Over 900 Hong Kong Restaurants Now Permit Dogs Under Updated FEHD Scheme
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has expanded its dog-friendly restaurant initiative, with over 900 establishments now permitted to welcome canine companions as of September 4, 2026 . The scheme, which launched in mid-June, allows approved restaurants to accommodate dogs under strict conditions including mandatory leashing and prohibition of dogs on dining tables . Five new venues were added to the approved list this week, spanning districts across the New Territories including North District, Sha Tin, Tai Po, and Tuen Mun . The programme continues to exclude hot pot restaurants, all forms of BBQ establishments, and small venues measuring less than 20 square metres .
Key Points
- Five restaurants newly approved on September 4 include Fuk Mun Ting (North District), Coffee Question (Sham Shui Po), Lung Mun Guest House (Sha Tin), BLA BLA by sensory ZERO (Tai Po), and BAR PACIFIC (Tuen Mun)
- Violations carry penalties of up to HK$10,000 and three months imprisonment, with additional daily fines for continued non-compliance
- Fighting breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Argentine Dogo, Japanese Tosa, and Brazilian Fila are categorically prohibited from entering approved venues
- Dogs must remain leashed with a maximum 1.5-metre lead at all times, even when in carriers or strollers
- Restaurant operators must verify valid pet licences via the "iAMSmart" app before admitting dogs and may refuse entry to unvaccinated or unregistered animals
Why It Matters
The expansion of Hong Kong's dog-friendly restaurant scheme represents a significant shift in urban pet policy, granting dog owners greater access to public dining spaces while maintaining public health and safety standards . The programme's strict enforcement mechanism with substantial penalties ensures accountability for both pet owners and operators, potentially serving as a model for other cities in the region seeking to balance pet accommodation with community wellbeing .
The expansion of Hong Kong's dog-friendly restaurant scheme represents a significant shift in urban pet policy, granting dog owners greater access to public dining spaces while maintaining public health and safety standards . The programme's strict enforcement mechanism with substantial penalties ensures accountability for both pet owners and operators, potentially serving as a model for other cities in the region seeking to balance pet accommodation with community wellbeing .