Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour for
Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Mutual Respect, Harmony with Pets

In response to public demand as well as to promote human-pet harmony and create new business opportunities for the catering industry, the Government will introduce a new initiative in mid-2026 under which restaurant operators may apply for permission to allow the entry of dogs to their food premises. Food premises permitted to admit dogs (permitted restaurants) must display, at all times and at a conspicuous place at the entrance, signage in the designated format (see Annex 1) so that members of the public may choose whether to patronise them.

With the aim of ensuring food safety and public environmental hygiene, and protecting the safety of human and animals, the Government regulates customers bringing dogs and permitted restaurants through legislation and licensing conditions. Moreover, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has compiled this set of Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour (the Guidelines) for reference of restaurant operators and customers, with a view to striking an optimal balance between effective regulation and operational flexibility.

The Guidelines are divided into three parts: The first part is for reference of restaurant operators in devising operational arrangements and house rules; the second part sets out the best practices for customers bringing dogs to control their dogs in permitted restaurants; and the third part offers recommendations for other diners interacting with dogs so as to promote mutual respect and understanding.

(1)    Guidelines on Good Practices for Restaurant Operators

Introduction

1.1 The Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) has been amended to allow dogs to enter food premises permitted to admit dogs (i.e. permitted restaurants) under specified circumstances. Any person engaged in a food business1 and persons bringing dogs must comply with the statutory requirements (see Annex 2). Restaurant licensees must also comply with the licensing conditions (see Annex 3). The first part of the Guidelines is for reference of restaurant operators in devising their house rules and operational arrangements.

1 Depending on the actual situation of the case, it may include licensees, persons-in-charge and persons employed or assigned to engage in the food business.

House rules

1.2 Restaurant operators may devise their own house rules and operational arrangements according to their needs and specify the customer-related part as “Notes to Customers”, including but not limited to matters such as whether dog-friendly zones or sessions will be designated, whether dogs are allowed to sit on customer seats, and whether a cleaning fee will be charged if a dog soils the premises. If “Notes to Customers” are in place, they should be displayed at the entrance to or other conspicuous places in the permitted restaurants, or should be clearly explained to customers beforehand through appropriate means, such as menus, the ordering system and the restaurant's social media accounts, to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.

1.3 The list of permitted restaurants on the FEHD's dedicated webpage will be updated from time to time. To enhance information transparency, permitted restaurants should provide the FEHD with links to their webpages which set out their “Notes to Customers” for posting on the above-mentioned list. If there are any amendments to the “Notes to Customers”, operators should update the information as soon as possible to ensure the online information aligns with the in-house arrangements.

Arrangements for dog admission to permitted restaurants

1.4 Restaurant operators should make clear arrangements to assist in ensuring that dogs entering the premises comply with the relevant statutory requirements and licensing conditions. The arrangements may include: checking the compliance of the length and usage of dog leashes with the statutory requirements; taking the initiative to find out from customers bringing dogs whether their dogs are “fighting dogs” or “known dangerous dogs” as specified in the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D); and ensuring staff are aware that they should refuse the entry of a dog when the statutory requirements are not complied with. According to the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), a dog over the age of five months must be licensed. If restaurant operators consider it necessary, they may request customers bringing dogs to produce the licences of their dogs. Dog owners may log in to access and produce electronic dog licences on the webpage (https://eservice3.afcd.gov.hk/eservice/DogLicenceLogin?lang=en) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) using the “iAM Smart” mobile app.

1.5 For effective control of their dogs, each adult diner should not bring more than two dogs. Restaurant operators may set an upper limit on the total number of dogs admitted to the premises at any one time according to the actual conditions of the premises, such as area, seating spacing, customer flow and the main types of dishes served (e.g. refreshments or congee).

1.6 Restaurant operators may, as needed, designate by themselves specific sessions and days (e.g. specific sessions each day or weekends only) during which dogs are admitted. However, it must be noted that even during non-dog-admission sessions/days, permitted restaurants are still required to display designated signage at a conspicuous place at the entrance at all times.

1.7 Restaurant operators may, according to their actual circumstances, decide whether to designate dog-friendly zones. If they decide to do so, the provision of physical barriers (e.g. gates or hoardings) is advisable to prevent dogs from entering other areas. If permission for an outside seating accommodation (OSA) has already been obtained, priority may be accorded to designating the OSA, which is more ventilated and usually more open, as a dog-friendly zone, and shade facilities may also be provided as needed.

1.8 Restaurant operators may, based on factors such as the actual usable space of their premises and operational experience, consider restricting the entry of certain dogs (e.g. whose owners fail to produce a dog licence and those that are particularly large, are unhygienic, agitated or visibly aggressive etc.). If there are such restrictions, they should be clearly stated in the “Notes to Customers” to minimise on-site disputes.

1.9 If the admission of dogs is to be suspended during a specific period due to special circumstances (such as renovation, intensive cleansing work and special events), the restaurant operator should make an announcement through social media, their official website or other frequently used information/communication channels as early as possible so that customers intending to bring dogs there can plan ahead.

1.10 If a restaurant located in a shopping mall or other private premises with venue management, the restaurant operator should ensure that the dog admission arrangements comply with the relevant management rules and requirements of the venue.

1.11 It is recommended that restaurants provide a reservation service to better estimate the number of customers bringing dogs during different sessions, so that seating can be arranged appropriately and a large number of customers waiting outside with dogs can be avoided.

1.12 Restaurant operators must note that the legal restrictions on dogs' entry to food premises as set out in Annex 2 do not apply to guide dogs (except for entry to a food room) or dogs in connection with the exercise of a lawful power. Restaurant operators should facilitate the entry of such dogs into the premises.

Food safety and environmental hygiene

1.13 Restaurant operators must ensure that no dogs are allowed into the food room of permitted restaurants. For example, a notice should be posted at the entrance to the food room, indicating explicitly its area and reminding customers not to enter with dogs.

1.14 Staff responsible for handling food should not have any contact with dogs.

1.15 Staff should immediately wash and disinfect their hands after coming into contact with dogs.

1.16 The frequency of cleaning and disinfection of tabletops and frequently touched surfaces (such as chair backs, table edges and door handles), especially in dog-friendly zones (if any) and after peak hours or periods of high customer flow, should be increased to maintain cleanliness.

1.17 The operation of ventilation, air conditioning and air purification equipment should be regularly inspected to ensure proper air circulation. If an indoor dog-friendly zone is provided, the installation of air purification equipment with deodorising and filtering functions may be considered to reduce the accumulation of odours or allergens.

1.18 If prepackaged dry dog food, vacuum-packed dog food and canned dog food are provided or sold, or if single-use non-plastic dog-specific eating utensils are provided by the restaurant, dedicated trash bins for the proper disposal of the related items should be provided.

1.19 If dog food that meets the licensing conditions is provided or sold, or if any dog food is kept for the customers, measures must be implemented to prevent cross-contamination. For example, dog food must be kept out of the food room, completely segregated from food for human consumption.

1.20 If a self-service food pickup area is provided in the restaurant, in addition to compliance with the relevant licensing conditions, inspection and cleaning of the area concerned should be stepped up to ensure that dogs cannot come into contact with food, tableware or tabletops where food is placed. If there is a risk of contamination, the affected food and tableware should be replaced immediately.

1.21 Under the licensing conditions, no dog shall be allowed on any dining table. As for the seats, restaurant operators should consider the actual circumstances when deciding whether to allow dogs to stay on seats. For example, a large dog on a seat may easily come into contact with the top of a dining table and the food thereon, this should be avoided as far as possible. For food premises with food conveyor belts, restaurant operators should require the dogs to stay on the floor to lower the risk of their contact with the belt, and inspections should be stepped up and the cleaning frequency increased. If seats are made of absorbent materials (such as sofa seats), requiring dogs to stay on the floor or using pet urine pads may be considered for easy cleaning and disinfection.

1.22 In case of fouling of the premises by dog excrement, restaurant operators have the responsibility to thoroughly cleansed and disinfected the soiled areas immediately to maintain the hygienic condition of the premises. Restaurant operators should establish clear arrangements for the disposal of dog excrement and clearly inform customers bringing dogs of such arrangements in advance (e.g. before the customers begin ordering).

Regardless of whether the clean-up is performed by the customers or the restaurant staff, the restaurant should conduct inspections to ensure that the areas concerned have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in the light of actual circumstances.

Staff training and manpower arrangements

1.23 Restaurant operators should brief their staff on the relevant statutory requirements and licensing conditions, such as admission restrictions on “known dangerous dogs” and “fighting dogs”, leash requirements and arrangements for guide dogs, so as to ensure that they fully understand and strictly comply with such requirements and conditions. If non-compliance is observed, staff should know how to deal with it, including immediately reporting it to their supervisors, and promptly advising against and stopping such behaviour.

1.24 Restaurant operators should provide their staff with comprehensive training, including on specific operational arrangements on dog admission, self-devised house rules, procedures for handling situations where a dog soils the premises, emergency responses, and points to note and skills for interacting with dogs, for examples:

1.25 Where feasible, restaurant operators should take into account staff's willingness to interact with dogs when assigning duties, for example, avoid assigning staff who are afraid of dogs to work in a “dog-friendly zone”.

1.26 Restaurant operators should explain to their staff the steps to take if they are bitten and injured by a dog, including notifying their supervisors and treating the wound. If a report needs to be made to the Police, the licensing conditions stipulate that restaurant operators must submit a report in prescribed form to the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene within two working days after the incident.

Ancillary items and equipment

1.27 For the convenience of customers bringing dogs, consideration may be given to providing or installing the following equipment:

1.28 Pet-friendly detergents and disinfectants should be used for routine cleaning and disinfection of the restaurant, especially “dog-friendly zones” (if any) or surfaces that dogs may come into contact with.

1.29 In “dog-friendly zones” (if any) or places that dogs may come into contact with, no plants poisonous to dogs should be placed. Reference should be made to the list of common plants harmful to dogs on the webpage of the AFCD.

1.30 Tablecloths or other hanging decorations should be avoided, especially in “dog-friendly zones” (if any), to prevent dogs from pulling on them or getting entangled in them and knocking over tableware, hot food or drinks, causing accidents such as burns or tripping.

1.31 Laying of carpets or mats made of absorbent materials, especially in “dog-friendly zones” (if any), should be avoided to minimise the accumulation of dirt and odour, and to facilitate cleaning and disinfection.

1.32 Tools for cleaning general catering facilities should be clearly separated from those for cleaning dog-related items or handling excrement, for example, different colours of tools or clear labels may be used for identification, to prevent mixed use by staff.

Venue and operation management

1.33 A restaurant operator should reasonably limit the number of tables and chairs of the restaurant and consider maintaining appropriate seating spacing for dogs to lie down or rest safely, while ensuring that customers and staff have sufficient space to move around, and lowering the risk of stepping on dogs accidentally.

1.34 If the premises are more crowded during peak hours (such as lunch and dinner rushes), restaurant operators may consider suspending seating new customers bringing dogs, and reminding customers with dogs to prevent their dogs from lingering in or lying across main passageways and to shorten the leashes, so as to ensure that the movement of people and the serving of food and drinks within the premises are not obstructed. Where customers bringing dogs need to wait for seats, restaurant operators should consider providing a service to notify customers when seats become available, so as to avoid inconvenience to customers without dogs and other passers-by due to the gathering of customers with dogs waiting outside the restaurants.

1.35 When assigning seats, restaurant staff should proactively enquire customers without dogs about their acceptance of dogs in their vicinity and, where feasible, make appropriate arrangements, such as adjusting seating or assigning seats aways from dogs.

1.36 Restaurant operators should assess carefully the dishes they offer and make appropriate arrangements, such as determining whether the serving of high-temperature dishes on hot plates or in pre-heated stone pots or casseroles should be avoided, and how to prevent accidents when serving dishes.

1.37 When serving food and drinks, staff should be mindful of the locations and movements of dogs to avoid tripping over or stepping on them.

Response to incidents

1.38 In the event that a dog barks persistently, stares at people, exhibits aggressive behaviour, or causes nuisance to other diners, restaurant operators should, when it is safe to do so, ask the customer with the dog to take appropriate control measures, including temporarily removing the dog from the premises. The provision of takeaway packaging services may be considered to assist diners who need to leave early in taking their unfinished meals away.

1.39 If a customer without dogs feels uneasy or is unable to continue dining due to a dog's behaviour (including but not limited to noise, hygiene issues, or safety concerns), a reasonable solution should be provided by the food premises as far as possible, such as assisting with a seat change or offering takeaway packaging services so that the customer can take the unfinished meal away.

1.40 The Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421) sets out the arrangements for handling bites by animals (including dogs). The restaurant operator should remind the customer with the dog concerned to report the incident to the Police. If necessary, the restaurant operator may also proactively contact the Police and should promptly notify its insurance company to handle the related legal and claims matters. With the consent of the parties involved, the contact information of the customer with the dog concerned and the injured person may be recorded for future follow-up.

1.41 In the event of other dog-related disputes or incidents within the premises, the restaurant staff should, when it is safe to do so, calm down all parties involved as far as possible, advise them to keep calm and urge them, where necessary, to exchange contact information for subsequent negotiation or follow-up.

1.42 The operators of permitted restaurants should take the initiative to notify their insurance companies that the premises have been permitted by the FEHD to admit dogs, and enquire with the insurance companies to confirm whether the relevant arrangements and potential scenarios are covered by the insurance.

(2) Guidelines on Good Behaviour for Customers Bringing Dogs

Introduction

2.1 The Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) has been amended to allow dogs to enter food premises (i.e. permitted restaurants) under specified circumstances. Any person engaged in a food business and persons bringing dogs must comply with the statutory requirements (see Annex 2). Restaurant licensees must also comply with the licensing conditions. The second part of the Guidelines illustrates the best practices for customers bringing dogs to control their dogs in permitted restaurants and protect public health, so as to create a safe, hygienic and comfortable dining environment that promotes mutual respect and harmony with pets.

Before entering a restaurant

2.2 A restaurant may draw up its house rules and operational arrangements according to its venue, manpower and operational need. If a permitted restaurant has provided the FEHD with the link to its webpage or the relevant “Notes to Customers”, the FEHD will upload it to the list of permitted restaurants on the thematic webpage. Customers may familiarise themselves with the relevant arrangements in advance. Such information should be displayed at the entrance or other conspicuous places, or should be explained clearly to the customers in other suitable ways. Customers bringing dogs should understand and respect the house rules drawn up by the restaurant. They should understand that the restaurant has the right to decide whether to admit their dogs based on actual circumstances of the premises, and also has the right to refuse entry of any dogs not meeting or complying with the house rules/requirements of the restaurant.

2.3 Customers bringing dogs have the responsibility to find out whether the breed of their dogs complies with the statutory requirements for admission to permitted restaurants. When customers bringing dogs are asked by the restaurant staff whether their dogs fall under the category of “known dangerous dogs” or “fighting dogs”, or are requested to produce the licences of their dogs, they should cooperate with the restaurants arrangements. Dog owners may access and produce the electronic dog licences by logging in to “iAM Smart” via the AFCDs webpage (https://eservice3.afcd.gov.hk/eservice/DogLicenceLogin?lang=en).

2.4 The Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A) stipulates that dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, microchipped and licensed. Customers bringing dogs must ensure that their dogs meet the requirements under the Rabies Ordinance. They should also understand that restaurants may request them to produce the licences of their dogs for verification. If a diner fails to produce the relevant licence, the restaurant has the right to refuse entry of the dog.

2.5 Customers bringing dogs should note that in accordance with the statutory requirements, a dog placed in a dog carrier bag or stroller must at the same time be securely leashed in a manner prescribed by the law.

2.6 To safeguard the health of other pets and customers, customers bringing dogs are advised to deworm their dogs, protect them from fleas and keep them in good hygiene condition (e.g. having clean fur). They should not bring their dogs to restaurants if their dogs are physically unwell, or suspected of suffering from an infectious disease.

2.7 Customers bringing dogs are advised to assess their dogs condition before entering a restaurant. Dogs with clear signs of aggression or anxiety should not be brought into a restaurant.

2.8 The dogs temperament, social habits, and reactions to an unfamiliar environment should be considered in assessing whether it has to wear a muzzle within a restaurant.

2.9 Customers bringing dogs should prepare in advance the items that their dogs may need, such as dog food, tableware, cleaning supplies, etc.

Exercising proper control of dogs

2.10 According to statutory requirements, customers bringing dogs should control their dogs with a leash of not more than 1.5 m in length, which is either securely held by an adult or securely tied to a fixture on the premises. They should not allow their dogs to be leashed by a minor in all circumstances. If they need to leave their seats temporarily, they can seek assistance from the restaurant staff.

2.11 Customers bringing dogs should observe the statutory requirements and cooperate with the restaurants in complying with their licensing conditions, e.g. the restaurants are prohibited from cooking or preparing dog food, or allowing dogs to use the reusable tableware or go on dining tables. If customers bringing dogs would like to feed their dogs, they should prepare their own food, drinks and tableware exclusively for their dogs. They should refrain from requesting the restaurant staff to assist in heating dog food. In addition, dogs are not allowed to be arranged to sit at bar counter seats adjoining an open kitchen. Some restaurants may provide or sell prepackaged dry dog food, vacuum-packed or canned dog food, and non-plastic disposable tableware (e.g. wooden or paper tableware).

2.12 Customers bringing dogs should arrange for their dogs to stay at suitable locations to prevent them from entering the food room and areas where food is handled, cooked or stored, and to ensure that they will not cause obstruction to any passageway, fire escape or emergency exit. As per the requirements by individual restaurants, dogs should be arranged to stay on pet mats or pee pads. If the restaurant does not allow dogs on customers seats, the dogs should stay on the floor.

2.13 Customers bringing dogs should be mindful of other customers. For examples:

2.14 Paragraphs 3.3 to 3.8 in Part (3) of the Guidelines set out the points to note as regards interaction with other customers dogs.

2.15 Where necessary, dog strollers (if any) should be folded up or put away to make way for others.

Maintaining a clean environment in restaurants

2.16 In case of fouling of the restaurant by dog excrement, the relevant customer should take the responsibility to promptly clean up and properly dispose of the excrement (e.g. by wrapping the excrement in a sealed bag for proper disposal in dog-specific trash bins), and notify the restaurant staff to inspect the area or carry out further disinfection, so as to maintain good environmental hygiene. After the clean-up, the customer should thoroughly wash and disinfect his hands.

2.17 If the customer bringing the dog refuses to clean up, fails to complete the clean-up within a reasonable timeframe, or fails to restore the restaurant to its basic hygienic condition, the restaurant has the right to undertake the cleaning by its own staff and may therefore charge a cleaning fee. In general, restaurants are advised to specify, in their “Notes to Customers” in other ways, the charging arrangement and the amount of cleaning fee (if any), and customers are advised to obtain the details from the restaurants before patronizing.

2.18. Depending on the health and habits of the dogs, customers bringing dogs may consider placing pet pads or taking other appropriate preventive measures in areas where their dogs sit or lie to facilitate cleaning.

Response to incidents

2.19 In the event that a dog bites a customer or staff, the customer bringing the dog should handle the matter in accordance with the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), which includes reporting the incident to the Police immediately, detaining the dog securely in isolation from other animals, and facilitating the follow-up procedures. Non-compliance may result in prosecution.

2.20 If other dog-related disputes or incidents arise on the premises, the customer bringing the dog should keep calm, follow the advice of the restaurant staff and negotiate with other customers to resolve the matter.

(3) Guidelines on Good Behaviour for Customers Without Dogs

Introduction

3.1 The Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) has been amended to allow dogs to enter permitted food premises (i.e. permitted restaurants) under specified circumstances. Any person engaged in a food business and persons bringing dogs must comply with the statutory requirements. Restaurant licensees must also comply with the licensing conditions. The third part of the Guidelines sets out the good practices for reference of customers without dogs when interacting with dogs in permitted restaurants, with the aim of promoting mutual respect and harmony with pets.

Before entering a restaurant

3.2 Permitted restaurants are required to display, at all times and at a conspicuous place at the entrance, designated signages (see Annex 1) so that the public can make an informed choice. People who patronise the permitted restaurants should be aware that dogs may be present. Mutual respect and tolerance are important to help maintain a comfortable and harmonious dining environment for everyone.

Interactions with dogs

3.3 Obtain the consent from the dog owner before touching, petting or photographing a dog.

3.4 Do not feed other customers dogs.

3.5 Avoid actions that may disturb or frighten the dogs, such as making sudden loud noises or playfully tempting them with food, so as to reduce the risk of accidents.

3.6 Do not attempt to leash, push or shoo away other customers dogs, so as to prevent misunderstandings or safety risks.

3.7 If a dogs behaviour is causing disturbance or inconvenience, report it to the restaurant staff first so that they can take appropriate actions.

3.8 Store personal belongings and handbags properly to prevent damage from dogs.

3.9 If unfortunately bitten by a dog, remain calm and seek assistance from restaurant staff. According to the statutory requirements, the dog owner shall report the incident to the Police. If necessary, the injured person may also call the Police on his own.

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