Making the LINK - business friends connect ‘Dr Dogs’ to over 1000 vulnerable people

08 July 2016

Since the beginning of our partnership in 2015, Animals Asia has gratefully welcomed the support of LINK Asset Management Limited, which has kindly donated over HK$300,000 to fund our unique canine assisted therapy programme, "Dr Dog".

The generous support through its 'Link Together Initiatives' programme has enabled Animals Asia's registered therapy dogs, Dr Dogs, to make 87 visits in Hong Kong so far, providing therapy sessions to over 1,500 deprived elderly people in hospitals, community centres and care homes.

LINK bagDr Dog is Animals Asia's groundbreaking animal assisted therapy programme which aims to help animals by helping people. Launched in 1991, Dr Dog now has over 250 registered therapy dogs, who act as 'ambassadors' for their species.

Along with their guardians, Dr Dog's visit hospitals, care homes and community centres to interact and provide complementary therapy to vulnerable and sick people in need. The company of animals has been shown to have a calming and stress reducing effect on patients.

Our partnership with LINK has funded training sessions for new Dr Dog volunteers, sharing sessions where our volunteers can debrief and convey their feelings about their visits, and visits to hospitals in celebration of Chinese New Year. In June, we were even able to arrange a special visit with our CEO and Founder Jill Robinson MBE and friend to Animals Asia, David Higgs from the Olsen Animal Trust.

Jill visit

Animals Asia's, Karina O'Carroll, Animal Welfare Education Manager says: We are so grateful for the support from LINK Reit. Our Dr Dog programme is so important in helping patients in need of some special care and their new canine friends, our Dr Dogs who are always happy to oblige.

Our volunteers both human and dog have been able to reach more needy and elderly people in some brand new locations.

The Dr Dog visits are always such a joy. The patients adore interacting with the dogs who in turn, love the fuss! It is a fantastic way to promote special patient care and spread kindness and compassion between humans and animals. Thank you LINK!" 

Lady with dog


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