Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will deliver his fourth Policy Address later this month, and multiple suggestions on this matter have recently been put forward, one of which focuses on fostering the development of Hong Kong’s pet economy. In recent years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and public institutions have made steady progress in pet-friendly measures.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department launched the Inclusive Park for Pets trial program in 2019, which, because of its positive reception, has been made permanent. By early this year, Hong Kong had over 170 inclusive parks for pets. However, many outdated regulations and practices remain in place, particularly in pet transportation and dining, indicating room for improvement in pet-friendly policies. As Lee stated during Policy Address consultation sessions, it is essential to break down barriers, loosen restrictions, innovate, and embrace change. This article highlights issues in transportation, quarantine, and dining arrangements for pets and proposes practical solutions.
The pet economy’s size and potential are significant. According to a 2018 survey by the Census and Statistics Department, only 1 in 10 Hong Kong households keeps a pet cat or dog. Hong Kong hosts large-scale pet exhibitions annually, such as the Hong Kong Pet Show, Hong Kong Cat Expo, and Premium Pet Supplies Expo, with the pet industry market valued at over HK$6.2 billion ($795 million). On the Chinese mainland, the pet economy reached 493.6 billion yuan ($69.2 billion) in 2022 and is projected to grow to 649.09 billion yuan this year. Social media trends on the mainland show pet travel gaining popularity, contributing to both economic benefits and promotional opportunities. By creating a more pet-friendly environment, Hong Kong could attract tourists from the mainland and worldwide for pet-friendly travel, representing a significant business opportunity.
The first challenge in promoting the pet economy in Hong Kong is transportation. Many residents regard their pets as companions, yet face difficulties using public transport with them. Regulations like the Mass Transit Railway By-laws and Tramway Ordinance largely prohibit pets on public transport. The options for pet-friendly public transportation are limited, with only certain ferry routes allowing pets on board. Most public-transport operators enforce strict no-pet policies, leaving pet owners with little choice but to rely on taxis or ride-hailing services. Compared to pet transportation policies globally, Hong Kong’s approach is relatively conservative. In Europe, pets are often allowed on buses, ferries, subways, and trains, while countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, and Japan permit pets in carriers or strollers on public transport. Hong Kong should gradually introduce pet-friendly transport policies.
Hong Kong boasts world-class standards in transport, public facilities, hotels, and dining, and has successfully built an event-driven economy. By advancing pet-friendly initiatives and creating a world-class pet-friendly environment, Hong Kong can enhance its tourism appeal, showcasing its inclusive and diverse image as a global city of events and travel
Currently, 19 outlying island and inner-harbor ferry routes in Hong Kong allow passengers to bring pets onboard, accounting for over 80 percent of regular ferry routes. Authorities should consider extending this to the remaining routes, making ferries a fully pet-friendly transport option. Additionally, following a successful trial period that began in May, MTR Corp officially announced on Aug 20 that the “Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme” on Light Rail will become a permanent arrangement starting this month. It allows pet owners to bring fully enclosed cats or dogs on Light Rail services during weekends and public holidays. During the trial of more than three months, over 1,300 passengers purchased the monthly pass and surveys indicated over 95 percent positive recognition from both pet owners and non-pet-owning passengers.
The second challenge is pets in dining establishments. Section 108 of the Cap.132X Food Business Regulation stipulates that anyone who knowingly allows a dog to remain on food-business premises commits an offense. A restaurant was recently prosecuted and had its license revoked for allowing dogs inside. Compared to many foreign countries, the stance of Hong Kong is restrictive. The issue was raised in the Legislative Council multiple times, with the latest written question on April 30, 2024, prompting authorities to review Cap.132X and explore relaxing restrictions. The relevant bureau should be urged to reexamine the associated legislation and conduct a comprehensive study to gauge public opinion on potential amendments and explore whether a social consensus can be reached. Balancing operational needs, public health, public acceptance, and market demand, the government could introduce a pet-friendly restaurant license, allowing designated pet areas with clear signage. A pilot with voluntary restaurants could pave the way for gradual implementation.
The final challenge is cross-border pet quarantine. Hong Kong enforces strict regulations for pets entering the city, categorizing pet origins into three groups based on their country or region of origin. A significant step forward came on June 3, when the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) classified the Chinese mainland as a Group IIIA region for the import of cats and dogs. Under the new regulations, pets from the mainland meeting specific conditions, such as microchipping, rabies and other vaccinations, and an official veterinary health certificate, now face a reduced quarantine period of 30 days, down from 120 days. Other regions currently classified under Group IIIA include the Macao SAR and Lithuania. The application process is stringent: Rabies vaccinations must be administered 30 days to one year before departure; blood samples must be taken 90 days to one year before departure, and the samples must be tested at an AFCD-recognized laboratory with a passing result; and vaccinations for other specified diseases must be administered no less than 14 days and no more than one year before departure. Furthermore, only animal health certificates issued by official veterinarians of Shenzhen Customs are accepted, and entry must be through the Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau, or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge ports during designated hours. While the quarantine time reduced, 30 days remains a significant duration for many owners. This pilot program can be optimized by collaborating with more rabies-free mainland regions, allowing two-way travel based on serology tests, and equipping pets with GPS trackers. For example, Shenzhen has had no local rabies cases since 2008, so a trial with 100 pet quotas could streamline cross-border arrangements.
In conclusion, Hong Kong boasts world-class standards in transport, public facilities, hotels, and dining, and has successfully built an event-driven economy. By advancing pet-friendly initiatives and creating a world-class pet-friendly environment, Hong Kong can enhance its tourism appeal, showcasing its inclusive and diverse image as a global city of events and travel.
The author is a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress and a Legislative Council member.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
