Hong Kong Introduces Pet-friendly Restaurant License, Ending 30-year Ban

Hong Kong introduces pet-friendly restaurant license, ending 30-year ban

The Hong Kong SAR Government announced that on September 17, 2025, Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address the introduction of a license permitting dogs in restaurants. Approved establishments must clearly display a "pet-friendly" designation. With over 400,000 cats and dogs currently in Hong Kong, this initiative aims to boost the pet economy following the 1994 Food Business Regulation ban on dogs in eateries. The policy is expected to stimulate growth in pet-related dining and social consumption scenarios, encouraging businesses to develop pet-friendly spaces. Balancing hygiene management with customer preferences remains a challenge, and some restaurants may adopt a wait-and-see approach due to concerns about losing customers.

Chief Executive John Lee today (17th) delivered a new Policy Address, proposing the development of a diversified economy, including the promotion of pet-friendly initiatives.Lee stated that the government will introduce a license allowing dogs into restaurants. Approved establishments will display clear signage indicating that customers may bring their dogs inside. This move signals a potential partial lifting of Hong Kong's 30-year ban on dogs in restaurants, sparking widespread public discussion. Many pet owners welcomed the initiative and await detailed arrangements, while some industry representatives adopted a wait-and-see approach. Legislative Council members advocated for promoting the pet economy to cultivate new economic growth points for Hong Kong.

In today's society, pets are important members of many families. Over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep cats or dogs as pets, totaling more than 400,000 animals. Hong Kong's current Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) Section 10B, first promulgated in 1994, was originally intended to prevent the spread of rabies and protect public health. However, it has remained unchanged for over 30 years, making it difficult for many dog lovers to dine out with their pets. Earlier this year, a pet-friendly restaurant in Tai Po faced prosecution for allowing dogs inside its premises,
resulting in a 7-day suspension of its business license-marking the first such case in recent years.

The Policy Address released today proposes that the pet sector encompasses pet food and supplies, healthcare, insurance, grooming, and training, generating substantial consumer spending.
In recent years, businesses and transportation operators have voluntarily introduced pet-friendly venues and travel arrangements. The government supports the business sector in creating diverse pet-friendly activity spaces to foster new consumption scenarios. To this end, the government plans to introduce a restaurant license permitting dog access. Approved establishments will display clear signage indicating customers may bring dogs inside.

For this reason, when traveling with your pet, you'll need pet supplies. Wearing a collar or pet harness and using a leash to walk your pet will become part of your daily routine. This means choosing sturdy, durable pet supplies to ensure the safety of both owner and pet, as well as others around you.