Starting May 18, restaurants in Hong Kong can apply to join a new Food and Environmental Hygiene Department scheme allowing dogs inside licensed premises. The first approved venues are expected to begin admitting dogs in July.
The initial rollout is capped at 1,000 restaurants. If applications exceed this limit, permits will be allocated via a ballot system. Successful applicants must pay a HKD$140 license amendment fee.
Key Rules & Requirements
Safety Rules
- Restricted breeds:
Fighting breeds and known dangerous dogs are strictly prohibited from entering approved venues.
- Leash control:
Dogs must be securely handled by an adult using a leash no longer than 1.5 meters, or tethered to a fixed object within the same leash limit.
Hygiene Rules
- Restricted areas:
Dogs are strictly banned from all food preparation areas (e.g. kitchens and prep zones).
- No dog food preparation on-site:
Restaurants cannot cook or prepare dog food on the premises.
- No table-side cooking:
Cooking or heating food directly at dining tables (e.g. hotpot/BBQ setups) is not allowed for safety and hygiene reasons.
Operational & Enforcement Rules
- Mandatory signage:
Restaurants must prominently display official signage indicating that dogs are permitted on the premises.
- Inspections & adaptation period:
A one-month adaptation period will follow the July launch, with frequent inspections by department staff to ensure compliance.
- Penalties for non-compliance:
If a venue receives three warning letters within 12 months:
- Its dog-friendly permit may be revoked, and
- The operator may face a 12-month ban from reapplying.
This initiative marks a major shift for Hong Kong’s dining scene. By introducing this new pet-friendly framework, the government is effectively bringing an end to a strict prohibition that has kept dogs out of the city’s restaurants for over 30 years.
