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Pets in Hong Kong

Pets in Hong Kong
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pets in Hong Kong. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A poodle outside a restaurant in Happy Valley. Under the new policy for licensed establishments, dogs must be kept on leads no longer than 1.5 metres and remain under an adult's control. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong society

Dog-friendly restaurants will get 90 officers helping them meet licence rules

Hong Kong authorities will help facilitate roll-out of new permit in July, with officers trained to explain licensing terms and inspect premises.

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Hong Kong society

No hotpot: Hong Kong dog-friendly restaurants face menu and layout limits

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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong customs seizes 760 suspected endangered reptiles worth HK$580,000

Hong Kong society

Rats versus pets: Hong Kong dog owners want rodent poison in boxes, not bags

Pet owners call for environmental authorities to improve rat extermination methods after one dog accidentally consumes poison three times.

Quaife’s dog, Amfy, on the way to the vet after unwittingly eating rat poison. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

Rodent trip: hamster hitches ride on bus to Sha Tin

Golden brown Syrian hamster spotted by a passenger on KMB bus from Central.

Hong Kong society

Pet owners evacuating UAE urge Hong Kong to loosen 120-day quarantine leash

Pet owners call on authorities to relax ‘excessive’ quarantine rules for Dubai, saying requirement makes returning to Hong Kong unfeasible.

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Hong Kong society

5 dogs found poisoned to death in Hong Kong’s New Territories in single week

String of cases recorded in Lok Ma Chau, with carcass of ‘Glue’ found floating in mangroves on Sunday.

The Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation told the South China Morning Post the body of “Glue” was found at around 3pm on Sunday. Photo: Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation
Hong Kong society

Letters | Pets or no pets, may different lifestyles coexist calmly

Readers discuss dog-friendly restaurants, the government’s announcement of a five-year plan, and bus seat belts.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong may set limit of 2 dogs per diner under new pet-friendly policy

Shifting earlier stance after receiving feedback, environment chief also says licence might be granted to larger eateries only in first phase.

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Hong Kong society

Letters | In Hong Kong, ‘animal-friendly’ should be the default setting

Readers discuss how Hong Kong can become a genuinely animal-friendly city, and the implementation of pet-friendly regulations.

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Dogs and their owners take the Star Ferry during a “Shipcation” organised by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Hong Kong population

Opinion | Boost birth rates? Governments should focus on the population they have

Instead of growing the population at all costs, governments should be practically addressing longer life expectancies.

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People shop with their pets in New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, on September 21, 2025. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong society

Editorial | Furry friends in restaurants a big step towards a pet-friendly Hong Kong

The relaxation of public transport and dining rules acknowledges the social value of pets in a crowded city like Hong Kong.

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Call for tougher animal welfare laws after invasive turtle found in Hong Kong

Discovery of 85kg alligator snapping turtle in New Territories pond shows how city has fallen behind in biosecurity, experts say.

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Hong Kong economy

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Wellness

For these Hongkongers, walking isn’t just exercise – it’s therapy

For cancer survivors, walking is one of the most accessible and sustainable forms of rehabilitation we learn on World Cancer Day.

The Exploring Dogs group on a walk through Tai Tong, Hong Kong, in December, 2025. Founder Stephanie Lown says being outdoors in the fresh air can help ground you and give you a fresh perspective. Photo: Instagram/exploringdogs
Hong Kong economy

Pawsitively posh: Hong Kong Pet Show takes luxury to new heights

More than 1,000 exhibitors at Hong Kong Pet Show, with global pet economy on track to hit US$134.46 billion this year amid sustained growth.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s first dog-friendly restaurants could be opening sooner than you think

Environment minister reveals possible timeline for approval of city’s first dog-friendly restaurants under ‘pet economy’ push.

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Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Animal welfare groups slam Hong Kong pet shop for offering cat rental service

Pet shop gave clients the chance to rent a cat for a week for HK$800 with a refundable deposit of HK$6,500 before buying.

The pet shop is located in a commercial building in North Point. Photo: Jelly Tse
Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong group saves 351 animals in 6 months as trapping, smuggling cases surge

Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter reports that animal cruelty cases are ‘alarmingly common’ as it calls for stronger action to be taken.

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

1,200 dogs allowed to travel on Hong Kong’s major rail lines for fundraiser event

Special arrangement between SPCA and MTR Corp is for Dogathon 2026, which will take place at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on March 1.

Hong Kong society

Shorter Hong Kong quarantine time drives rise in pet imports from mainland China

City recorded 291 import applications in first 10 months of the year, up from 283 in 2024 as quarantine time reduced from 120 to 30 days.

There has been an increase in applications to import pets after the city cut the quarantine period from the mainland. Photo: Karma Lo
Crime

Letters | Donkeys slaughtered for their skin is a tragedy on multiple levels

Readers discuss the illicit trade’s damage to animal, human and environmental well-being, and how the city can have both halal and pet-friendly restaurants.

Donkey skins, dried shark fins and other smuggled goods are displayed at a Hong Kong customs press conference on October 27. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong society

Letters | Hong Kong should balance dog-friendly trends with cultural concerns

Readers discuss the debate over dogs in restaurants, gratitude in the city, and the housing market.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

A perfect purr-scription? How ‘pet doctors’ can help Hong Kong hospital patients

Hospital Authority to allow palliative care patients to spend time with pets and already has volunteer animals to comfort those in need.

Hong Kong economy

Letters | What Hong Kong must do to truly harness the pet economy’s potential

Readers discuss a proposed scheme to allow pet dogs in restaurants, increasing accountability in the bureaucracy, and museums in deficit.

People have a meal with their dog at a restaurant in New Town Plaza in Sha Tin on September 21. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to accept mainland Chinese health certificates for imported cats, dogs

Expanded policy means Hong Kong recognises certificates issued by veterinarians from all mainland customs authorities, not just Shenzhen.

Mainland-imported pets will also be able to enjoy a reduced quarantine period if they meet certain requirements. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong

In the digital age, a single post can change a dog’s life

Who knew saving an abandoned pet could start with a double tap? Hong Kong adopters are proving the internet has heart.

Crime in Hong Kong

Editorial | Money laundering conviction sends right message to wildlife smugglers

There is a need to send a clear message to sophisticated gangs that their use of Hong Kong for wildlife smuggling will not be tolerated.

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