Hong Kong’s pet economy is blossoming into a vibrant ecosystem, where pets are increasingly cherished as family members rather than casual companions. From speciality pet stores to cat cafes, our furry friends have become an integral part of the city’s rhythm, and the urban landscape is adapting to welcome them. Adding momentum to this shift, Chief Executive John Lee introduced supportive measures in his 2025 Policy Address, including a new licensing system that permits pets in designated restaurants.
In 2023, Hong Kong’s pet food market was valued at approximately HK$2 billion, with a projected annual growth of 5–7% over the next five years. According to a report by Flanders Investment & Trade, about 38% of households own pets, with dogs and cats making up the majority. A February 2024 survey by the pet insurance firm OneDegree revealed that 53.4% of pet owners spend between HK$1,000–4,999 per month on their fur babies, while 7.4% spent over HK$10,000 per month.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is spearheading initiatives that promote a better understanding of pet care, from food and housing to health and training. Government data shows the number of registered veterinary surgeons has increased by 70% in the past decade. AFCD said a household survey on pet ownership will be released this year to help the industry gauge market demands.
Hong Kong has also emerged as Asia’s leading market for ultra-premium pet food, surpassing Japan, Taiwan and Singapore, according to Euromonitor International. Even amid tighter household budgets, consumers continue to prioritize quality. A 2025 report by Flanders highlights a rising focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients gaining importance. At the same time, demand for health-oriented products, such as supplements, continues to increase, reflecting broader trends towards specialized nutrition and wellness solutions.
At the annual Hong Kong Pet Show in February last year, more than 400 global exhibitors showcased their products, drawing record visitor numbers. Across the venue, items like smart feeders, automated litter boxes, quick-clean solutions and pet apparel attracted significant interest. Total sales exceeded HK$100 million, the highest yet recorded for an event of this kind. June’s Premium Pet Supplies Expo 2025 attracted over 280,000 visitors, an increase of 17% compared to 2024.
Tammy Wu, Chairman of the Chamber’s Retail, Culture, Sports & Tourism Committee, attributes the rising pet economy to the trend of pets as “fur babies.” “As the trend of treating pets as family members grows, demand now spans clothing, food, shelter and transportation, driving development along the entire industry chain,” Wu explained. “The Chief Executive’s initiative to permit pet dogs into designated restaurants is undoubtedly a crucial step forward.”
Cats and Dogs Welcome
Hong Kong’s infrastructure is also adapting. As of March 2025, the Leisure & Culture Services Department had set up 55 pet gardens and 180 inclusive parks across Hong Kong’s 18 districts. In public housing estates, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has long permitted guide dogs in neighbourhood shopping centres. Recently, broader measures were introduced to allow pets inside, provided they remain in carriers or strollers and do not cause hygiene concerns.
Major retail destinations are leading the shift. AIRSIDE in Kai Tak offers indoor areas, rooftop gardens and pet stroller rentals. The Mills in Tsuen Wan welcomes leashed dogs in its cultural spaces and rooftop garden. K11 Musea has a designated area called Bohemian Garden, while seaside hubs such as Stanley Plaza and The Pulse welcome pets in their open-air layouts. Other popular spots include APM Mall, D2 Place and Arcade@Cyberport, which features CyberPAW Zone, a designated pet recreation area.
The West Kowloon Cultural District has added themed outdoor zones and obstacle courses at the WestK Pet Club, and organizes pet-themed markets and outdoor events. With the hit exhibition “Ancient Egypt Unveiled” at the Hong Kong Palace Museum drawing nearly 200,000 visitors in just two months, the museum collaborated with the Hong Kong Pet Show 2026 (29 January –1 February) to showcase a 2.5‑metre “Pharaoh Cat” installation. Meanwhile, luxury hotels are embracing the trend with “petcation” packages that include accommodation, breakfast and activities such as pet yoga.
Last year, the MTR Corporation completed a successful trial of its “Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme” on light rail services, launched in May to allow weekend and public holiday travel with pets. The scheme became permanent in September, with passes available through the MTR Mobile app. During the trial period, over 1,300 passes were sold, and compliance exceeded 90%, with the SPCA and Animals Asia observing smooth operations and positive interactions.
Cheris Lee, Deputy Director – Operation & Metro Segment at MTR, noted that the scheme provides convenient, inclusive weekend and holiday rides for pet owners. “Moving forward, we will continue engaging stakeholders, monitoring performance and ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for all passengers,” she said.
On 1 March, MTR will take part in SPCA’s “Dogathon 2026,” an annual event that will be held at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. With a specially issued wristband, up to 1,200 people can bring their pet dogs aboard the last train car on MTR Heavy Rail and Light Rail lines for the day.
Business is Booming
Hong Kong consumer spending on premium pet food is expected to continue growing steadily, and domestic sales are expected to reach US$1 billion by 2028, according to ATO Hong Kong, with cat and dog food making up 99% of the market.
Nestlé Hong Kong Limited’s PURINA® Petcare line is a leader in Hong Kong’s pet food market across key account channels, offering a diverse range of pet nutrition and snacks. Managing Director Simon Cheung said it continues to maintain a leading position.
“As product ranges broaden, our market share has likewise demonstrated steady growth,” Cheung stated. “Looking ahead to 2026, although macroeconomic headwinds may moderate the category’s overall growth momentum, the full-year outlook remains positive, with mild expansion anticipated in cat food.”
According to Carl Li, CEO of Joypet Ltd, whose brands include Astkatta, Icelandic-inspired ultra-premium cat food, the surge in Hong Kong’s pet economy is driven by rising cat ownership and the deepening trend of pet humanization, even in a city known for its high living costs.
Joypet specializes in wholesale distribution, with products sold across Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea and other Asian markets. Li reported steady business growth in recent years, accelerating post-pandemic amid stronger demand and expanding partnerships. “We are optimistic for 2026 and beyond, anticipating sustained growth through deeper market penetration, digital advancements and selective regional expansion,” he said.
Scarfell Enterprises Ltd, established in 1984, imports and exports wholesale pet toys, supported by its own manufacturing facilities in Heshan City, Guangdong Province.
“During my many decades in the industry, I’ve noticed significant shifts in pet-owner lifestyles during the pandemic,” said Managing Director William Wong. “Working from home strengthened emotional bonds with pets, leading to greater spending on related products and services.”
As owners increasingly prioritize nutritious food, premium toys and luxury services, related sectors, such as insurance and veterinary care, have also expanded. “We expect continued momentum and innovation across the industry,” added Wong.
Paw-sitive Progress
With ongoing investments in amenities and services, Hong Kong appears poised to strengthen a pet ecosystem that supports responsible ownership and animal welfare while enabling growth for retailers, landlords and service providers.
The momentum is being reinforced by policy support, from licensing schemes for pet-friendly restaurants to expanding networks of inclusive parks and pet-accommodating transport options. Meanwhile, rising demand for premium food, wellness products and insurance underscores the sector’s resilience, which continues to innovate despite broader economic pressures.
Yet challenges remain. Li noted that the limited number of pet-friendly spaces still constrains the sector, while Wong pointed to the rapid rise of online retail platforms, which have challenged brick-and-mortar pet shops in a city known for its high rents and overhead costs of running a business. Wu echoed these viewpoints, emphasizing the need for comprehensive pet-friendly policies by the Government to support continued progress.
“However, looking ahead to 2026, a modest uptick is anticipated in overall industry performance, and we remain optimistic about its long-term prospects,” said Wong.