FEHD Receives 700 Applications on First Day for Dog-Friendly Restaurants

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) began accepting applications on Monday (May 18) from restaurants wishing to allow dogs on their premises. As of 6pm that day, the department had received around 700 applications.

The FEHD has set a quota of up to 1,000 premises for the first phase of the scheme. If applications exceed this limit, places will be allocated by ballot. The application period runs until June 8, with the first batch of approvals expected in mid-June. Dogs will be permitted to enter approved restaurants from a specified date in July, which will be announced later.

**Application Process and Eligibility**

Restaurants can submit applications electronically via the FEHD’s dedicated webpage. The process is straightforward and open to all premises holding a full food business licence, subject to certain conditions.

To ensure safety, applications from hotpot restaurants and barbecue establishments (including teppanyaki and Korean barbecue venues) will not be accepted. Participating restaurants must also have a floor area larger than 20 square metres. Apart from these restrictions, eligible premises may apply for permission to admit dogs.

Before the official launch date in July, no dogs (except guide dogs and working dogs) are allowed in any food premises. Approved restaurants will need to display prominent signage at the entrance and comply with licensing conditions and good practice guidelines to be issued by the FEHD. A list of approved venues will be published on the department’s website.

Successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of HK$140 to add the dog-admission endorsement to their licence.

The initiative aims to balance pet-friendly dining options with food safety and public health considerations, following amendments to the Food Business Regulation that came into effect earlier in May 2026. For more details and the online application form, visit the FEHD’s dedicated page at fehd.gov.hk.