Over 600 animals are affected by the incident.
516
animals have been found since the fire, including 366 survivors and 150 that have sadly passed away.
84
animals are still missing.
(as of 20:00, 5 December, 2025)
It has been heartbreaking to witness the devastating fire in Tai Po. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected — families who have lost loved ones, homes, and cherished pets. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Our Emergency Response
Since day one, the SPCA’s inspectors, veterinary team, and volunteers have been on-site in Tai Po, working tirelessly alongside other groups and frontline responders. Our focus has been to:
- Triage and treat rescued animals
- Match found animals with their guardians
- Advocate for safe and humane animal rescue operations
Efforts to Locate Missing Pets
We continue to advocate daily for the safe recovery of animals who may still be trapped inside the affected building. Repeated and urgent appeals have been made to the Fire Services Department (FSD), Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU), and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to ensure every possible effort is made to bring these animals to safety.
Thanks to ongoing collaboration, a number of our proposals have been accepted, including:
- Allowing pet owners from Wang Chi Court to leave keys with firefighters or return to their units with them
- Permitting the placement of humane cat traps around the building perimeter.
- Frontline officers proactively searching flats registered with us as having missing pets
- Re-entering specific units to conduct targeted, animal-focused searches
What We’re Continuing to Advocate For
We have requested the AFCD to relay the following actions to the DVIU, in case any animals may still be in hiding:
- Set humane cat traps throughout the site and buildings, with regular checks
- Place food and water in accessible areas to support any surviving animals
- Inform the SPCA if any recovered ashes are suspected to be animal remains
We remain deeply committed to supporting the animals and their families, and will share updates with the public as new information becomes available.
Supporting Pet Owners in Every Way We Can
We understand how overwhelming this experience has been for pet owners. The SPCA is offering FREE assistance to those affected:
For pets requiring medical attention, the SPCA Veterinary Services at our 7 clinics are available to provide FREE examinations and treatments.
- Free Wellness Check (including in-depth consultation, blood test, blood pressure, urine and fecal analysis)
- Free treatment for injuries related to the fire, including medical treatment and/or surgery, if necessary
The SPCA offers support to affected pet owners by providing essential supplies — including pet food, litter, collars, and hygiene items — and by reimbursing equipment for exotic pets, such as tanks, filters, lights, and pumps
We understand that affected pet owners may need time to arrange housing and personal matters. To assist, SPCA offers free temporary shelter for affected pets at SPCA Tsing Yi Centre.
If longer-term or home-based care is needed, the SPCA can assist in arranging temporary foster homes through our network of volunteer caregivers. This service ensures pets remain safe and cared for in a comfortable home environment while their owners make necessary arrangements
Pets may also show signs of stress, anxiety, or behavioural changes after traumatic events or separation from their owners. The SPCA can provide free behavioural assessments for post‑traumatic stress disorders, along with expert guidance on comforting, stabilising, and supporting your pets emotionally.
Losing a pet is never easy, especially during this challenging time. Our dedicated website https://petloss.spca.org.hk offers immediate online resources and support for pet owners coping with loss.
To support affected pet owners, we will offer free pet grooming service (for both dogs and cats) at our Wan Chai, Kowloon and Tsing Yi Centre until 31 March 2026.
Please fill in the form for us to follow up for any assistance:
The above aid are valid until 31 March 2026, after which we will evaluate the need for any extension.
External Sources of Help
For additional information, guidance, and emotional support, please refer to the Animal-Assisted Services Research Team of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong, which has set up a dedicated “Pet Bereavement and Counselling” page to provide resources and support for individuals coping with the loss of a beloved pet.
https://aai.socialwork.hku.hk/en
1. Donate Supplies
We are currently calling for donations of towels and unopened pet food. At present, we have sufficient essential supplies; therefore, donations of other items are not required. All donated items will be distributed to animals at the affected sites or those under our care. Any additional items may be shared with affected animals through other animal shelters or authorised volunteer networks.
Donation Drop-off Location :
SPCA Tsing Yi Centre
38 Cheung Fai Road, Tsing Yi
Opening hours: 8:45am to 6pm, daily
2. Make an Online Donation
Beyond our immediate emergency response, we anticipate a long-term need for support. Many affected pet owners may not be able to resume normal life soon, meaning additional resources will be required for extended care, shelter, and assistance for both pets and their families. This emergency response and ongoing support requires significant resources.
We need your ongoing help.
Funds will go towards:
- Immediate help:
Inspectorate and veterinary support on site, medical supplies, lost & found operations, pet food & essential supplies, mental health support for staff, amongst others - Follow up support:
Continued veterinary care for rescued pets, emotional support for traumatised pets, foster or boarding services to allow pet owners time to recover, adoption arrangements for pets who have lost their families
3. Long-Term Foster Support
At this time, we do not have an urgent need for short-term foster care. However, if you are interested in providing long-term fostering in the future, please email your name and contact details to:
foster@spca.org.hk
We will keep your information on file and contact you if the need arises, or we may share your details with other organisations seeking foster support.
Thank You for Standing With Us
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of messages and contributions from the community. Your support helps us continue our rescue and relief efforts.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many animal welfare organisations that have stepped forward to provide medical supplies, pet food, and support for affected pet owners. Special thanks to the veterinary surgeons and nurses who offered their expertise and care on site, as well as the organisations and individuals who opened their homes to foster displaced animals during this incredibly difficult time. We also want to thank the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to consolidate data and reach out to pet owners—a task that has not been easy. Your commitment and perseverance have made a tremendous difference.
Your care and compassion give us the strength to keep going. Together, we can bring comfort, healing, and hope to the animals and families affected by this tragedy.
Special thanks to:
Other generous donors
