Hong Kong Dog-Friendly Restaurant List Updated as Over 900 Establishments Join Scheme
AM730 · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has expanded its dog-friendly dining scheme, with over 900 restaurants now approved to welcome canine companions as of September 11, 2026 . The latest update adds several new establishments across Hong Kong, including restaurants in Mong Kok, Central, Sha Tin, and the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park. The scheme, which launched in mid-June, aims to accommodate pet owners while maintaining food safety and public hygiene standards. However, three categories of restaurants—hot pot establishments, barbecue venues, and venues smaller than 20 square metres—remain ineligible for participation. Dog owners must comply with strict regulations, including vaccination requirements, microchipping, and leash protocols, with penalties for violations reaching up to HK$10,000 and three months' imprisonment.
Key Points
- The September 11, 2026 update includes five new approved restaurants: CHEEK-TO-CHEEK in Mong Kok (5A Maple Street and 10H Boundary Street), Food Lab in Central (17A Old Bailey Street), Hei Hing Jiu Lou (Hei Hing Restaurant) in Sha Tin (S031, 8W Building, Science Park Phase 2), and The Pantry Club at Kai Tak Sports Park
- Over 900 restaurants have completed the approval process since the scheme's launch in mid-June, with the government initially targeting 500 to 1,000 participating establishments
- All approved restaurants are prohibited from cooking or heating food on tables at any time or seating area to ensure food safety and hygiene
- Dogs must be leashed with leads not exceeding 1.5 metres, remain under adult control, and are strictly forbidden from using restaurant utensils or jumping onto dining tables
- Prohibited dog breeds include pit bull terriers, Argentine Dogo, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila Brasileiro, and mixed breeds of these four types, which are barred from all approved establishments
Why It Matters
This expansion reflects Hong Kong's growing recognition of pets as family members and responds to demand from the estimated 20% of households with companion animals. The regulatory framework balances pet-friendly access with public health concerns, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other densely populated urban centres. For dog-owning residents, the scheme provides more opportunities for social dining experiences without leaving their pets behind .
This expansion reflects Hong Kong's growing recognition of pets as family members and responds to demand from the estimated 20% of households with companion animals. The regulatory framework balances pet-friendly access with public health concerns, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other densely populated urban centres. For dog-owning residents, the scheme provides more opportunities for social dining experiences without leaving their pets behind .