The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government is advancing plans to allow pet dogs in designated restaurants, with the first batch of permissions expected to be issued by mid-2026. Photo: Screenshot from the official website of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) of the HKSAR.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government is advancing plans to allow pet dogs in designated restaurants, with the first batch of permissions expected to be issued by mid-2026, creating new business opportunities for the industry, according to details released recently by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

Under current regulations, dogs are generally barred from food premises except for guide dogs or those on official duties, limiting pet owners to outdoor seating when dining out with their animals.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) submitted a detailed proposal to the Legislative Council's Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene on Tuesday, outlining the implementation framework. Amendments to the Food Business Regulation will be tabled in the Legislative Council in the first quarter of 2026. If approved, applications could open around May this year, with the initial permissions granted as early as June.

In the first phase, the government plans to issue 500 to 1,000 endorsements, accounting for roughly 3 to 5 percent of Hong Kong's total restaurants. This voluntary scheme excludes hotpot and barbecue establishments during its first phase due to safety considerations related to open flames and boiling liquids.

Successful applicants will pay a one-time license endorsement fee of HK$140 (US$18) and must display prominent signage at entrances indicating dogs are permitted. If demand exceeds the quota, permits will be allocated via lottery.

To safeguard public health and hygiene, strict conditions apply: Dogs must be restrained with a lead no longer than 1.5 meters and be securely held by an adult or fastened to a fixed object, and must not be allowed to roam freely. So-called "dangerous dogs" and fighting breeds listed under relevant ordinances are prohibited from entry.

Dogs will not be allowed to use restaurant utensils, climb on tables, or access food preparation areas, including open kitchens or adjacent bar counters. Restaurants may not prepare or cook food for pets on-site; only pre-packaged pet food may be supplied by restaurants, or owners may bring their own.

Licensed operators retain flexibility to designate pet zones or set limits on the number of dogs allowed at any time. If a dog causes injury, such as biting, the pet owner assumes full liability.

Additionally, hotpot and barbecue restaurants will not be eligible to apply for the relevant permits due to safety concerns related to open flames, high temperatures, and table-side cooking risks. 

In the event that a pet dog bites or injures someone in the restaurant, the pet owner bears full responsibility for the incident. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will monitor and enforce compliance with the scheme's conditions by restaurant operators.

Global Times