A significant surge in demand for animal-assisted therapy in Hong Kong has left the city's primary volunteer-led programs at full capacity for the next three years. The 'Dr Dog' and 'Professor Paws' initiatives, operated by the organization Animals Asia, are currently unable to accept new bookings until February 2027. These programs provide therapeutic visits to a variety of institutions, including schools, hospitals, and homes for the elderly, where interaction with trained dogs is used to support mental and physical well-being.

The programs operate on a lean model, consisting of a single staff member coordinating a network of 65 volunteers. These volunteers are responsible for not only their time but also the logistical costs associated with transporting their dogs to various locations across the city. According to program representatives, the current backlog is a direct result of the number of requests from institutions far exceeding the available visiting slots provided by the volunteer base. While the programs are highly regarded for their contribution to community health, the reliance on private individuals to cover transportation and time commitments highlights the limitations of scaling such services without additional institutional support or funding.