What to Pack When Eating Out With Your Dog
A small bag of the right gear makes a restaurant visit smoother for you, your dog and the staff. Here is what to bring — and what to leave at home.
The essentials
- A leash no longer than 1.5 metres
- A settle mat or blanket your dog associates with relaxing
- A collapsible water bowl and water
- Pre-packaged dog food or treats
- Waste bags
- A chew or quiet toy
For Hong Kong’s heat
Summers are hot and humid. Pack extra water, consider a cooling mat, and be mindful of hot pavements that can burn paws. Aim for shaded outdoor seating or air conditioning, and avoid the middle of the day.
Feeding gear
Restaurants may only serve pre-packaged dog food in disposable, non-plastic bowls, and cannot use their own dishes for dogs. If you plan to feed your dog, bring your own disposable bowl and a mat to keep things tidy.
A small clean-up kit
Pack waste bags, a few wipes and a small towel for paws or spills. Cleaning up quickly and completely is part of being a welcome guest — and some restaurants may charge a cleaning fee if they have told you in advance.
What to leave at home
Reusable food bowls will not be used on tables, strong-smelling treats can bother other diners, and anything messy is best avoided. Travel light and tidy.