Every dog has its day. That's certainly true for puppies at the Hong Kong Pet Show, one of the largest pet shows in the world. Despite growing concern over the impact of the global financial crisis on animal welfare, some animal lovers still seem keen to flash the cash, when it comes to showing off their pampered pets.

These lucky puppies are just two of the many pampered pets enjoying the Hong Kong Pet Show.

Dog lovers have come to compare notes and find inspiration in new ways of spoiling their pets. It's also an opportunity to take pictures - not that these stars of the show seem to mind the attention.

These two brown poodles - dressed to impress in pink and blue frocks - are the apple of their owner Hong Tang's eye.

Hong Tang, poodle owner, said, "I make their food myself. I buy the meat, and then dry and bake it. Home-made snacks are healthier, without preservatives and additives. They're better for the dogs."

Kinny Cheng has four dogs. She spends about 500 US dollars a month on food and grooming - about the same as she spends on herself.

But some say this kind of indulgence is on the wane, as current economic realities begin to bite.

Sandra Cheung, Modern Pet (HK) Ltd., said, "Pet owners are more cautious with their spending now. They're more selective and look for ways to save money. So we take this into consideration. For example, we think of images that suit dogs using less money. So this has some impact on our business."

But it's not just the lack of a fancy haircut or pedicure that's worrying some animal rights groups.

Fears are growing over the numbers of pets being abandoned - some 900 in Hong Kong alone, during 2010 and 2011.

Michael Wong, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, HK, said, "So with the economy being very unstable in 2012 we think that there's a possibility of such a trend. This is why over the next few months we will be doing a lot to educate people about ownership for life and not to abandon pets."

But for now, these animal lovers at the Hong Kong pet show continue to show off their expensively manicured creations.

Over 400 owners took part in the event. And although the dogs hogged most of the limelight, there was still some room for pet birds and even a farmyard full of goats.

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