HONG KONG – Esteemed Cantopop singer and actor Andy Hui Chi-on is leveraging his star power as an ambassador for the “Love Starts at Home” campaign, urging the public in Hong Kong to embrace pet adoption rather than supporting commercial breeding. The veteran artist recently filmed a segment titled “You and Your Pet,” highlighting his personal experiences with foster care and emphasizing the profound emotional rewards of providing a loving, permanent home to animals in need.
The campaign centers on countering the region’s common practice of purchasing designer or purebred pets, shifting focus instead toward the thousands of deserving animals housed in local shelters.
The Unforgettable Bond of Fostering
Hui, known widely to fans as “On Jai,” spoke candidly about his lifelong connection to animals, revealing a surprising family history of temporary care. While filming the promotional segment—during which he was visibly at ease interacting playfully with a rescued cat—Hui shared that his earliest memory of a pet was, in fact, a dog.
“For the longest time, I genuinely thought my first pet was a cat,” he recalled. “Then I saw an old photo of a black mixed-breed dog in our home. I was so young at the time, I didn’t recognize it. It turned out, it was ours.”
He explained that his family actively participated in pet fostering, welcoming animals temporarily until permanent homes could be found. He detailed their experience with fostering a large yellow cat that was initially shy and fearful due to previous trauma.
“This particular cat had faced hardship, and its confidence around people was very low at first,” Hui said. “But within a week, we saw incredible progress. It learned how to play and trust. Witnessing that transformation, learning how to build trust with a scared animal, taught me so much about empathy. It shows you a different perspective of yourself.”
Advocating for Adoption: Love Cannot Be Bought
For those contemplating pet ownership but hesitant about the complexity of long-term care, Hui offered practical, accessible advice based on years of observation. He noted that many friends express interest in adopting but fear they lack the necessary skills or commitment.
“My biggest tip is simple: invite yourself over to friends’ houses who already have pets,” he suggested. “Watch how I interact with my cat, or see how others manage their dogs. Get close to animals, pet them, and your affection will naturally grow into commitment.”
When asked to weigh the merits of adoption versus purchasing, Hui’s stance was unequivocal. He views adoption as the only viable choice, not just ethically, but emotionally.
“It is adoption, always,” he stressed. “The fundamental difference is that the love you gain through adoption cannot be bought. That love is priceless; you secure a life, and they grant you unconditional connection.”
The campaign’s message resonates deeply with animal welfare organizations across Hong Kong, which are struggling to manage overwhelming intake numbers. Celebrity endorsements, such as Hui’s, are crucial for normalizing adoption and challenging outdated perceptions that shelter animals are less desirable than those sold in pet shops. By sharing his personal journey with fostering and emphasizing the emotional return on investment, Hui hopes more families will open their hearts and homes to animals in need, proving that kindness truly does start at home.
