratory 16 17 18

Pharmaceutical company / pet food company 19 20 21

Others (pls. specify): 22 23 24

99 Not currently working in the veterinary

profession in HK Skip to Part D

A2 a. Do you own a veterinary clinic in Hong Kong?

g opening your own veterinary clinic in the coming 3 years?

A3 For what type(s) of animals do you provide services?

[Can choose more than one]

1 Cats 5 Reptiles (e.g. turtles, snakes, lizards, etc.)

2 Dogs 6 Birds

3 Rabbits 7 Fishes

4 Hamster, chinchilla Others (pls. specify):

A4 a. Have you obtained any other veterinary post-graduate / specialist qualification?

raduate)

alist qualification)



A5 Your intention of taking other post-graduate / specialist studies in the coming 3 years is:

Very likely

4

Quite likely

3

Quite unlikely

2

Very unlikely

1

Undecided

8

└───Area(s): ───┘


1 Small Animal Surgery 5 Acupuncture

2 Small Animal Internal Medicine 6 Public Health

3 Anesthesia 7 Veterinary Imaging

4 Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Others (pls. specify):

Part B. About the Difficulties and Prospect of Veterinary Surgeons in HK

B1 What do you think are the difficulties facing as veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong?

Please rank the top 3 aspects.

Major difficulty

[Single answer]

2nd

[Single answer]

3rd

[Single answer]

Too many veterinary surgeons in HK, which

leads to intense competitions 01 01 01

Decreasing or stagnated salary 02 02 02

The HK market is too small 03 03 03

Limited career prospect 04 04 04

Long working hours 05 05 05

Heavy workload 06 06 06

Lack of qualified veterinary assistants 07 07 07

Pet owners’ lack of knowledge on pet health 08 08 08

Difficult customers / pet owners’ unrealistic

expectations toward veterinary services 09 09 09

Stress from complaints, demanding / difficult

customers 10 10 10

Lack of local professional training opportunities 11 11 11

Lack of peer support at work place 12 12 12

Undesirable living standard / condition / lifestyle

in HK 13 13 13


99 Do not think that there is any difficulty



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optimistic

5

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4

Neutral

3

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pessimistic

2

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└──Reason(s):──┘


B3 Your view on the manpower requirements for veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong in the coming 3

years is:

3 Will be increased

2 Will remain unchanged

1 Will be decreased

8 No comment / hard to say

B4 Do you consider it necessary to set up an accreditation scheme / classification scheme for the

veterinary clinics in Hong Kong?

Very

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Quite

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4

Neutral

3

Quite

unnecessary

2

Very

unnecessary

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Part D. General Background Information

D1 Gender:

1 Male 2 Female 9 Refused to answer

D2 Age:

1 Below 21 4 30 – 39 9 Refused to answer

2 21 – 25 5 40 – 49

3 26 – 29 6 50 or above

D3 a. Year(s) of residence in Hong Kong:

1 Less than 1 year 5 7 years or above b. Are you holding HK permanent ID card?

2 1 – 2 years 1 Yes

3 3 – 4 years 2 No

4 5 – 6 years 9 Refused to answer



D4 Year(s) of practicing as veterinary surgeon (incl. experience of practicing in other countries / regions outside Hong Kong):

1 Less than 1 year 3 3 – 4 years 5 10 years or above

2 1 – 2 years 4 5 – 9 years 9 Refused to answer

D5 For how long do you plan to practice in Hong Kong?

1 Less than 1 year 4 5 – 6 years 8 No time frame

2 1 – 2 years 5 7 – 9 years 9 Refused to answer

3 3 – 4 years 6 10 years or above

Contact Information

To ensure the quality of this study, kindly please provide your contact information for some follow-up

questions when necessary. All collected information will be kept strictly confidential and will only be

used in this study when necessary.

Name:

Contact tel. no.:

Contact email address:

＊ End of Questionnaire. Thank You. ＊

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Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong

– Persons-in-charge / Owners / Managers of Private Veterinary Clinics



Part A. About Your Current Business Operation

A1 For what type(s) of animals does your veterinary clinic provides services?


1 Cats 5 Reptiles (e.g. turtles, snakes, lizards, etc.)

2 Dogs 6 Birds

3 Rabbits 7 Fishes

4 Hamster, chinchilla Others (pls. specify):

A2 a. What type(s) of service is(are) provided in your veterinary clinic?


1 General consultation (e.g. health examinations, vaccination, microchipping)

2 Routine / simple surgery

3 Advanced surgery

4 On-site blood analysis

5 Other on-site diagnostic tests (e.g. Cytology test / urine test)

6 X-ray imaging

7 Ultrasound imaging

8 Computed tomography (CT)

9 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Other imaging (pls. specify):

10 Day time hospitalization

11 24 hours hospitalization pls. specify: 21 having 24hrs attending vets

22 having 24hrs attending clinic staff

23 not having 24hrs attending staff

14 Vets house call service / mobile service

15 Acupuncture

16 Chinese veterinary medicine

18 Pet boarding service

19 Pet grooming service

Other services (pls. specify):

b. Does your veterinary clinic provide after-hours consultation service (i.e. consultation service after

normal operating hours can be provided upon request) or 24 hours consultation service?

ving 24hrs vets on-site 32 not having 24hrs vets on-site (on-call)




A3 Does your veterinary clinic provide specialist services carried out by a listed specialist in Hong Kong

authorized by the VSB? [If yes] What type(s) of specialist services does your clinic provides?


1 Dentistry 7 Small animal internal medicine

2 Ophthalmology 8 Imaging (e.g. X-ray, ultrasound, etc.)

3 Neurology 9 Dermatology

4 Cardiology

5 Oncology Others (pls. specify):

6 Surgery 99 None

A4 How long is your veterinary clinic established in Hong Kong?

1 Less than 2 years 3 5 – 9 years 5 15 – 19 years

2 2 – 4 years 4 10 – 14 years 6 20 years or above

A5 Can you please estimate the floor area (i.e. total gross floor area) of your veterinary clinic?

1 Less than 500 sq.ft. 5 2,000 – <3,000 sq.ft.

2 500 – <1,000 sq.ft. 6 3,000 – <4,000 sq.ft.

3 1,000 – <1,500 sq.ft. 7 4,000 – <5,000 sq.ft.

4 1,500 – <2,000 sq.ft. 8 5,000 sq.ft. or above

Note:

1 sq ft = 0.0929 sq meters

A6 How many persons in your veterinary clinic are engaged in the following aspects?

Full-time Part-time

Locum


Veterinary surgeon

Veterinary assistant

Veterinary technician

Administrative staff

Other staff




A7 What do you think are the difficulties in operating veterinary clinics in Hong Kong? Please rank the top 3 aspects.

Major difficulty

[Single answer]

2nd

[Single answer]

3rd

[Single answer]

High rent 01 01 01

Lack of veterinary professionals in HK 02 02 02

Lack of qualified supporting staff in HK 03 03 03

High staff cost (incl. salary, fringe benefits, etc.) 04 04 04

The HK market is too small 05 05 05

Too many regulations in operating vet clinics 06 06 06

Difficult customers / pet owners’ unrealistic

expectations toward veterinary services 07 07 07

Keen competition among vet clinics 08 08 08

High cost of medical equipment and facilities 09 09 09

Relatively difficult to obtain certain medical

supply from local veterinary supplies vendors

(e.g. medicines or equipment)

10 10 10


99 Do not think that there is any difficulty

Part B. Future Plans

B1 Are you intended to hire more staff in the coming 3 years?

B2 In the coming 12 months, how many additional staff do you anticipate to be hired for the following

aspects?

Full-time Part-time

Locum


Veterinary surgeon

Veterinary assistant

Veterinary technician

Administrative staff

Other staff




B3 Are you intended to hire fresh or recent veterinary graduates?

B4 Do you have preference in hiring veterinary surgeons who graduated from universities in particular

countries / regions? [If yes] Which is(are) your preferred countries / regions?


1 UK 5 Canada

2 USA 6 Taiwan

3 Australia Others (pls. specify):

4 New Zealand 99 No preference

B5 Do you have preference in hiring veterinary surgeons with specialty / special interests? [If yes]

Which is(are) your preferred specialty / special areas of interests?


1 Dentistry 7 Small animal internal medicine

2 Ophthalmology 8 Veterinary imaging

3 Neurology 9 Dermatology

4 Cardiology 10 Chinese medicine / acupuncture

5 Oncology 11 Exotic pets

6 Surgery Others (pls. specify):

99 No preference

B6 a. Does your veterinary clinic have any relocation plan in the coming 3 years?

nce on districts? And which is(are) your preferred districts?

one]

1 Central & Western 2 Wanchai

3 Eastern 4 Southern

5 Yau Tsim Mong 6 Sham Shui Po 7 Kowloon City

8 Wong Tai Sin 9 Kwun Tong

10 Kwai Tsing 11 Tsuen Wan 12 Tuen Mun

13 Yuen Long 14 North 15 Tai Po

16 Shatin (incl. Ma On Shan) 17 Sai Kung (incl. Tseung Kwan O)

18 Islands (incl. Tung Chung)




B7 a. Does your veterinary clinic have any expansion plan in opening more clinics in Hong Kong in the

coming 3 years?

clinic(s) do you anticipate to be opened in the coming 3 years?

3 3 4 4 5 5 or more 9 Undecided

nce on districts? And which is(are) your preferred districts?

one]

1 Central & Western 2 Wanchai

3 Eastern 4 Southern

5 Yau Tsim Mong 6 Sham Shui Po 7 Kowloon City

8 Wong Tai Sin 9 Kwun Tong

10 Kwai Tsing 11 Tsuen Wan 12 Tuen Mun

13 Yuen Long 14 North 15 Tai Po

16 Shatin (incl. Ma On Shan) 17 Sai Kung (incl. Tseung Kwan O)

18 Islands (incl. Tung Chung)

B8 Your view on the prospect of operating veterinary clinics in Hong Kong is:

Very

optimistic

5

Tended to be

optimistic

4

Neutral

3

Tended to be

pessimistic

2

Very

pessimistic

1






Part C. General Information of Fees & Charges

C1 Consultation charge for a general consultation on cats / dogs (about 15 minutes or less):

1 Under HK$100 3 HK$150 - $199 5 HK$300 - $399

2 HK$100 - $149 4 HK$200 - $299 6 HK$400 or up

9 Refused to answer

C2 Charge for a routine canine vaccination with 5-in-1 DHPPi/L vaccine (incl. canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, parvovirus, canine parainfluenza and leptospira), including a basic health examination of dog:

1 Under HK$150 3 HK$200 - $299 5 HK$400 or up

2 HK$150 - $199 4 HK$300 - $399 9 Refused to answer

C3 Charge for a routine de-sexing (non-complicated) surgery on an average adult female cat (incl. anesthetic, but excl. any blood test, additional post-surgery oral medication, collars, etc.):

1 Under HK$500 4 HK$700 - $799 7 HK$1,000 or up

2 HK$500 - $599 5 HK$800 - $899

3 HK$600 - $699 6 HK$900 - $999 9 Refused to answer

C4 Charge for a routine de-sexing (non-complicated) surgery on an average adult female dog (10 – 20kg) (incl. anesthetic, but excl. any blood test, additional post-surgery oral medication, collars, etc.):

1 Under HK$1,000 4 HK$1,200 - $1,299 7 HK$1,500 or up

2 HK$1,000 - $1,099 5 HK$1,300 - $1,399

3 HK$1,100 - $1,199 6 HK$1,400 - $1,499 9 Refused to answer

C5 Charge for over-night hospitalization for an adult dog (under 10kg) (excl. any additional care, such as intensive care, oxygenation, heat-pad warming, medication given, etc.):

1 Under HK$200 4 HK$400 - $499 9 Refused to answer

2 HK$200 - $299 5 HK$500 or up 7 No over-night hospitalization

service 3 HK$300 - $399

Contact Information




Contact person: Title of contact person:

Contact tel. no.: Contact email address:


Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Students


Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Overseas Veterinary Students from Hong Kong

For office use only Sup : Case : Edit : Check :

We sincerely invite you to complete this questionnaire.

Purpose of the survey:

In order to improve understanding of the prospects and constraints of the veterinary profession in

Hong Kong, the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB) through the Government’s

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has commissioned an independent research

company, Mercado Solutions Associates Ltd. (MSA), to conduct this study. One of the target

groups of this study is the Hong Kong students who are studying veterinary science in

overseas universities. This survey will help VSB in formulating recommendations to further

support the development of the veterinary profession in Hong Kong.

Means to return the completed questionnaire:

We sincerely invite you to complete the questionnaire and return it to MSA via any of the following

means:

fax to (852) 3167 1193;

scan the completed questionnaire into an electronic file and email to [email protected];

or

visit the website (http://zh.research.net/r/vet-profession_students), and complete the online

questionnaire.

Please be assured that all collected information from the survey will be kept strictly confidential and

will be analysed on an aggregated basis. Thank you for your support. If you have any enquiries

about the questionnaire, please call MSA’s survey hotline (852) 2598 0909.

填入數據後即成 RESTRICTED WHEN ENTERED WITH DATA 限閱文件




Part A. About Your Study

A1 Name of university:

UK

1 University of Bristol 5 University of Liverpool

2 University of Cambridge 6 University of London

3 University of Edinburgh 7 University of Nottingham

4 University of Glasgow

Ireland

8 Trinity College Dublin 9 University of Dublin

Australia

10 University of Adelaide 14 University of Murdoch

11 University of Charles Sturt 15 University of Queensland

12 University of James Cook 16 University of Sydney

13 University of Melbourne

Canada

17 University of Guelph 20 University of Calgary

18 University of Saskatchewan 21 University of Montreal

19 University of Prince Edward Island

New Zealand Taiwan

22 Massey University 23 National Taiwan University

USA

24 Auburn University 37 Mississippi State University

25 University of California-Davis 38 University of Missouri-Columbia

26 Colorado State University 39 Cornell University

27 University of Florida 40 North Carolina State University

28 University of Georgia 41 Ohio State University

29 University of Illinois 42 Oklahoma State University

30 Purdue University 43 Oregon State University

31 Iowa State University 44 University of Pennsylvania

32 Kansas State University 45 University of Tennessee

33 Louisiana State University 46 Texas A&M University

34 Tufts University 47 Virginia Tech

35 Michigan State University 48 Washington State University

36 University of Minnesota 49 University of Wisconsin-Madison

South Africa France

50 University of Pretoria 51 VetAgro Sup – Campus Veterinaire de Lyon

The Netherlands Mexico

52 State University of Utrecht 53 Universidad Nacional Antonoma de Mexico

West Indies

54 Ross University 55 St. George’s University



A2 Your current study is:

1 (BVSc) Bachelor of Veterinary Science

2 (BVMS) Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

3 (BVBiol) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology

4 (DVM) Doctor of Veterinary Medicine


A3 Year of your current study:

1 1st year 4 4th year

2 2nd year 5 5th year

3 3rd year 6 6th year

Part B. Future Plan

B1 Your intention of taking the following path(s) after graduation:

Please rank your top 3 preferred paths.

Top priority

[Single answer]

2nd

[Single answer]

3rd

[Single answer]

Practicing

In clinics 01 01 01

In animal groups / organizations 02 02 02

In government 03 03 03

In laboratory 04 04 04

Research work 05 05 05

In pharmaceutical company / pet food company 06 06 06


Further Studies

Internship / Residency 07 07 07

Master / Ph.D. 08 08 08


Other intention after graduation (pls. specify):

99

No 2nd priority

99

No 3rd priority



B2 Your intention of coming back to Hong Kong to practice within 3 years of graduation:

4 Very likely ┓ Go to B3

3 Quite likely ┛

2 Quite unlikely ┓

Skip to Part C 1 Very unlikely ┃

8 Undecided ┛

B3 Your preference of working in public or private sector in Hong Kong:

(Note: Public sector – government / educational institutions

Private sector – incl. veterinary clinics, HK Jockey Club, Ocean Park, Kadoorie Farm, etc.)

4 Very likely to work in public sector

3 Quite likely to work in public sector

2 Quite likely to work in private sector

1 Very likely to work in private sector

8 Undecided

Part C. General Background Information

C1 Gender:

1 Male 2 Female 9 Refused to answer

C2 Age:

1 Below 21 3 26 – 29 9 Refused to answer

2 21 – 25 4 30 or above

C3 a. Year(s) of residence in Hong Kong:

1 Less than 7 year 2 7 years or above b. Are you holding HK permanent ID card?

9 Refused to answer 1 Yes

2 No

Contact Information




Name:

Contact email address:


P15338 Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Pet Owners

Mercado Solutions Associates Ltd. 1

Sup : Case :

Edit : Check :

Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Pet Owners

Tel. code: Name of respondent:

Contact tel no.:

Interviewer no.: Interview date: Time started: Time ended:

Introduction:

Hello! My name is ________, an interviewer of Mercado Solutions Associates Ltd. We are commissioned by the

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to conduct a study on keeping pets, and would like to

conduct a short interview with you. The information you provide will be treated with the strictest confidence and will

be used for aggregate data analysis only. Your co-operation in completing this survey is both valued and

appreciated. [Interviewer note: make sure that the respondent aged 18 or above.]

[If necessary, elaborate] Whether your household keeps pets or not, we’d like to know your views on this issue.

Your opinion is very important to the work of local veterinary professionals and the government.

Basic Questions Q1. Has your household kept any pet (any species) in the past 12 months? [SA]

Yes 1 Skip to Q4

No 2 Ask Q2

Q2. Do you intend to keep any pet in the coming 3 years? [SA]

Likely 1 Ask Q3

Unlikely 2 ┐Skip to X1

Don’t know / undecided 8 ┘

Q3. What type(s) of pets will you keep? [Probe] Any others?

[MA]

Cats 01 Reptiles (e.g. turtles, snakes, etc.) 05 ┐

Dogs 02 Birds 06 │Skip to X1

Rabbits 03 Fishes (any animals that live in water) 90 │for all who

Hamster / chinchilla 04 Others (pls. specify):

│completed Q3│

Don’t know / undecided 98 ┘

RESTRICTED WHEN ENTERED WITH DATA ACCESSIBLE TO AUTHORIZED PERSONS ONLY



Main Questionnaire – Pet Owners

[Interviewer note: make sure that the respondent is the household member who is the main person

responsible for taking care of the pet(s).]

Q4. a. What type(s) of pet did you keep in the past 12 months?

[Probe] Any others?

b. [Probe for each type of pets] How many?

c. In the coming 3 years, will you keep other type(s) of pet? [If

yes] Which type(s)? [Probe] Any others?

a.

Kept in the

past 12

months

[MA]

b.

No. for each

type

c.

Will keep in

the coming

3 years

(those not

mentioned

in a)

[MA]

Cats 01 . 01

Dogs 02 . 02

Rabbits 03 . 03

Hamster / chinchilla 04 . 04

Reptiles (e.g. turtles, snakes, etc.) 05 . 05

Birds 06 . 06

Fishes (any animals that live in water) 90 90

Others (pls. specify): .

Will not keep

other type

of pets

99

CHECK Q4a: For those who kept fish in the past 12 months ONLY Skip to X1; Otherwise continue to Q5.

Q5. Can you tell me your years of experience in keeping pets? [Read out the answers

1 – 5]

[SA]

Less than 1 year 1

1 – 3 years 2

4 – 6 years 3

7 – 9 years 4

10 years or above 5



Q6. a. Have you ever brought your pets to see veterinary surgeons (vets)?

[If yes] When is the last time? [Read out the answers 1 – 4]

[SA]

In the past 12 months 1 ┐

1 – 2 years ago 2 │Skip to

3 – 4 years ago 3 │Q7

5 years ago or even earlier 4 ┘

Have never brought pets to see vets 9 Ask Q6b

Q6 b. Why didn’t you bring your pets to see vets? [Probe] Any other reasons?

[If the respondent claimed “I considered it unnecessary”, probe: “why do

you consider it unnecessary?”]

[MA]

My pet has no sickness before 01 ┐

It’s just a minor problem for my pet, it should be fine in a few days 02 │

Ask the staff of pet shop and they can tell how to handle it 03 │Skip to Q16

I gave my pet patent medicine and it’s okay 04 │

The fees and charges of vet services is expensive 05 │


│

┘



Q7. a. For the last time you brought your pets to

see vets, what type(s) of vet services did you

use? [Probe] Any others?

[If necessary, read out the answers 1 – 12]

[MA]

General consultation

(e.g. health examinations /

follow-up consultation)

01

b. Did you go to the vets clinic or

hospital, or use the vets visiting or

mobile service?

[SA]

Vets clinic / hospital 1

Vets visiting service 2

Vets mobile service 3

c. Did you use the service in normal

operating hours, or after-hours

emergency service upon request? [SA]

Service in normal operating hours 1

After-hours emergency service 2

Vaccination / microchipping 02

Surgery 03 d. What kind of surgery? [MA]

De-sexing 01

Orthopedic surgery 02

Teeth cleaning / dental surgery 03


Blood test 04

Other diagnostic tests (e.g. Cytology test) 05

X-ray imaging 06

Ultrasound 07

Other imaging (pls. specify):

Hospitalization 08

e. Any 24 hours attending staff for

taking care of the pets? [SA]

Yes 1

No 2

Don’t know 8

Acupuncture 09

Chinese veterinary medicine 10

Medication (e.g. medicine for heartworm) 11

Buying pet food 12

Other services (pls. specify):



Q8. Based on your experience from the last time you sought veterinary attention, were you satisfied with the

treatment your pet received from the veterinarian with particular respect to the following aspects? [Read out

a – e one by one]

[Probe] Would you say “very satisfied”, “quite satisfied”, “average”, “quite dissatisfied” or “very dissatisfied”?

[SA]

[Read out a – e one by one] Very

satisfied

Quite

satisfied Average

Quite

dissatisfied

Very

dissatisfied

Don’t know /

no comment /

hard to say

[Do not

read out]

a. Professional knowledge of the vets 5 4 3 2 1 8

b. Attitude and courtesy of the vets 5 4 3 2 1 8

c. Was alternative treatment advice

offered 5 4 3 2 1 8

d. Were proactive suggestions made on

taking care of your pets 5 4 3 2 1 8

e. The overall service quality is value for

money 5 4 3 2 1 8

Q9. How much did you spend on vet services in the past year approximately? (Please

count from the most recent year that you have sought veterinary attention)

[Read out the answers 01 – 11]

[SA]

Less than $1,000 01

$1,000 – less than $2,000 02

$2,000 – less than $3,000 03

$3,000 – less than $4,000 04

$4,000 – less than $6,000 05

$6,000 – less than $8,000 06

$8,000 – less than $10,000 07

$10,000 – less than $15,000 08

$15,000 – less than $20,000 09

$20,000 – less than $25,000 10

$25,000 or above 11

Can’t remember 98



Q10. a. Overall, do you consider the fees and charges of vet services in Hong Kong

reasonable or not?

[Probe] Would you say “very reasonable”, “quite reasonable”, “quite

unreasonable” or “very unreasonable”?

[SA]

Very reasonable 4 ┐Skip to Q11

Quite reasonable 3 ┘

Quite unreasonable 2 ┐Ask b

Very unreasonable 1 ┘

Don’t know / no comment / hard to say 8 Skip to Q11

b. What type(s) of vet services do you consider that the fees and charges are

unreasonable? [Probe] Any others?

[MA]

Consultation fee of general vets 01

Consultation fee of specialists vets 02

Hospitalization 03

Medicines 04

Diagnostic tests 05

Surgery 06




Q11. a. If the vet said that your pet requires further examination or certain kind of

treatment, e.g. lab tests, imaging, surgery or other kinds of treatment, did the

vet or other staff explain to you the reason of conducting those examinations or

treatments before doing so?

[SA]

Yes, explained by the vet 1 Ask b

Yes, explained by other staff 2 Ask c

No 9 Ask d

Don’t know / don’t have such encounter 8 Skip to Q12

b. Do you consider the explanation of vet clear or not?

[Probe] Would you say “very clear”, “quite clear”, “quite unclear” or “very

unclear”?

Very clear 4 ┐

Skip to d

Quite clear 3 │

Quite unclear 2 │

Very unclear 1 │

No comment / hard to say 8 ┘

c. Do you consider the explanation of other staff clear or not?

[Probe] Would you say “very clear”, “quite clear”, “quite unclear” or “very

unclear”?

Very clear 4

Quite clear 3

Quite unclear 2

Very unclear 1

No comment / hard to say 8

d. Did the vet or other staff explain to you the approximate fees or charges before

service?

Yes 1

No 2

e. After paying the required fees or charges, did the vet clinic or hospital issue a

receipt for you?

Yes 1 Ask f

No 2 ┐Skip to Q12

Did not conduct the examination or treatment finally 9 ┘

f. Did they itemise the fees or charges of the examination or treatment on the

receipt?

Yes 1

No 2

Don’t know / didn’t pay attention on it 8



Q12. a. Overall, do you consider the fees and charges of vet services in Hong Kong

transparent enough? E.g. except in an emergency situation, did they give you

a general idea on the fees or charges before conducting the examination or

treatment, or were you informed when there is additional treatment / testing?

[Probe] Do you consider the price transparency “very adequate”, “quite

adequate”, “average”, quite inadequate” or “very inadequate”?

[SA]

Very adequate 5 ┐

Quite adequate 4 │Skip to Q13

Average 3 ┘

Quite inadequate 2 ┐Ask b

Very inadequate 1 ┘


b. What type(s) of vet services do you consider that the price transparency is

inadequate? [Probe] Any others?

[MA]

Consultation fee of general vets 01

Consultation fee of specialists vets 02

Hospitalization 03

Medicines 04

Diagnostic tests 05

Surgery 06


c. How do you think the fees and charges of vet services can be more

transparent? [Probe] Any others?

[MA]

The clinics should post the list of basic fees and charges at the clinic 01

The clinics should post the list of basic fees and charges in their website 02

The clinics should list the breakdown items of the fees or charges on receipts 03


Don’t know / no comment / hard to say 98

Q13. a. Have you ever consulted more than one vet (i.e. sought second opinion(s)) for

the same problem of your pet(s)?

[SA]

Yes 1 Ask b

No 2 ┐Skip to Q14

Can’t remember / my pets have never had problem 9 ┘

b. Why did you consult more than one vet? [Probe] Any others? [MA]

The problem of my pet did not improve 01

The fees / charges of the first vet / clinic for the required examination or treatment

were too expensive 02

Just wanted to seek a second / other advice 03

Dissatisfaction with the customer service provided by the clinic 04




Q14. a. Overall of the various aspects of your veterinary visit, are you satisfied with the

vet services in Hong Kong?

[Probe] Would you say “very satisfied”, “quite satisfied”, “average”, “quite

dissatisfied” or “very dissatisfied”?

[SA]

Very satisfied 5 ┐

Quite satisfied 4 │Skip to Q15

Average 3 ┘

Quite dissatisfied 2 ┐Ask b

Very dissatisfied 1 ┘


b. In which aspect are you dissatisfied with? [Probe] Any others? [MA]

Unreasonable fees and charges 01

Inadequate price transparency 02

Attitude and courtesy of vets 03

Attitude and courtesy of other staff 04

Unclear explanation of vets 05

Unclear explanation of other staff 06


Q15. a. When you encounter the situation that you are dissatisfied with the vet

services, did you take any action? [If yes] What actions have you taken?

[MA]

Report to the clinic or hospital (and undergo mediation) 01 ┐

Lodge a complaint to the regulatory authority 02 │

Lodge a complaint to other organizations 03 │

Share the experience in forum or social network on the internet 04 │Skip to Q16


│ ┘

Did not take any action 99 Ask b

Don’t have such encounter of dissatisfaction 98 Skip to Q16

b. Why didn’t you take any action? [Probe] Any others? [MA]

Don’t think it could help 01

Not aware of the complaint channels 02

Considered that the procedure of complaint was complicated

(e.g. should go through many different steps) 03

No spare time and effort to handle 04

Just decided not to visit that clinic or hospital again 05




Q16. a. Overall, do you consider the number of vets in Hong Kong sufficient or not?

[Probe] Would you say “very sufficient”, “quite sufficient”, “average”, “quite

insufficient” or “very insufficient”?

[SA]

Very sufficient 5 ┐

Quite sufficient 4 │Skip to Q17

Average 3 ┘

Quite insufficient 2 ┐Ask b

Very insufficient 1 ┘


b. Which type(s) of vets do you consider insufficient? [Probe] Any others? [MA]

General 01

Ophthalmology 02

Internal medicine 03

Surgery 04

Exotic animal 05


Q17. From which channels do you know about the vet services in Hong Kong? [Probe]

Any others?

[MA]

TV programme 01

Radio programme 02

Newspapers / magazines articles 03

Newspapers / magazines advertisements 04

Printing materials (e.g. leaflet, booklet) 05

Pets expo 06

Staff of pet shops 07

Friends / relatives 08

Internet – websites of vet clinics 09

Internet – social network / forum 10

Mobile phone apps 11


None 99

Background Information

X1. Record the gender: [SA]

Male 1

Female 2



[Read out] Finally, for conducting statistical analysis, would you tell me…

X2. Which of the following age group are you in? [Read out the answers 1 – 6] [SA]

18 – 24 1

25 – 29 2

30 – 39 3

40 – 49 4

50 – 59 5

60 or above 6

Refused to answer [Do not read out] 9

X3. Which district do you live in? [Read out 01 – 18 if necessary]

[SA]

HK Island Central & Western 01 New Territories Kwai Tsing 10

Wan Chai 02 Tsuen Wan 11

Eastern 03 Tuen Mun 12

Southern 04 Yuen Long 13

North 14

Kowloon Yau Tsim Mong 05 Tai Po 15

Sham Shui Po 06 Sha Tin (incl. Ma On Shan) 16

Kowloon City 07 Sai Kung (incl. Tseung Kwan O) 17

Wong Tai Sin 08 Islands (incl. Tung Chung) 18

Kwun Tong

09

Refused to answer

[Do not read out] 97

X4. Which of the following housing type are you living in?

[Read out the answers 1 – 3]

[SA]

Public housing estates 1

Subsidized sale flats (HOS) 2

Private housing 3


Refused to answer [Do not read out] 9



X5. Would you tell me which of the following group of total monthly household income are you

in? [Read out the answers 01 – 10]

[SA]

No income 01

With income

$9,999 or below 02 $30,000 - $39,999 06

$10,000 - $19,999 03 $40,000 - $49,999 07

$20,000 - $24,999 04 $50,000 - $59,999 08

$25,000 - $29,999 05 $60,000 - $69,999 09

$70,000 or above 10

Don’t know [Do not read out] 98

Refused to answer

[Do not read out] 97

～ Thank you for your co-operation! ～

[Read out] Supervisory staff of our company may contact you later to re-confirm the interview that I have done or to

clarify some other answers to the questions. He/she will ask a few questions only and will not disturb you for a long

time.

Interviewer declaration

I hereby authenticate the data accuracy and integrity, and the interview was conducted by following the guidelines

maintained by the international standard of market research.

Signature: Date:

Documents

Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in ... · Study on the Development of the Veterinary Profession in Hong Kong – Final Report - 2 - enumerated. Data from enumerated