Getting around Hong Kong with pets may soon get easier as two of the city’s major public transport providers might lift their restrictions on travelling with animals. Reports say that railway corporation MTR and bus operator KMB will permit domestic animals to accompany passengers during their commutes. However, they will set limits on the size of pets allowed onboard and the time of day they can use these services.
MTR and KMB’s Planned Pet-Friendly Policies
According to media reports, MTR plans to announce their new rules surrounding pet travel within the first half of 2025. While the firm is likely to place size limits on pets and require them to travel in bags or carriers when boarding trains, they may even create special compartments for household animals. The railway operator will reportedly conduct a trial on weekends to see how the public responds to the move, and then extend the service to non-peak hours on weekdays.
KMB, which has the largest fleet and runs the most bus routes in Hong Kong, will also permit small domestic animals onboard during off-peak periods, provided they remain in containers. This move builds upon past efforts to support pet-friendly travel. Last year, the company launched pet-friendly bus tours across West Kowloon and parts of the New Territories on weekends and public holidays.
Limited Transport Options for Pet Owners in Hong Kong
Official government data shows that nearly 242,000 households in Hong Kong have dogs and cats as pets, accounting for 9.4% of all residences in the city. However, commuting with pets within the SAR is not easy as trains, buses and trams only allow guide dogs onboard, while ferry, public light bus and non-franchises bus companies have discretionary policies surrounding domestic animals.
Many pet parents opt for taxis, but this option comes with its own share of challenges. While taxis charge HK$5 per animal or bird, drivers can refuse to accept passengers with pets. Ride-hailing app Uber has a pet service by which passengers pay HK$20 to get matched with a driver who accepts pets for trips.
Image credits: LN9267 via WikiCommons
