Big Change for Pet Owners: Dogs Can Now Enter 1,000 Hong Kong Restaurants

Hong Kong has officially launched its first large-scale dog-friendly restaurant program, allowing dogs to enter 1,000 licensed food premises across the city from July 9, 2026.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) selected the participating restaurants through a public ballot after receiving more than 2,200 applications from food businesses. Following eligibility checks, 1,616 applications entered the draw, with the first 1,000 securing approval.

The successful restaurants are located across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Operators were required to amend their restaurant licenses before receiving official approval and must display designated signage identifying their premises as dog-friendly.

Hong Kong allows dogs in restaurants. Photo: Shutterstock

The FEHD said participating restaurants are expected to prepare suitable dining areas, train staff, and ensure appropriate facilities are in place before welcoming customers with dogs. The department has also published guidelines outlining responsibilities for restaurant operators and diners to help promote safe and respectful pet-friendly dining.

The initiative marks a significant shift in Hong Kong's dining rules and is intended to encourage greater pet inclusivity while maintaining food safety standards.

Photo: Shutterstock

Many European countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, welcome well-behaved dogs inside restaurants. Outside of Europe, besides Hong Kong, dogs are welcome in Quebec, Canada. 

Airlines are also joining the trend. On September 23, 2025, ITA Airways allowed large dogs to fly in the cabin without a carrier on a historic experimental flight from Milan, marking a potential global revolution for traveling families with pets.