More than 940 restaurants across Hong Kong have officially opened their doors to four-legged guests, as a new regulation allowing pet dogs into designated dining venues came into force on Thursday.

The city's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has deployed a specialized team of 90 staff to carry out on-site inspections, help eateries comply with the new requirements, and answer any operational questions from business owners.

Under the new rules, dog owners visiting participating restaurants must adhere to strict guidelines. Each dog must be secured on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters, held by an adult or fastened to a fixed object. Breeds classified as fighting dogs or "known dangerous dogs" are barred from entry, and under no circumstances are dogs permitted to enter food preparation zones.

China Daily's Andy Chong took the photos on Thursday.