HONG KONG, November 27, 2025 – While firefighters combed floor by floor to save residents of Wang Fuk Court housing complex, volunteers from Hong Kong’s animal welfare organizations mobilized to rescue pets trapped in the deadly blaze. The inferno, which has killed at least 44 people and left nearly 300 missing, has highlighted the critical role of animal rescue teams in disaster situations.

Pet Rescue Efforts Amid the Inferno

Dozens of volunteers arrived with oxygenated pet carriers, cages, and animal ambulances, navigating police cordons and blazing stairwells to reach trapped animals. Social media posts captured the emotional toll on elderly residents and other pet owners who had to flee their homes, leaving animals behind.

Anson Cheng of Hong Kong Guardians said the team compiled a list of more than 100 missing pets from residents’ reports. “We shared the cases with firefighters so that they can check flats and pick up pets if they see them,” Cheng explained. By Thursday morning, at least 10 cats, seven dogs, and several turtles had been rescued from the wreckage.

Microchipping Facilitates Reunions

Hong Kong’s system of microchipping dogs and cats has allowed some rescued animals to be reunited with their owners. Huddled in a nearby park, a resident surnamed Law shared the anxiety of leaving her 10-year-old cat, Fa, behind while fleeing her apartment. “It was a very small fire when I went down,” she said. “Half an hour later, the fire already went all the way to the top. Nearby areas were also burning; there was no way to get back in. I feel bad.”

Growing Pet Ownership in Hong Kong

Despite limited living space in the city, pet ownership is increasingly common, ranging from dogs and cats to rabbits and hamsters. Animal welfare agencies say disasters like the Wang Fuk Court fire underscore the need for coordinated rescue efforts and preparedness for pets in high-density urban areas.

Volunteers coordinated with firefighters and local authorities to ensure pets could be safely removed from dangerous areas, emphasizing that animal rescue is a vital component of disaster response.

Broader Impact and Community Response

The tragedy has also spurred discussions about building safety, emergency evacuation protocols, and fire hazards associated with bamboo scaffolding and construction materials. As families and volunteers work tirelessly, the rescue efforts highlight the resilience of Hong Kong’s community and the importance of including pets in disaster planning.