Unlocking Our City: From Shared Parks to Pet Buses, How Hong Kong Embraces a New Era of Human-Pet Inclusion

For pet owners in Hong Kong, the experience is likely all too familiar: the repetitive walking routes day after day, the inconvenience of not having a car to take their pets to the doctor, and the eagerness to share more of the city's beautiful scenery with their beloved furry friends. However, a wave of change is quietly brewing. In recent years, a series of measures introduced by the Hong Kong government are fundamentally reshaping the way people and pets coexist in the city.

This isn't just a minor policy adjustment, but a profound cultural shift. It marks Hong Kong officials' official recognition of a fact that pet owners have long understood: pets are an indispensable part of the family.

The city is transforming from a metropolis that merely tolerates pets to a place that warmly embraces them. This report takes a deep dive into this new pet-friendly landscape. We examine how expanded public spaces and groundbreaking transportation policies are igniting the powerful engine of the "pet economy." With a forward-looking, international perspective, we envision Hong Kong's future as it journeys toward becoming a world-class pet-friendly city.

Unlocking Greenery: Reshaping Urban Public Open Spaces

The most significant shift in Hong Kong's pet-friendly policies has begun with the redefinition of public spaces. While "No Pets Allowed" signs were once common at park entrances, more and more green spaces are now welcoming our four-legged friends.

From experiment to system: The evolution of "pet-sharing parks"

The development of the Pet Co-existence Parks program clearly illustrates this positive shift in government policy. The program began in 2019 with the opening of just six parks as a pilot. Due to enthusiastic public response and promising results, the program quickly evolved from a small-scale experiment into a permanent, institutionalized facility.

The pace of expansion is astonishing. By 2022, the number of pet-friendly parks in Hong Kong has surged to over 100. By early 2025, this number has climbed to over 176, fully covering all 18 districts of Hong Kong, ensuring that residents in every district can enjoy this convenience. This exponential growth, from 6 to over 170 parks, is more than just an increase in the number of facilities; it reflects a deeper, fundamental shift in urban planning philosophy.

The policy default mode is shifting from "banning pets" to "how to accept pets responsibly."

This shows that the government has recognized that providing legal and convenient outdoor activity space for more than 240,000 residents who keep cats and dogs in Hong Kong is an important issue concerning public welfare and social harmony, rather than just satisfying the interests of a niche group.

The profound meaning of the concept of "sharing"

It's crucial to understand the difference between "Pet Shared Parks" and traditional "Pet Parks." The latter are typically dedicated areas designed specifically for pets, with fences and double gates to prevent pets from getting lost. The core concept of "Pet Shared Parks" is to open up existing park facilities, allowing residents and their pets to share space in an inclusive environment.

This model emphasizes integration rather than segregation. It places a higher level of responsibility on pet owners to ensure their pets do not cause a nuisance to other park users, thereby achieving harmonious coexistence between humans and pets. This "sharing" model provides an important blueprint for future public space management. If parks can be successfully shared, could public squares, government-managed beaches, and even country park entrances also adopt this model to achieve broader human-pet integration?

Host Covenant: Code of Conduct for Harmonious Coexistence

To ensure the smooth operation of shared spaces, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has formulated clear user guidelines, which serve as a "social contract" that all pet owners should abide by:

• Leash Required: Dogs must be on a leash or lead at all times while within the park grounds.
• Keep pets under proper control: Pets must be properly controlled at all times and their behavior appropriately controlled to avoid causing nuisance or harm to other people or other pets.
• Cleaning up after your pet: It is the owner's responsibility to clean up after their pet immediately.
• Maintain a clean environment: work together to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the park.

To comply with these guidelines, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has added basic amenities such as dog waste collection bins and handwashing facilities to provide convenience to the public. The implementation of these policies, particularly the strategic placement of many new parks along scenic waterfront promenades such as the Central Pier Promenade, Stanley Promenade, and the West Kowloon Cultural District, has had a significant economic ripple effect. These locations are already busy leisure and commercial hotspots. Their designation as pet-friendly zones directly attracts new customers to surrounding cafes, restaurants, and retailers. A citizen walking their dog along the West Kowloon Promenade is now more likely to become a customer of a nearby pet-friendly restaurant, such as Hooman by The Sea. This creates a virtuous cycle: parks attract pet owners, which in turn encourages more businesses to become pet-friendly, making the area a more attractive pet-themed destination and effectively boosting the local micro-economy.

Featured Recommendations: Hong Kong's Top Pet Sharing Parks

To help you and your pet better plan your trip, we’ve handpicked some of the most distinctive and attractive locations from Hong Kong’s many parks, transforming the official list into a practical and inspiring travel guide.

Full speed ahead: the pet revolution in urban transportation

If the opening of parks solved the problem of "where to go," then the reform of transportation policies has overcome the difficulty of "how to get there." Hong Kong is building a multi-layered pet travel ecosystem, making it no longer a privilege for the select few to take their pets out.

Light rail breakthrough: from pilot to permanent service

The transition of the MTR Light Rail's "Cat and Dog Carrying Scheme" from a pilot program to a permanent arrangement marks a milestone in Hong Kong's pet-friendly public transport. This permanent service, effective September 1, 2025, provides unprecedented convenience for pet owners living in the Northwest New Territories.

MTR Corporation's selection of the Light Rail network as the first pilot for a permanent scheme is a highly strategic "sandbox" deployment. The Light Rail primarily serves areas such as Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, which have relatively spacious living spaces and are popular destinations for pet owners. Compared to the busy and closed urban subway system, the Light Rail's open design and lower passenger volume make it an ideal, lower-risk testing environment. MTR can collect valuable data on usage, rule compliance, and passenger feedback without impacting the core transportation network. The successful operation of this program will provide a solid data foundation and operational blueprint for future consideration of expanding pet-friendly policies to major MTR lines in phases, which will be the ultimate leap forward in pet travel freedom in Hong Kong.

To use the service, hosts follow a clear set of guidelines:

• Pass: Owners need to purchase the electronic version of the "Cat/Dog Travel Pass" through the MTR Mobile app, which costs HK$99 per month.
• Applicable time: valid on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only.
• Carrying rules: Each licensed passenger is limited to one cat or dog.
• Pet bag requirements: Your pet must be completely contained in a designated bag or box at all times. The combined length, width, and height of the bag must not exceed 170 cm, and any side must not exceed 130 cm. No part of the pet's body must be exposed.
• Riding rules: Passengers must board and alight through the last door of the carriage and stay at the designated position at the rear of the carriage throughout the journey.

Beyond Rail: A Public-Private Hybrid Transport Ecosystem

The current state of pet transportation in Hong Kong is not a simple binary of "allowed" versus "prohibited," but rather a complex and mature hybrid model fostered by public and private sectors. This ecosystem reflects the dynamic interplay between market demand and public policy.

• Bus Services: Regular franchised bus services currently prohibit pets (except guide dogs). However, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) has innovatively launched the "Pet Bus Tour" service. This isn't a daily commuter service; it's a pre-booked, franchised service that operates on designated weekend and holiday routes, connecting pet-friendly hotspots and offering pet owners a curated outing.
• Ferry Services: Ferries are a key means of transport to outlying islands, but pet policies vary significantly between companies, so owners should carefully check before traveling. For example, the Star Ferry strictly prohibits pets on board, while most lines, such as First Ferry and Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry, allow pets on board, but they must adhere to specific regulations, such as purchasing pet tickets, using designated seating areas, and wearing masks or using pet carriers.
• Private transportation: Where public transportation coverage is insufficient, the private market plays a crucial role in supplementing services. Over the years, pet owners have "voted" through their consumption, fostering a thriving private pet transportation market. Public policy responses to these clear market signals have been a response.
• Taxis: The law stipulates that a surcharge of HK$5 per animal may be charged, but the driver has the final discretion to refuse transportation, making it a less reliable option.
• Ride-hailing: Uber Pet is a game-changer. It offers a reliable, standardized service, and passengers can travel with their pets with peace of mind for a surcharge of just HK$20.
• Passenger and van platforms: Platforms such as Lalamove, GOGOX and Call4van all offer additional options for pet transportation, with a surcharge of approximately HK$10 to HK$15. Their spacious cabins are especially suitable for larger dogs.
• Professional pet transportation: Professional service companies such as 99VIP and Orange Pet Transportation have also emerged in the market. They provide higher-end, pet-centric services, such as pet safety belts, first aid kits, and services provided by professionally trained drivers.

This hybrid public-private model is expected to continue to develop in the future, with public transportation (such as light rail) becoming an affordable, basic option for planned weekend trips, while private services will continue to cater to weekday needs (such as veterinary visits), emergencies, and those seeking convenience and high-end experiences.

Ultimate Guide: Pet Transport in Hong Kong

With so many rules and regulations out of the way, we've put together a comprehensive comparison guide to help you easily plan every trip with your pet.

The rise of the "pet economy": from policy dividends to the prosperity of a 6.2 billion market

The government's pet-friendly policies have not only improved the lives of pets but have also injected a powerful new impetus into Hong Kong's economy. This trend, known as the "Paw-sperity Economy," is becoming a significant bright spot in the local consumer market.

The passion behind the numbers

Recent market research data strongly supports this boom. It's estimated that Hong Kong's pet industry market has surpassed HK$6.2 billion annually. The data shows that local pet owners spend an average of HK$2,086 per pet per month, a 6.3% year-on-year increase. More notably, 80.1% of pet owners surveyed reported an increase in spending over the past year, and 79.1% expect this to continue in the future.

Against the backdrop of a relatively flat overall consumption atmosphere in the post-epidemic period, the pet economy has demonstrated amazing resilience and growth potential.

Behind this consumer behavior lies a deep emotional investment. Spending on pets is often viewed as non-discretionary, emotionally charged, making it more resilient to economic fluctuations than other luxury or leisure purchases. Therefore, government investment in pet-friendly infrastructure is not only a social welfare policy but also a shrewd economic strategy aimed at fostering a high-growth, stable domestic demand market driven by local residents.

The general trend of "anthropomorphism"

The core driving force behind this massive market is the global trend of "humanization" of pets. In modern society, with the increasing prevalence of delayed marriage and declining birthrates, the role of pets in the family has undergone a fundamental shift. They are now viewed as family members, emotional companions, and even "furry children." In some markets, sales of pet products have even surpassed those of baby products, demonstrating the importance of their sentimental value.

This shift in perspective has directly fueled a surge in demand for high-end, refined products and services. From premium pet food and advanced veterinary care to professional grooming services, behavioral training, and even experiential consumption experiences shared with owners, these have all become key growth drivers in the market.

How infrastructure can unleash consumption potential

Newly opened parks and convenient transportation networks are the key catalysts for releasing this potential consumer power. They form a clear causal chain:

More pet-friendly parks ➔ More reasons to go out ➔ Increased transportation demand ➔ More visits to pet-friendly businesses near parks ➔ Driven related consumption

Each link in this chain represents a new business opportunity. When pet owners travel with their pets, they purchase travel supplies like portable water bowls and travel bags. To help their pets function appropriately in social situations, they increase the frequency of grooming visits. At pet-friendly restaurants near parks, they even order menus specifically for their pets. Hong Kong's culinary industry has quickly responded to this trend. From seaview restaurants in Sai Kung and Repulse Bay to trendy cafes like The Nan Fung Cotton Mill in Tsuen Wan and Mong Kok, even traditional Chinese teahouses have opened pet-friendly areas and introduced pet-specific menus, demonstrating the market's maturity and flexibility. This signals that the pet economy is evolving from basic product sales to a broader "experience economy." Future growth will not only focus on pet products, but also on services and experiences designed around shared moments between people and pets, such as pet photography, pet-themed hotel stays, and a wider range of travel products.

The Road Ahead: Hong Kong’s Journey to Becoming a World-Class Pet-Friendly City

Hong Kong has made significant progress in pet-friendly policies, but there is still much room for improvement and exploration to become a global leader. By comparing the models of different international cities, we can more clearly chart Hong Kong's future.

International benchmarks: two completely different urban models

• Tokyo Model (Strict Regulations): Japan's capital, Tokyo, adopts a highly regulated model for pets. While pets are allowed on public transportation, strict restrictions apply: pets must weigh under 10 kg and be kept in airtight containers with very strict dimensions. Finding pet-friendly rentals is challenging, with landlords often requiring additional deposits or "key money" and imposing strict terms and conditions. This model is guided by the principle of minimizing impact on public order.
• The Berlin Model (Trust Fusion): Germany's capital, Berlin, embodies a completely different philosophy, renowned as one of the world's most pet-friendly cities. Dogs of all sizes enjoy nearly unimpeded access to all forms of public transportation, including the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (city rail), buses, and trams. Larger dogs only need to purchase a child ticket, be on a leash, and wear a muzzle (although enforcement of masks is sometimes lax). This model is built on a high level of social trust and a general confidence in both owner responsibility and pet behavior.

Hong Kong's next step: From "sandbox" to citywide

Hong Kong’s policy trajectory is now gradually moving away from the strict “Tokyo model” and has the potential to absorb the essence of the “Berlin model”. Achieving this leap requires gradual and thoughtful planning:

• Expanding the MTR program: Leveraging the success and data from the Light Rail program, a phased pilot program could be implemented on a core MTR line during off-peak hours. Consider establishing "pet-only carriages" or implementing a dual-track system based on pet size: large dogs must be leashed and muzzled, while small dogs must be bagged.
• Standardise ferry rules: Promote negotiations between the Transport Department and ferry operators to establish a more standardised and clear set of rules for pets travelling on ferry, so as to reduce confusion for the public when planning outlying island trips.
• Innovate bus services: Building on KMB's "Pet Bus Tour", explore expanding it from a franchised reservation service to setting up "pet-friendly routes" during non-peak hours on specific regular routes, providing greater flexibility for pet travel.
• Encouraging pet-friendly housing: Housing is one of the biggest barriers to pet ownership. The government could consider introducing incentives, such as tax incentives for owners willing to accommodate pets or designating pet-friendly floors in public housing, to address housing issues at the source.

However, the path to the "Berlin Model" involves more than just changing regulations. At the heart of its success lies a deeply embedded social culture—one that prioritizes dog training and public etiquette. Hong Kong's current policies, such as strict bag requirements, reflect a lack of trust in public spaces regarding pet behavior.

Therefore, the key challenge ahead lies in cultural development. This requires the joint efforts of the government, animal welfare organizations (such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and the industry (such as pet training schools) to launch large-scale public education campaigns, promote the concept of "pet citizenship," and popularize positive training methods.

When responsible breeding culture becomes a social consensus, more open and trustworthy policies will naturally emerge.

Conclusion: A shared future

Hong Kong's recent achievements in pet-friendliness are encouraging, but they are just the beginning. A truly pet-inclusive city requires sustained government policy support, innovative responses from the business community, and, most importantly, a strong community of responsible and civic-minded pet owners.

Let's explore newly opened parks, take advantage of convenient transportation options, and support pet-friendly businesses with our purchases. Most importantly, while enjoying these conveniences, let's lead by example and be role models of responsible pet ownership. It's these small actions that will add up to a powerful force that propels Hong Kong towards a more inclusive and vibrant future, creating a better home for all our two-legged and four-legged residents.