Pet-Friendly Restaurants /

Resources and Support for Restaurants

Staff Guidance: Four Key “Don’ts”

Restaurant staff should keep the following in mind at all times:

DON’T

Do not try to handle or calm a dog yourself.

DON’T

Do not hesitate to step in only after a situation has worsened. Staff should be aware of signs that a dog may be feeling stressed or anxious.

DON’T

Do not approach a dog that is reacting aggressively or intensely at any time.

DON’T

Do not attempt to stop dogs from fighting on your own. Always ask the dog owner to intervene.

These points should form part of every restaurant’s staff guidelines and training.

The Restaurant Environment: Sources of Stimulation and Risk

Restaurants can be highly stimulating environments for dogs. Key factors to consider include:

Noise

Smells

Food

Pest control measures

Other dogs

Limited space

Crowd flow

Plants

are they toxic or treated with harmful chemicals?

Understanding and managing these environmental triggers and risks where possible can help reduce stress and improve safety for everyone. Understanding how your dog might respond and ensuring your dog is ready and happy to visit restaurant is also important.

Hygiene and Cleaning

Maintaining hygiene is essential in a dog-friendly dining setting. Restaurants should consider:

  • Cleaning and housekeeping routines
  • Odours and the use of chemicals
  • Hand hygiene
  • Covered waste bins designated for animal-related waste

Each restaurant should establish its own clear cleaning protocol, including:

  • Who is responsible
  • How cleaning should be carried out

Useful Resources for Restaurants

Official Guidance

The operator guidance covers house rules, arrangements, food safety and environmental hygiene, staff training and manpower arrangements, and response to incidents.

https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/guide_restaurant.html

The list will be updated from time to time as approvals are granted. The first batch of results is released on 12 June 2026.

https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/dog_restaurants_list.html

SPCA Resources

A practical guide to restaurant etiquette, including leash control, behaviour expectations, and preparing dogs to dine out calmly and responsibly. This can help both operators and customers understand what good pet-friendly dining looks like.

https://www.spca.org.hk/help-advice/pawprint-magazine/issue-126-dining-out-with-your-dog-the-spca-guide-to-restaurant-etiquette/

Code of conduct for dogs owners and other patrons visiting dog friendly restaurants

SPCA’s Support for Businesses

Transforming your restaurant into a dog-friendly dining destination requires careful planning, clear policies, proper staff training, and close attention to safety and hygiene.

This workshop is designed to help restaurant owners, managers, and service teams confidently create and manage a welcoming environment for both guests and their dogs. The training will focus on practical knowledge, operational readiness, and responsible handling of dog-related situations in a restaurant setting.

Key Workshop Highlights:

  • Establishing Clear Dog-Friendly Guidelines
    Learn how to develop practical house rules, guest policies, and operational procedures for welcoming dogs safely and professionally.
  • Staff Training and Education
    Equip your team with essential dog-related knowledge, including basic dog behaviour, safe interaction practices, hygiene standards, and customer service etiquette.
  • Troubleshooting Potential Challenges
    Understand how to identify and manage common issues such as barking, aggressive behaviour, guest discomfort, space limitations, allergies, and cleanliness concerns.
  • Handling Emergencies Effectively
    Prepare your staff to respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies involving dogs, guests, or staff, including bites, injuries, conflicts, or health-related incidents.

Workshop Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be better prepared to operate a dog-friendly restaurant that is safe, hygienic, welcoming, and well-managed, while enhancing the overall dining experience for all guests.

For businesses seeking more customised guidance, SPCA may also offer on-site visits and tailored advisory support. This can include a practical review of the restaurant environment and operational setup, with recommendations based on the needs of the specific premises.

Support may cover:

  • Suitability of the physical layout;
  • Customer flow and spacing;
  • Safety considerations for staff, diners, and dogs;
  • Hygiene and cleaning arrangements;
  • Operational practices for welcoming dogs responsibly;
  • Identifying areas for improvement before implementation.

Restaurant owners who would like to explore tailored support are welcome to contact SPCA for more details and discussion.

If you are a restaurant owner and would like support in creating a pet-inclusive environment

please contact SPCA’s Behavioural and Training Team at
2232 5567 or email bt@spca.org.hk.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants