SPCA doubles down on pet inclusivity with first Dogathon in HK

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is introducing the first-ever Dogathon 2026 to mark a historic step forward in pet-inclusivity. 

Dogathon 2026 — the flagship annual charity walk and pet festival presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, SPCA’s trusted nutrition partner — will take place on 1 March 2026 at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, bringing together over 3,000 participants and their canine companions for a meaningful journey under the theme: “A magical journey for paws and purpose.”

The event allows small-to-medium-sized pet dogs to ride on MTR, not only the light rail but also the heavy rail network, thanks to a special one-day travel arrangement offered by MTR Corporation. In addition, KMB will provide dedicated pet bus service, providing safe and convenient transportation for participants and their furry companions.

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from SPCA said its collaboration with MTR aims to further promote Hong Kong as a pet-friendly city by making transportation more inclusive and accessible for pet owners. "This SPCA Dogathon Charity Walk & Pet Festival provides a perfect platform to host a one-day pet-friendly heavy rail experience for travel, all while raising vital funds for animals in need. At the SPCA, we believe in by opening up public transportation to pet owners, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate community."

"Our long-term vision is that one day pet owners will be able to travel with their companions, even for essential journeys such as visiting the vet, easily and affordably on public transport. This collaboration with MTR is an important step toward making that dream a reality," the spokesperson added.

Dogathon 2026 is more than just a fun-filled day for pet lovers — it is a meaningful fundraising event that fuels the SPCA’s life-saving mission. The funds raised will directly support the rescue and rehabilitation of vulnerable animals, help promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership across the community, and enable the SPCA to find loving, permanent homes for countless homeless animals.

The campaign's marketing strategy is rooted in understanding the needs of pet owners for accessible and affordable pet-friendly transportation. "Building on the success of initiatives such as the KMB Pet Bus and the MTR Light Rail 'Cat dog carrying scheme', we recognised that access to the heavy rail has long been the ultimate dream for pet owners. We are pleased to be collaborating with MTR in support of the annual SPCA Dogathon which we hope will pave the way for more permanent pet-friendly transportation options in the future," the spokesperson said. 

In terms of measuring returns on investment (ROI), one of the key goals of the event is to raise public awareness of this pet-inclusive milestone, as well as to drive participation in the Dogathon Charity Walk and Pet Festival by providing accessible and affordable transportation options to/from the Charity Walk @ Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and the response has been very encouraging — with over 133 sign-ups overnight following the announcement.

Louisa Ho, deputy executive director of the SPCA, shared her excitement, “This is a major breakthrough for pet-inclusivity in Hong Kong. We’re thrilled to partner with MTR Corporation for this initiative, and deeply grateful for the support from two of Hong Kong’s largest transportation companies, MTR Corporation and KMB. Together, we’re creating a more compassionate and pet-friendly city.”

Cheris Lee, deputy director-operating and metro segment of MTR Corporation added, “We are pleased to support SPCA Dogathon 2026 with the launch of the SPCA Dogathon – one-day MTR woof pass — marking the first time small-to-medium-sized dogs are allowed to ride on the majority of our railway lines. Building on the success of our Light Rail’s ‘Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme’, this initiative is a meaningful step towards a more pet-inclusive Hong Kong. We will continue to work closely with the SPCA and make thorough preparations to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all passengers.”

Emily Cheung, commercial director, The Kowloon Motor Bus Company, said, “We’re proud to support SPCA Dogathon 2026 and help make the event more accessible for pet owners across the city. We pioneered the first Pet Bus for SPCA Jockey Club Centennial Tsing Yi Centre in August 2024 and have expanded our partnership since. The Pet Bus service reflects KMB’s ongoing efforts to promote a pet-friendly public transport culture.”

Don't miss: SPCA and KMB team up to launch one-day pet-friendly bus service

This is not the first time SPCA partnered up with local transport provider for pet inclusivity. Back in 2024, SPCA and KMB teamed up to offer a one-day pet-friendly bus service. An exclusive route operated from Tsuen Wan West to Maritime Square II with a final stop at the SPCA Tsing Yi Centre.

As the number of pet owners in Hong Kong continues to grow, the SPCA remains committed to fostering a pet-inclusive culture built on mutual respect between pet owners and non-pet owners. To support this vision, the SPCA provides pet-inclusive training to frontline staff across various sectors — including major transport providers such as KMB and MTR, as well as pet-welcoming venues such a Infinitus Plaza and Hang Seng Bank.

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