[Submariner]

Our real estate agent told us that Vic Park does not allow dogs and when we asked a security guard, he said the same thing (though not sure how reliable he was). However, some co-workers have mentioned that dog walking on a leash is allowed in the park. Does anyone have a definitive answer on this subject? Seems like a perfect place to walk a dog right in the middle of the city.

[nina_70]

That's a good question! Most country parks allow them, but the city parks (smaller sit-out areas & play-areas) don't. I "think" Victoria Park is a no-dog zone, but if you walk past the park it should be easy to find out. The parks which don't allow dogs have a "no-dog" picture (basically a picture of a dog with a cross thro' it) at the entrance to the park. Next time I walk by there I'll try and have a look for you.

If you're in Causeway Bay/Tin Hau area, another idea for you is to take a short cab-ride up side of Happy Valley on Tai Hang Road to back entrance of French International School (I think it's on Price Road). This will take you to a staircase/entry path for Wong Nai Chug Gap Trail & Tai Tam Country Park where you can hike for hours in multiple directions. We often walk from Causeway Bay up there (it takes ~20 mins brisk walk from Times Square to the School) and then hike for 3-4 hours. Cabs will take dogs in HK for a $5 surcharge.

[Submariner]

Well, I found a number for Victoria Park and they said no dogs. However, coworkers have said they see dogs being walked there frequently. Oh well. That's really too bad. Would have been a great place for our girls. We will have to check out Tai Tam.

By the way, Nina, on another topic, the agent you recommended was great. She showed us so many dog-friendly apts and provided so much additional service. She's been more like a relocation specialist than just an agent. We found a place in 6 days and will be moving in at the end of the month (on Paterson St). Thanks for the recommendation!

[jayinhongkong]

Tai Tam Country Park is a great place to be out with the dogs at this time of year. Good suggestion!

[nina_70]

Very happy the agent worked out & wellcome to HK!
By the way, for a map of trails in Hong Kong you can get a countryside map from the following locations:
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/count...u_wha_map.html

[smelly]

The rule of thumb seems to be if there is anywhere in the city that looks like would be a great place for dogs, there are no dogs allowed. Country parks are the best bet.

[goupe]

Could you please share the name of the helpful real estate agent Nina_70? Thanks!

[nina_70]

Groupe - Sure. I've had quite allot of PM's on this so may as well post her details on the board....

Mabel
Mark Real Estate Company
9025-3021

You can let her know Nina (from Leighton Road w/ the 2 cats) sent you. Note/ she specializes in Causeway Bay/Tin Hau/Happy Valley areas so if you want to look outside those areas, you may need a different agent. She speaks perfect English and is very pet-friendly. Good luck w/ the flat-hunting!

[Submariner]

Also, her email address is mabelyick@hotmail.com. In addition to finding us our apartment and negotiating down the rent by 10%, she also hired a contractor to make a few modifications that we wanted, set up utilities for us, and got us better deals on appliances through her contacts. She has 2 dogs of her own so she definitely knows to check with both the landlord as well as the building mgmt regarding pets.

[goupe]

Thanks a lot Nina!