For allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 22) released the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour, which have been uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/guidelines.html) to facilitate restaurant operators in making preparations and for public reference.

     The spokesman of the FEHD said, "The regulatory framework for allowing dogs to enter food premises comprises legislation, licensing conditions and the Guidelines. The legislative amendments have already been completed, and the relevant licensing conditions have also been announced. The Guidelines released today consist of three parts: Part One provides reference for restaurant operators when formulating operational arrangements and house rules; Part Two sets out good practices for customers bringing dogs to manage them properly at permitted food premises; and Part Three offers advice on interactions between other diners and dogs. Through the Guidelines, the department hopes to foster mutual respect and understanding among all parties.

     "The Guidelines list out matters that restaurants intending to allow dogs to enter should pay attention to and consider, enabling operators to prepare according to their circumstances. Examples include the number of dogs each adult customer may bring, whether dogs are allowed to be placed on customer seats, and whether dog-friendly zones or sessions will be designated. Operators are also reminded to adopt measures to safeguard food safety and environmental hygiene, and to provide staff training.

     "Apart from restaurants making adequate preparations, public co-operation is equally important. The Guidelines therefore also cover points to note for both customers bringing dogs and those without dogs. For instance, customers bringing dogs are reminded to properly control their dogs and co-operate with the restaurant arrangements, while customers without dogs should pay attention to signage displayed at permitted restaurants and the points to note when interacting with dogs. The Guidelines aim to help all parties fulfil their responsibilities, respect one another, and promote pet inclusivity."

     In addition to the Guidelines released today, the FEHD held three briefing sessions for the trade from May 11 to 13, and will hold the fourth session on May 28 to set out relevant application procedures, eligibility criteria, licensing conditions and matters that require restaurant operators' attention, as well as to answer questions from attendees. A total of 368 persons have attended the briefing sessions in person, while more than 17 000 viewers watched the live broadcast or replay online. The department has taken into account the views and concerns raised by the trade in preparing the Guidelines, and will review and update the content from time to time in light of the operational circumstances of the restaurants.

     The FEHD is accepting applications from restaurants for allowing dogs to enter their premises. As of noon today, the department has received over 1 400 applications. The application period will end on June 8. Interested restaurants may submit their applications electronically through the FEHD's dedicated webpage. The first batch of permission is expected to be granted in mid-June, with dogs allowed to enter permitted food premises starting from a specified date in July. The exact date will be announced in due course. Information has been uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage for public browsing. Enquiries about the applications can be made from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) through the dedicated hotlines (2867 5912 and 2867 2836).

Ends/Friday, May 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:40

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