On May 7, 2026, the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) officially announced a highly anticipated policy adjustment—starting May 18, restaurants can apply to allow dogs to enter, with implementation expected in July this year. This announcement marks a historic shift from Hong Kong’s over 30-year-old “dog ban” on restaurants. For many pet lovers and the catering industry, this presents both an opportunity and a new management challenge.
As a third-party testing and certification organization, CMA Testing is launching the “Pet-Friendly Venue Evaluation Scheme” to help venues achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and pets using professional standards. The following is a summary of the policy details and professional solutions.
How to Apply
Restaurants wishing to allow dogs to enter must submit their applications electronically through the Hong Kong FEHD’s dedicated website between May 18 and June 8, 2026. The initial quota is capped at 1,000; if applications exceed the quota, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will allocate quotas by lottery. Upon approval, the licensee must pay HK$140 to complete the license amendment.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Qualifications
Not all Hong Kong restaurants are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
Hold a valid official license: This is the most basic entry threshold.
Operating area greater than 20 square meters: To ensure spatial comfort and safety for both people and dogs.
The following types of restaurants are not currently accepting applications: hot pot restaurants and barbecue restaurants (including teppanyaki, Korean barbecue, etc.). The main consideration is that these operations involve open flames and high temperatures, which may pose a safety hazard to dogs. Furthermore, approved restaurants are prohibited from cooking or heating food at any seating area at any time.
Implementation Timeline
To assist the industry in a smooth transition, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has established a clear timeline:
May 11, 12, 13, and 28: Four briefing sessions (simultaneously online and offline) have been held to introduce the regulatory requirements and application process.
Mid-June: Announcement of the first batch of approved restaurants.
Within July: Officially taking effect on a designated date (the specific date is subject to official announcement). Before this effective date, only guide dogs and working dogs are allowed in restaurants.
It is worth noting that if an approved restaurant violates regulations three times within one year, its permit will be revoked, and it will be prohibited from reapplying for one year. However, this will not affect its existing restaurant license. This mechanism aims to encourage operators to continue to assume management responsibility.
Operating Rules and Compliance Requirements
In addition to the application qualifications, restaurants must also comply with a set of specific operating regulations:
Leash Control: Dogs entering restaurants must be securely leashed by an adult at all times using a leash no longer than 1.5 meters, or tied to a fixed attachment.
Dog Category Restrictions: “Fighting dogs” or “known dangerous dogs” (such as Pit Bull Terriers, Argentine Dogos, etc.) are prohibited.
Food Safety Requirements: Cooking or preparing dog food is prohibited in restaurants. Only pre-packaged dry dog food and canned food may be provided or sold. Dogs are not allowed on the dining table. Dogs are not permitted to use reusable tableware in the restaurant.
These regulations serve as a safety measure for both dog owners and restaurant operators: operators who knowingly fail to prevent customers from violating these regulations may also face legal liability.
CMA Testing: Safeguarding “Pet-Friendly” Practices with Professional Standards
The policy opening means the catering industry is entering a new consumption scenario, but “allowing entry” does not equate to “truly pet-friendly.” True pet-friendliness requires answering a series of professional questions:
- Where do pets enter from? Which areas are they allowed to stay in?
- How is excrement disposed of? How is cross-contamination prevented?
- How are conflicts or low-probability events between pets handled promptly?
The answers to these questions form the core of CMA Testing’s “Pet-Friendly Venue Evaluation Program.” This program, based on international and industry standards, conducts authoritative evaluations of venues’ environmental safety, hygiene management, and pet-friendliness through professional audits. The evaluation covers multiple professional dimensions, including:
- Zoning and Safety Standards: Clearly delineating pet activity areas from non-pet areas to ensure a positive experience for all customers;
- Hygiene and Cross-Contamination Control: Standardizing cleaning and disinfection processes, ensuring separate handling of human and pet food utensils to eliminate hygiene hazards;
- Emergency Response Mechanisms: Whether the venue has established emergency plans for pet fights, accidental injuries, or bites;
- Document Records and Traceability: Maintaining cleaning records, training attendance sheets, and customer complaint data for continuous management optimization.
CMA Testing is now systematically applying internationally recognized service evaluation methodologies to the emerging consumer scenario of “pet-friendly.” We aim to build an inclusive ecosystem where pet-friendly families can patronize with peace of mind and where the general public can widely trust us, thereby enhancing the consumer experience and brand value, and promoting a higher level of harmony and civilization in cities.
Source:
Related press release from the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
