[alfaro]

I just recently moved to HK with my dog and still could not figure public transport policies, especially on HK Island and Kowloon side. In DB pets are allowed in the trunk of a cab, also on the ferry if muzzled, but how do I get around from Central Ferry Pier to Kowloon or anywhere on HK Island? Would appreciate any suggestions.

[discobay]

You should carry your dog in a suitable pet basket. I think the bus companies are OK with this as I see it a lot. I don't see this that often on the MTR so you may consider giving them a ring to check. Citybus 2873-0818, KMB 2745-4466 MTR 2922-1400.

[Harajuku Girl]

I've seen dogs on the mini buses in both HK and KLN side, but they were toy dogs in purses or in carriers. Oh and also on the tram too.

[PDLM]

From the MTR Bylaws ( http://www.mtr.com.hk/legal/bylaw_e.pdf ):
"28. Animals prohibited on railway premises
No person shall, unless the Corporation in its sole discretion allows or permits, bring any animal or other livestock into or upon any part of the railway premises (provided that this restriction shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying a blind person)."

And from http://www.citybus.com.hk/eng/GenInfo/Notes/notes.htm
"10. Except for guide dogs for the blind, no pets or animals are allowed on board."

I assume that the KCR and other bus companies are the same...

[discobay]

Here are some good quotes from MTR's document:

"22. Feet not to be placed on seats
No person shall place his feet on any seat in any part of the railway premises."
"26A. Playing radios, cassettes, etc.
No person, unless authorized in writing by the Corporation, shall play or use or attempt to play or use any radio, cassette, compact disc player, record player, portable wireless television, or any other similar device upon any part of the railway premises which shall generate noise."
"27. Prohibition on taking certain luggage, etc. and consumption of food or beverage
"No person shall-
(b) consume or attempt to consume any food or beverage (whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic) within a train or the paid area."
"28F. Intoxication
No person in a state of intoxication resulting from consuming or abusing alcohol, medicine or drug or in an unfit condition as determined by an official in his absolute discretion shall enter or remain or attempt to enter or remain upon the railway premises."
I would be a happier person if the MTR actually enforced some of these Bylaws.

[PDLM]

For taxis it is at the discretion of the driver, there is a charge of HK$5 (HK$4 for NT taxis) for each animal or bird carried, and the passenger is responsible for any damage done to the taxi.

(According to the (40MB) Guide to Taxi Services in HK, here: http://www.td.gov.hk/UtilityManager/.../upload/3c.pdf )

[Lammarite]

It's such a shame to see all these restrictions on transporting animals here in HK. It is so refreshing to see people getting on and off buses/trams/trains etc in Europe with their dogs and taking them everywhere with them. You'd see kids playing with them and passers-by patting their heads. in HK you'd think you were walking around with a killer lion on a leash. It is almost as sad as the laws on transporting bikes on the MTR etc.
Asia's World City- yeah right.

[Madshpr]

i've had a bus driver refusing to let me on the bus; i had already put my money in the box and he made me get off, told the guy behind me to give me his fare (i had my dog in a carrier). (Kln side)

another time, i had her in a carrier (one the looks like a gym bag but w/ mesh surrounding) and carried it low (not over the shoulder but near the ground) and the bus driver didn't see and i went straight upstairs. (HK side) helps if your dog is not nervous or yippy inside its carrier.

taxis are ok, some will charge extra $5 for each pet. a friend of mine usually brings along a towel or cloth of some sort to place on the seat of the taxi so Fido won't dirty it up (some taxi drivers give you the evil eye when the dog is walking around the back seat).

some people do try to sneak in their pets on public transports. i've seen some on the MTR (mostly small dogs though).

pets have no rights in HK !! in North America, your pet can get onto the bus, streetcar, subway, etc. (even shops!!).

[alfaro]

Hallo everybody,
thanks for the sugestions. Looks like there is not much choice but a bag with the supposedly dirty killer on the floor of the cab of some friendly cab driver... Since my dog is an Australian Shepherd (25kg), the sneaking-by will probably not work terribly well. Really a shame, I wonder what Chinese people expect those dogs to do to their buses & MTRs??

[PDLM]

Having 25kg dogs living in an urban area like Central HK seems to me to be totally inappropriate and cruel to the dogs - a 25kg Shepherd dog needs space to run on at least a daily basis... If you want one in HK then live in one of the rural areas and have your own car.