HONG KONG: More than 940 eateries across Hong Kong are opening their doors to pet dogs, as the city's four-legged companions are officially allowed to enter designated dining establishments from Thursday (July 9).
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has dispatched a dedicated 90-strong team to conduct field inspections, assist restaurant operators in adhering to relevant regulations, and address operational queries.
Department officials have already visited all 940 approved restaurants to personally deliver approval letters and brief operators on legal requirements, licensing conditions, and compliance frameworks.
The move is the latest initiative by the special administrative region government to create a pet-friendly community to capitalise on a booming local pet economy, as outlined in the SAR government's 2025 Policy Address.
A total of 1,616 diners applied for the dog-friendly restaurant permits in the initial phase of the scheme.
Owners of dogs that are permitted to enter the approved restaurants must abide by the rules, including ensuring that their dog is held on a leash of no more than 1.5 meters long by an adult or is tied to a fixture on a leash.
Fighting dogs and “known dangerous dogs” are not permitted to enter restaurants; no dogs are permitted to enter the food preparation area at any time.
Operators who violate the rules are liable for a maximum fine of HK$10,000 ($1,275), a daily fine of $300, or three months’ imprisonment.
According to the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour for Dog-Friendly Restaurants, restaurant operators are strictly required to guarantee food safety and environmental hygiene.
Restaurants must provide necessary sanitisation supplies, and staff members responsible for handling food are strictly prohibited from playing with dogs.
The approved restaurants are prohibited from cooking or preparing dog food, and from allowing dogs to use the reusable tableware or access the surfaces of dining tables. Some eateries may sell or provide prepackaged dog food for dogs to consume.
Dog owners should be mindful of other customers and are strictly forbidden from sharing reusable tableware with their dogs.
Meanwhile, customers without dogs are advised to follow safe interaction principles and have the right to report any pet-related issues to restaurant management for immediate and appropriate handling. - China Daily/ANN
