Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what’s happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page.
News: Hong Kong aims to boost pet economy
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The new pet-friendly scheme targets local restaurants to boost local spending
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Nearly 10 per cent of Hong Kong households keep cats and dogs as pets
The Hong Kong government hopes to develop the city’s “pet economy” by becoming more accommodating to furry friends so their owners are more likely to spend locally.
The Environment and Ecology Bureau recently proposed that up to 1,000 restaurants could apply for a permit for HK$140 to allow dogs to enter their premises.
The initial phase of the scheme would launch by mid- 2026 and allow a maximum of two dogs per diner.
The bureau aimed to submit the proposed amendments to the Food Business Regulation to the Legislative Council within the first quarter of this year.
Under the current regulations, customers cannot bring dogs into any food premises, and operators may not permit them. Penalties for breaking these regulations include up to three months in jail and a maximum fine of HK$10,000.
Pet-friendly Uluru Cafe in Wan Chai is owned by Ricky Tam Wai-kit. He was previously told that if officers spotted one more dog, the cafe would have to close for a week. Another offence could mean losing his licence.
“We like pets and animals, but this has made us a target for attack,” Tam said. “I don’t understand why they have to weaponise the law to punish us.”
To save his business, Tam was forced to ban customers from bringing their pets. Business dropped by 20 to 30 per cent. He is waiting for the law to change and hopes his business can survive the transition.
According to the latest census, nearly 10 per cent of Hong Kong households kept more than 400,000 cats and dogs as pets.
Shopping malls like K11 Musea and The Mills have become popular among “paw parents” for their pet-friendly policies, such as allowing pets in designated areas and leashed dogs on the premises.
Angela Chan Nga-chi is the president of the Hong Kong Pet Trade Association. She said the city’s retail, entertainment and transport sectors would benefit from more pet-friendly policies. Chan noted that the pet market was already substantial, with more than HK$6 billion spent on pet food and HK$800 million on services.
Local owners spent an average of HK$2,000 monthly on their pets. This excluded insurance premiums, which could cost around HK$1,000.
“Ten years ago, pet owners might just buy basic kibble, but now they buy higher-premium products for their pets. They truly treat their pets as family members,” Chan said.
“Judging by product trends, pet ownership is becoming increasingly sophisticated. People are focused on how to improve their pets’ quality of life.”
Staff writers
Question prompts
1. Which of the following statements is false, according to the information in the news?
(1) The proposed pet-friendly scheme would allow 3,000 restaurants to apply for a permit allowing dogs on the premises.
(2) Pet owners cannot bring dogs into restaurants and restaurants cannot allow them.
(3) Around one-third of Hong Kong households own more than 400,000 cats and dogs as pets.
(4) Hong Kong pet owners spend an average of HK$2,000 monthly on their pets.
A. (1), (2) only
B. (1), (3) only
C. (2), (3) only
D. (3), (4) only
2. Why might restaurant owners like Tam want to welcome pets despite the current regulations? Explain using the news and your own knowledge.
3. How could allowing dogs in restaurants help the city’s economy? Explain using the news, glossary and your own knowledge.
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Question prompts
1. What concerns might customers who are allergic to or dislike dogs have about dining in a restaurant that allows dogs inside?
2. To what extent do you think pet-friendly restaurants would be popular in Hong Kong? Explain using the news and your own knowledge.
Glossary
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weaponise: to use something as a tool for attack, defence or to gain a strategic advantage
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transition: the process or period of changing from one state, stage or condition to another.
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insurance premiums: regular payments made to keep an insurance policy active, covering a variety of risks and aiming to protect the policyholder from financial loss
Sample answers
News
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B
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Pet-friendly restaurants like Tam’s cafe cater to pets and their owners who would otherwise need to leave their pets at home if they need to go out. Pet owners often want to bring their animals outside to get fresh air and socialise. Because the current law bans pets in restaurants, eateries that find ways to bring animals into outdoor areas can attract pet owners who do not have many choices in where they can go with their furry friends. This can be a major selling point for businesses that want to retain loyal customers. (accept all reasonable answers)
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Allowing dogs in restaurants can significantly benefit Hong Kong’s economy for several reasons. Firstly, nearly 10 per cent of the city’s households own pets, and many dog owners view their pets as family members. This prompts pet owners to seek out pet-friendly businesses, and they are more willing to venture out for longer since they don’t need to rush home to care for their animals. Thus, all of those pet-friendly businesses would see more foot traffic and spending. Having more pet-friendly restaurants encourages more pet owners to go out to eat more often since they have more options to choose from, and they are likely to spend more on additional purchases, such as taxis, pet-related items and other services nearby. This not only increases the revenue of the restaurants but also stimulates local businesses, including pet shops, parks, and entertainment venues, where these owners may choose to spend their time and money. Therefore, embracing dogs in restaurants can boost local spending and improve Hong Kong’s economic landscape. (accept all similar answers)
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Customers with dog allergies may worry that exposure to pets could trigger allergic reactions, while diners who dislike dogs might feel anxious or uncomfortable. Sometimes, dogs bark and whine, which can also be disturbing to some customers. (accept all reasonable answers)
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Pet-friendly restaurants would likely be popular in Hong Kong, given that 10 per cent of households have pets and are willing to spend quite a lot of money on their furry friends. Additionally, there is a growing acceptance of pets in public spaces, such as some forms of public transport and some shopping malls. All of these pet-friendly initiatives create a better environment that encourages people to go to restaurants with their pets. (accept all reasonable answers)
