Pets on the MTR: the Light Rail Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme
For the first time, the MTR lets you bring a pet onto the Light Rail — on weekends and public holidays, with a pass. It’s a limited scheme, not a free-for-all across the whole network, so here’s exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t.
What is allowed
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you may bring one pet cat or dog onto the Light Rail with a monthly Cat/Dog Carrying Pass. Dogs must weigh no more than 20kg; there is no weight limit for cats. Your pet must travel completely inside a fully closed pet carrier, with no part of the animal exposed. The scheme runs on the Light Rail network in the north-west New Territories, and became a permanent service in 2025 after a trial.
The pass and the fare
Buy the Cat/Dog Carrying Pass through the MTR Mobile app before you travel — it costs HK$99 per calendar month and lets you bring one pet on unlimited weekend and public-holiday rides that month. The pass is separate from your fare: you still pay the normal Light Rail fare for each journey as usual.
The carrier
Your pet must be inside a proper pet carrier that is fully closed or covered. The carrier’s combined dimensions (length plus width plus height) must not exceed 170cm, and no single side may exceed 130cm. Pet strollers and other wheeled carriers are not allowed into MTR premises, so plan to hand-carry the carrier.
On board
Board and alight only through the last door of the Light Rail vehicle, and stay towards the rear during the trip. Keep your pet inside its carrier at all times — it must not roam the carriage or sit on a seat. Fighting dogs and known dangerous dogs are not permitted under the scheme.
The rules at a glance
- Weekends and public holidays only
- One pet cat or dog per passenger, with a HK$99 monthly pass
- Dogs up to 20kg; no weight limit for cats
- Fully inside a closed carrier (combined sides ≤170cm, no side >130cm)
- Board and alight by the last door; stay at the rear
- Normal fare still applies; no pet strollers
What still isn’t allowed
This scheme is Light Rail only. On the heavy-rail MTR network, pet dogs and cats are still not allowed — only guide dogs may travel, apart from occasional special events (such as the SPCA Dogathon, which uses a separate one-day pass). Always check the MTR’s official page for the current rules before you travel.
Getting further with your dog
Beyond the Light Rail, the main ways to travel with a dog are the KMB Pet Bus and the city’s pet-friendly ferries. See those guides on this site, and use the map to plan dog-friendly stops along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a large dog? No — dogs must weigh 20kg or less, and fighting or dangerous dogs are excluded. There is no weight limit for cats.
Do I need a pass every visit? The pass is monthly (HK$99) and covers unlimited weekend and public-holiday rides that month — you do not buy one per trip, but you still pay the normal fare.
Can I use the pass on weekdays? No — the scheme runs on weekends and public holidays only.