Getting out and about is not just important for dogs to get exercise, but it is also important for socialisation. But within a city as densely populated in Hong Kong, where does one go? Yes, there is plenty of hilly terrain where you can take your dogs on hikes, but if you are looking for more playtime with other fellow furry friends, we’ve compiled a few dog parks below that you can take your pooch to.
Taking your dog to a pet-friendly park is a good way to test recall, see how they interact with other types of dogs — small and large, and a safe area to play fetch without being scared of them running away or being too close to traffic.
To help our dogs get a more accessible space to exercise and play, the Hong Kong Leisure & Cultural Service Department (LCSD) added 6 Inclusive Parks for Pets to help dog owners in February 2021.
Why is it Important to Socialise Your Dog?
Well-socialised dogs grow up happy and confident because they are able to adapt to different social environments. They learn manners from other dogs, and what they can and cannot do from older, adult dogs that may be already well-versed in socialisation since they were a puppy.
Being exposed to new textures, sounds and sights is part of the exposure, as well as letting children play with your dog, so that they get used to the smaller humans in our lives, who are often more unpredictable. A variety of people and dogs for your furry friend to play with is a healthy way to socialise and keeps behavioural issues at bay that can stem from lack of interaction.
H.K Island
Central & Western
Victoria Peak Garden
By far one of the most scenic parks that is also dog-friendly, Victoria Peak Garden is presented in a Chinese-style and features a Victorian-style pagoda. It is accessible 24/7 and is situated near the top of Victoria Peak. If your dog has a lot of energy, you can take them for a hike up the Morning Trail or go up the back route via Old Peak Road to get there. This will ensure they get enough steps in. After a rest at the top, they can meet their other fellow friends there for a run around or better yet — hike up together.
Kennedy Town Dog Park
With the Kennedy Town shipping docks, aka Instagram Pier, closed since March 2021, there is still access to the Belcher Bay promenade. Open 24 hours and pet-friendly all the way for the whole walkay, this area also has a pet corner just for your dogs to run around off the leash. If you’re worried about rain a little heavier than a light drizzle, there are sheltered seats dotted along the way.
Tamar Park
Based in admiralty and accessible via the Central waterfront, Tamar Park has two round concrete parks where you can let your dogs run around off-leash. If you’re looking for a place for your dogs to go and meet dogs at any time during the day, Tamar Park is a good place to go. The inclusive park for pets added in 2021 means that you can walk straight from the central ferris wheel Tamar Park along the harbourfront and enjoy a light breeze.
Southern
Cyberport Waterfront Park
Boasting wide open space and a view of the sea, Cyberport Waterfront Park is one of the more popular places to go with your pooch. Children and dog-friendly, this sprawling park is a great place to take your dog for a casual stroll or to let them off-leash and burn their energy. It is a perfect place for a picnic and to play fetch in. Just beware of snakes that have been seen in the area in summertime. It can get hot during this season, but if you arrive early enough in the day (before 11am), you will have a better chance of snagging a shaded area under a tree. Water taps are also located to keep your dogs hydrated when it comes to refuelling or staying cool from the summer heat.
Eastern
Quarry Bay Promenade
This is a picturesque area with a pathway along the waterfront that is comfortably lined with wooden planks. It features a 3000 sq ft garden for dogs and has a visible walkway that is tiled with stone amongst grass to lend some greenery. It is comfortably situated along the water where you can stroll along with a light breeze and takes you from Quarry Bay to Taikoo Shing.
Kowloon
West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade
Another great space to take your dog while having a picnic, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade is an expansive area with wide grassy lawns. This is great for your dog's paws if the ground gets too hot in summer. There are nearby dog-friendly restaurants, including Hooman Cafe where you can pick up doggie ice cream. If you fancy grabbing food and drinks while you’re there, this is a convenient area and the skyline view is a stunner day and night. If you want your dog to run around off-leash, read on.
West Kowloon Art Park & Pet Zone
West Kowloon Cultural District carved out a dedicated pet-friendly art park to create a safe space for dogs that can roam freely off-leash. Your dogs can play and socialise here, and it features the normal facilities by the LCSD, including water taps and dog waste bins. The gates are high here, making it a good park for large breed dogs and dogs that can jump high, like greyhounds.
New Territories
Sha Tin Penfold Park
One of the largest and most beautiful dog parks in Hong Kong, Penfold Park is worth a trip to. Located in Shatin in the centre of a horse-racing track, Penfold boasts large grassy areas and three man made lakes. Your dogs may not be allowed to swim in them, but it has plenty of space for your four-legged friends to run around and around. You can also take a picnic with you and sit under some of the trees for shade or get a tan. Dogs can equally cool off here. Other than a few days in the month when the park is closed for Barrier Trials, if you check the calendar in advance, it is a day to remember.
Kowloon City
Kai Tak Runway Park
Who would’ve thought that there is a dog park at Hong Kong’s old airport strip. Located at the top of the runway, this dog park boasts a life-sized model plane in tribute to one of Hong Kong’s hottest transport hubs. The ground is covered in grass, making it a comfortable area for your dogs to run off-leash with you or their friends.
Kwun Tong Ferry Pier Square Pet Garden
Located just a few minutes away from Kwun Tong promenade where you can watch the sunset, this dog park features grassy areas and flat concrete ground with water fountains and dog balancing wooden beams to provide a bit more mental exercise for dogs.
No matter what season of the year, you can grab a sweater for your dog or take a cooling mat with you and lounge around the grassy areas, take a stroll, or simply sit and watch your dogs play with their friends.
Keen to know more about dog-friendly areas in Hong Kong. Read 9 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Hong Kong.