More than 900 Hong Kong restaurants welcome dogs on day 1 of pet-licensing scheme

More than 900 restaurants and eateries in Hong Kong opened their doors to customers with dogs on the first day of a scheme allowing canines into restaurants, marking the end of a 30-year ban enacted to protect against rabies.

Chinese restaurants, fast food chains and coffee shops on Thursday welcomed their first groups of customers with dogs, who flocked to eateries across the city to dine with their beloved pets.

Under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s scheme, 940 approved restaurants were permitted to admit dogs, ending the need for pet-friendly eateries and diners to rely on “grey areas” such as outdoor zones.

At The Wai shopping centre, Chinese restaurant Canton House saw a steady stream of pet owners throughout the morning.

Isabella Chow, a 58-year-old housewife, arrived with her three poodles in a pram, saying she was “very happy” to finally be able to dine indoors with them and that she had long been looking for a pet-friendly place for dim sum.

“I have always wanted to have dim sum with them. In the past, there weren’t many places to have dim sum indoors with dogs. My dream has come true.”