The Hong Kong government announced that 62 government-managed parks will be opened to pets starting April 21, bringing the total number of pet-friendly parks to 103. The newly pet-inclusive parks are spread across the city and include Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and Central Pier Waterfront.
However, these parks are not specifically designed to be used by pets. Instead, these are existing parks with facilities such as dog excreta collection bins and hand-washing facilities. In 2019, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) opened six of its parks to pets on a trial basis as part of its Inclusive Park for Pets initiative. In 2021, the LCSD added 35 more parks to this list.
The government recommends that while in these parks, dog owners should keep their dogs on a leash. Pet parents should ensure their pets are well-behaved and do not cause a nuisance or danger to anyone else in the premises. They also need to clean up any mess created by their pets and keep the area clean.
The LCSD also has 52 dedicated off-leash dog and pet gardens across several districts in Hong Kong. These gardens were designed keeping pet needs and safety in mind, with facilities such as double pet gates, dog excreta collection bins or dog latrines, and hand-washing facilities. Some venues even have play equipment, drinking fountains, and lawns specifically for pets.
If you’re looking for some of the best parks to take your pooches to, check out our list of the best dog-friendly parks in Hong Kong. If you’re more of a sun-and-sand person, then there are several pet-friendly beaches where you can let your pets run free.
Header image credits: Ting Him Mak via Flickr
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