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Lo Hoi-ying

A licensing scheme allowing dogs into Hong Kong restaurants has attracted strong initial interest, with 70 per cent of the 1,000-place quota filled on the first day, according to food hygiene authorities.
In response to inquiries from the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Monday it had received about 700 applications by 6pm.
The application window closes on June 8.
The department expects the scheme to launch in July, with up to 1,000 restaurants included in the first phase.
“If more than 1,000 applications are received, allocation will be made by balloting,” a spokesman said.


Hyvan Tong, a dog owner and founder of Fisholic in Fortress Hill, said he applied on the first day to secure a place. The restaurant, on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list since 2023, has about 10 tables and serves innovative fish-based dishes, including fish noodles in broth.
Tong said he wanted to make the eatery more pet-friendly, given its location near the East Coast Promenade in a neighbourhood with many pet owners. While profit was not the main motivation, he said the move would help better serve residents in Fortress Hill and Tin Hau.
“We have a regular who would always bring their dog to our store to buy takeaway,” he said. “With the new licence, we can finally invite them to dine in with their pets.”
He plans to designate about four tables as a pet-friendly area, with small dog beds on seats. For larger dogs, Tong intends to place a camping trolley near the entrance because of space constraints, at an estimated total cost of no more than HK$2,000 (US$255).

As the restaurant serves soup noodles, Tong acknowledged safety concerns but said staff were already careful to avoid accidents involving both people and pets.
“We will train our staff so they are clear about what is allowed and what is not,” he said.
“We are prepared to buy cleaning products such as wet wipes, disinfectant and poo bags for pet owners.”
He admitted some trade-offs would be required, such as no longer serving seasonal items like hotpot, but stressed the need to strike a balance.
“Pet owners, people who love or dislike dogs – all of them are our customers,” Tong said.
Authorities said earlier that, depending on demand and feedback from caterers, a second batch of licences could be opened for registration by the end of the year.
Restaurants larger than 20 square metres (215 square feet) were eligible to apply, the department said.
For safety reasons, applications from hotpot, teppanyaki and barbecue restaurants, including Korean-style establishments, will not be accepted.
Successful applicants can add a dog-admission endorsement to their food business licence for a fee of HK$140.


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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s dog-friendly restaurant scheme receives 700 applications on first day

Hong Kong’s dog-friendly dining scheme got off to a strong start with 700 applications for licences on the first day. Photo: Dickson Lee

Depending on demand and feedback from caterers, a second batch of licences could be opened for registration by the end of the year. Photo: Dickson Lee

No hotpot: Hong Kong dog-friendly restaurants face menu and layout limits

A dog owner sits with his pets outside a cafe in Kennedy Town. Photo: Karma Lo

A diner with her dog. Hotpot, teppanyaki and barbecue restaurants, including Korean-style establishments, cannot apply for the new permits. Photo: Sam Tsang

Dog-friendly restaurants will get 90 officers helping them meet licence rules

A poodle outside a restaurant in Happy Valley. Under the new policy for licensed establishments, dogs must be kept on leads no longer than 1.5 metres and remain under an adult's control. Photo: Nora Tam

A dog beside its owner at a restaurant in Happy Valley. Photo: Nora Tam

Hong Kong restaurants can apply from May 18 to become dog-friendly venues

Hong Kong restaurants will be able to apply for licences from May 18 to allow dogs under a new scheme. Photo: Sam Tsang

Under the scheme, dogs must be kept on leads no longer than 1.5 metres and under the control of an adult. Photo: Sam Tsang

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Hong Kong

Society

Restaurants rush to apply, with 70 per cent of 1,000 first-phase licences filled ahead of expected July roll-out


Restaurants rush to apply, with 70 per cent of 1,000 first-phase licences filled ahead of expected July roll-out.


Pets in Hong Kong

Hong Kong economy

Pets

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Hong Kong’s dog-friendly restaurant scheme receives 700 applications on first day

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Restaurants rush to apply, with 70 per cent of 1,000 first-phase licences filled ahead of expected July roll-out

Restaurants rush to apply, with 70 per cent of 1,000 first-phase licences filled ahead of expected July roll-out