Rules for Dog Owners at Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Before you go

Check that the restaurant is approved (look for it on this map and for the official A3 sign at the entrance), and confirm its dog-friendly days and hours. When in doubt, call ahead.

Make sure your dog is licensed, vaccinated against rabies and microchipped before you go — staff may ask to see the dog licence (you can show it via iAM Smart on the AFCD site) and can refuse entry if you can’t produce it.

Keep your dog under control

Your dog must be held by an adult on a leash no longer than 1.5 metres, or securely tied to a fixed object such as a wall hook or a bolted-down table — never to a movable chair. A minor must never be left holding the leash; if you need to leave your seat, ask a member of staff to help.

This applies even if your dog travels in a carrier or stroller: it should still be leashed or secured. Fold or stow the stroller when needed so it doesn’t block others.

Which dogs are allowed

Fighting breeds — including pit bull terriers, Argentine Dogos, Japanese Tosas, Brazilian Filas and their crosses — and any dog declared dangerous by a court are subject to strict controls and must wear an identifying collar, a muzzle and a leash. Check the rules carefully before bringing such a dog.

If your dog is unwell, in season, or uncomfortable around people and other animals, it is kinder to leave it at home. Before visiting, keep your dog dewormed, flea-treated and clean-coated to protect other pets and diners, and consider whether its temperament calls for a muzzle.

Where your dog can and cannot be

Dogs must not enter food preparation areas, sit at bar counters, or come within 1.5 metres of a self-service or buffet counter. Your dog may sit on a chair but must not touch the dining table — tables are not for dogs.

Keep your dog in your own space — on the floor, in its carrier, or on your lap if the restaurant allows — and out of walkways, fire routes and emergency exits. A pet mat or pee pad helps; if the restaurant doesn’t allow dogs on chairs, keep yours on the floor. If a neighbouring diner is uncomfortable with where your dog is, move it back to the floor.

Feeding your dog

Restaurants may only serve pre-packaged dog food — dry food, vacuum-sealed pouches or canned products — and cannot cook or reheat dog food for you (some may provide facilities for you to warm it yourself). Dog food must be served in disposable, non-plastic bowls, never the restaurant’s own dishes, and not placed on dining tables.

No heating food at the table

For the safety of diners, staff and animals, heating food at the table is not allowed when dogs are admitted — this covers both open-flame and electric heating (so no tabletop hotpot or grill). Small beverage warmers, such as the tea-light candles or electric coasters used in cafés and Chinese teahouses, are not affected.

If your dog bites someone

If your dog bites a person, you must act immediately under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421): notify the police at once, securely restrain your dog and keep it isolated from other animals, and cooperate with the authorities’ follow-up. Failing to do so can lead to prosecution.

Clean up after your dog

Accidents happen. Clean up after your dog promptly, seal the waste and use the dedicated bins provided, then tell a staff member so they can re-check or disinfect the area — and wash and disinfect your own hands afterwards. Restaurants are allowed to charge a cleaning fee if they have told you in advance, so be considerate.

Be a good guest

The scheme is new, and how smoothly it runs depends on owners. A calm, well-behaved dog and a tidy table help keep these doors open for everyone. The rules above summarise the scheme — always follow FEHD’s official guidelines and any instructions from restaurant staff.