Pawsitive Changemakers
MTR: Paving the way for a more pet-inclusive Hong Kong
MTR launched their “Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme” on the Light Rail in May 2025 to the delight of many owners in Hong Kong. After a successful four-month trial, the scheme became a regular service on weekends and public holidays in September 2025.
With MTR set to be the transportation partner for the SPCA’s “Dogathon” on 1 March 2026—whereby designated participants who donate HK$90 to the SPCA will be allowed to travel with their pet dogs in enclosed pet bags on the last train car of the MTR network—this will mark the first time the MTR welcomes several hundred dogs across the heavy rail network.
We sat down with the Deputy Director of Operating & Metro Segment at MTR Corporation, Cheris Lee, whose career and expertise span 31 years with the mass transit operator, to learn more about the MTR’s pet-friendly initiative and their future plans.
PP: Can you describe why the MTR Corporation has taken steps to make the railway system more accommodating for cats and dogs?
Cheris: At MTR, as the major transport operator in Hong Kong, we uphold our mission of “Keep Cities Moving” by delivering high-quality services to our customers. We strive to be customer-centric—staying close to our customers, paying attention to social changes and making corresponding service adjustments to better meet the diverse travel needs of passengers and foster community development with heart-warming and caring initiatives.
Above all, safety remains our top priority.
In recent years, we’ve observed that more families are raising pets and treating them as family members — including some of our colleagues! Throughout the years, we have maintained close communication with various community groups, stakeholders and with the increasing trend of pet owners, this sparked a discussion among us: “Would it be feasible to allow cats and dogs to travel on the MTR, balancing both inclusivity and the safety and quality of our service?”
There is clearly a need to respond — and an opportunity to capture a new market — but we needed to ensure that every step aligns with the MTR standard: smooth and safe operations for the benefit of all passengers.
MTR Fact Sheet
MTR handles over 5 million passenger trips per weekday.
Light Rail carries over 400,000 passenger trips daily across Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Tin Shui Wai districts
The MTR needed to consider several aspects: safety, operational requirements, customer experience, and legal aspects.
From left to right; MTR management; Diana, Annie and Cheris with SPCA’s Dr. Fiona, Animals Asia’s Karina O’Carroll and volunteers
Cheris with SPCA’s Dr. Fiona Woodhouse and Senior Behavioural Support Technician, Lily Leung
Adopting a step-by-step approach was essential in introducing a new initiative to the mass transit operator:
Step 1
MTR partnered with Animals Asia in 2023 to organise the “MTR x International Dog Day – Let’s Get to Know Dr Dog” event on International Dog Day.
About 20 of Animals Asia’s therapy dogs and their owners were given the first-ever opportunity to travel across the entire MTR network. This initiative received very positive feedback, which gave MTR the confidence to take the next step forward.
Step 2
To test the feasibility of allowing both pet dogs and cats on our regular Light Rail services. Although the system is smaller than the heavy rail network, opening it to cats and dogs was no easy task and the MTR approached this initiative with great care, ensuring the safety and comfort of both pets and all other passengers.
Step 3
After thorough planning and co-ordination with the SPCA and across departments, the MTR launched the Light Rail Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme, which began as a trial in May 2025.
There were three key requirements to ensure the best experience for all passengers:
- Designated travel times – weekends and public holidays only.
- Designated locations – boarding and alighting through designated car doors and remaining at the rear of the compartment during the journey.
- Designated methods – purchasing a Cat/Dog Carrying Pass and ensuring pet dogs and cats are fully enclosed in a pet-specific carrier that complies with luggage regulations.
Impact on Customer Experience
PP: How has the introduction of pet-friendly policies impacted the overall customer experience on the MTR?
Cheris: I am thrilled that the Light Rail Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme has been well received by the community. Our team conducted surveys with both cat and dog owners as well as non-pet-owning passengers, revealing that over:
– 95% of respondents positively recognised the scheme and MTR’s efforts in promoting community inclusiveness through this initiative.
– 90% of cat/dog owners complied with the scheme rules and regulations, i.e. traveling on Light Rail during designated times, at designated locations and using the designated methods. Cats and dogs generally remained calm and behaved harmoniously in the presence of other passengers.
PP: What feedback have you received from non-pet owners regarding these new initiatives?
Cheris: For non-pet owners, we understand the concerns primarily about hygiene and allergies. With the support of professional behavioural specialist and inspectorates from the SPCA, we were able to clearly explain our initiatives and implement the respective measures in place. On that front, we have also enhanced compartment cleaning and strengthened passenger education for better understanding.
We will continue listening to our customers’ voices through various channels throughout this journey.
PP: What personal experiences with pets have influenced your work and passion for this initiative?
Cheris: I always believe that MTR is not just about transportation—we care about our passengers and their needs. Seeing how much joy pets could bring to people has inspired us to stay committed in this initiative in fostering a caring, inclusive community.
PP: How has the collaboration with the SPCA over the years helped enhance various animal welfare issues encountered in the railway system?
Cheris: I’m delighted that our partnership with SPCA has helped promote social inclusivity. Through the Light Rail Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme, SPCA has helped raise awareness and encourage best practices among cat and dog owners. They have also supported us in educating passengers about responsible cat/dog travel, addressing possible concerns related to hygiene and allergies. Their involvement reassures the public that the initiative is guided by professional expertise and a strong commitment to animal welfare.
The MTR’s new pet-inclusive initiatives reflect a significant advancement in Hong Kong’s transportation landscape, enhancing community connections for owners. The successful implementation of the Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme on the Light Rail, alongside support for the SPCA’s “Dogathon,” showcases the MTR’s commitment to thoughtful, customer-centric policies. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from both pet- and non-pet owners, this initiative highlights the careful planning and safety measures involved, paving the way for a more inclusive travel experience where all passengers can journey together in harmony.
To read the full interview with Cheris to learn more about how the MTR implemented their pet-friendly initiatives:
