In last year's Policy Address, the government proposed introducing a restaurant license that permits dogs to enter. A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) met the press today (Feb. 3), stating that in the first phase, approximately 500 to 1,000 licenses will be made available, with applications expected to open by mid-2026, and applications from hotpot and barbecue restaurants will not be accepted.
Applications from hotpot and barbecue restaurants not accepted
The spokesperson explained that, to ensure the safety of both people and animals as well as maintain food and environmental hygiene, restaurants granted approval will not be allowed to serve food that requires cooking or heating at the table. Therefore, applications from hotpot and barbecue restaurants will not be accepted in the first phase.
The spokesperson added that, to minimize compliance costs for the industry, all restaurants with a valid license will be eligible to apply for the dog-friendly restaurant license without requiring additional renovations, except for adhering to the aforementioned restriction.
When asked about the requirements for restaurants located in shopping malls, the spokesperson stated that these restaurants must obtain consent from the relevant management before approval is granted. The department will verify this during the application process.
Approved restaurants must display signs in prominent locations
Approved restaurants will be required to adhere to a set of operational rules, including displaying designated signage in prominent locations at their entrances. These restaurants are prohibited from cooking or preparing food that falls below human-grade standards, though they may offer pre-packaged food for dogs. Dogs will not be allowed on dining tables or to use reusable restaurant tableware.
For dog owners, regulations specify that dogs must be controlled with a leash no longer than 1.5 meters, which must be held by an adult at all times or securely tied to a fixed object. "Known dangerous dogs" and "fighting dogs" are strictly prohibited from entering. Violations of these rules will be handled in accordance with existing legislation, with offenders liable for a third-level fine of HK$10,000, an additional daily fine of HK$300, and up to three months' imprisonment.
Apart from the above regulations, specific rules such as whether dogs can be placed on seats, the number of dogs allowed per customer, or the division of dog-friendly zones will be managed independently by the restaurants themselves. The FEHD will compile operational and behavioral guidelines for reference.
Existing hygiene requirements remain unchanged
The spokesperson emphasized that if an approved restaurant violates the relevant regulations three times within a year, its dog-friendly license will be revoked, and it will not be eligible to reapply for one year. However, this will not affect the restaurant's original food license.
Additionally, the hygiene and other requirements stipulated by the original license will remain unchanged. To facilitate the transition, the department will strengthen inspections during the initial phase to help restaurants comply with the new regulations.
The spokesperson further noted that approved restaurants may voluntarily choose to cancel their dog-friendly status in the future but will be required to remove the designated signage indicating dogs are allowed upon cancellation.
500 to 1,000 spots available in the first phase
Regarding the application process, the government spokesperson announced that an online application platform will be provided. The first phase will offer 500 to 1,000 licenses. If the number of applications exceeds the quota, licenses will be allocated by lottery, with results announced simultaneously.
Successful applicants will need to pay a registration fee of HK$140 within a specified period. The department will also support the industry by holding briefing sessions and other initiatives.
The spokesperson estimated that the department plans to submit legislative amendment proposals to the Legislative Council in the first quarter of this year. If approved, the first phase of applications is expected to begin by mid-2026. If the overall implementation proceeds smoothly, the government hopes to launch the second phase six months later.
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Policy Address 2025 | Govt supports pet-friendly spaces: Dogs permitted in food establishments
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