Hong Kong restaurants begin welcoming dogs as city eases long-standing ban

Dog owners in Hong Kong can now take their pets to selected restaurants after the city eased a decades-old restriction, marking another step toward creating a more pet-friendly environment.

From Thursday, more than 900 approved restaurants have been allowed to admit dogs under the first phase of the new policy.

Since 1994, only guide dogs and dogs performing official duties had been permitted inside restaurants under Hong Kong's food business regulations.

The move is part of the city's broader efforts to become more animal-friendly. Hong Kong has already allowed pets on certain ferry routes and some rural metro services, while public hospitals have also begun permitting pet visits for patients receiving palliative care.

Government figures show that more than 240,000 households in Hong Kong own over 400,000 pet cats and dogs, representing about 9% of all households.

At Wan Land Cafe, owner Kelvin Chan has displayed a sign announcing that dogs are now welcome inside. Previously, pets were limited to the outdoor seating area, which was uncomfortable during Hong Kong's hot and humid summer.

Although Chan does not expect a major increase in customers, he believes the policy will help build a more pet-friendly and inclusive society.

He acknowledged that while many dog lovers support the change, some people may need time to adjust to dining alongside pets. He hopes responsible behaviour by pet owners will gradually make others more comfortable with the idea.

"It could become part of our lives," he said.

Regular customer Franco Li welcomed the new arrangement, saying his Shiba Inu, Piku, can now stay beside him while he eats and interact with other dogs.

"This is such a great step forward for civilization," Li said.

Ahead of the rule change, some pet owners enrolled their dogs in special "dog dining etiquette" workshops to help them behave properly in restaurants.

Dog trainer Heyton Lee, who has worked with dogs for 19 years, said demand for the training increased before the new measure took effect.

His two-hour sessions recreate a restaurant setting, teaching dogs to remain calm around people and other dogs. Owners also learn hand signals commonly used to guide their pets' behaviour.

Lee said the training helps dogs become more comfortable in public places and reduces anxiety when interacting with strangers.

Under the new rules, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 metres (5 feet), held by an adult or tied securely. They are not allowed on tables and cannot eat directly from reusable utensils used by people.

Dogs classified by the government as fighting breeds are not permitted in participating restaurants. Restaurants are also prohibited from preparing meals for dogs but may sell pre-packaged pet food.

Many restaurants have made preparations to welcome pets, hoping the policy will attract more customers.

Old Fung Teahouse, a dim sum restaurant, spent more than HK$10,000 (US$1,276) on improvements, including installing an air purifier, creating a separate dining area for pet owners, and providing pet strollers and cleaning supplies. The restaurant expects the move could increase business by up to 15%.

Mainland Chinese tourist Ma Ke praised the restaurant's approach, saying the separate seating area helps customers who are less comfortable around dogs while allowing pet owners to enjoy dining with their animals.