Pet-Unfriendly Cities? Travel Restrictions in Hong Kong, Paris & Tokyo

Hong Kong: the Light Rail exception is limited

• Main MTR rule: By-law 28 bars animals on railway premises unless MTR permits them; a guide dog accompanying a blind person is exempt.
• Light Rail exception: One eligible cat or dog per passenger may travel on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays with a valid current-month Cat/Dog Carrying Pass and a fully enclosed pet-specific carrier.
• Not a network-wide pass: Other railway networks are not covered. The scheme also excludes dogs legally classed as large, fighting or known dangerous dogs.

The passenger still needs the normal fare. MTR prohibits pet strollers and wheeled carriers. Carrier dimensions must total no more than 170 cm, with no side over 130 cm; dog licensing, microchip and rabies preparations also apply. Read the full terms before buying; guide and police dogs have separate exemptions.

A park option: choose an LCSD-listed Inclusive Park for Pets, where all dogs must stay on a lead. An inclusive park is different from a purpose-built pet garden; neither listing confirms the journey there.

Read the original: MTR: railway by-law 28, animals on railway premises · MTR: weekend and public-holiday Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme · MTR: Cat/Dog Carrying Pass terms and eligibility · Hong Kong LCSD: Inclusive Parks for Pets and users’ code

Paris: dog size changes the RATP journey

• Small animals: RATP accepts them free across its network in a closed bag, basket or crate suited to their size.
• Larger dogs: RATP accepts them free on metro and RER only, with a muzzle and leash; they are not accepted on buses or trams.
• Separate categories: Guide and assistance dogs travel free across the network without a muzzle, with a leash and identification harness; staff may request evidence. Category 1 and 2 dangerous dogs are excluded.

Park access is specific: the City of Paris lists green spaces where leashed pets may use paths, but not lawns or planted beds. La Petite Ceinture is not open to dogs. Use the official directory or a designated dog area instead of assuming every green space permits the same activity.

These are RATP conditions, not proof of permission on every SNCF or other operator’s service. Check any change of operator in your itinerary.

Read the original: RATP: travelling with an animal (French) · City of Paris: dog walks, green-space access and dog areas (French)

Tokyo: check the JR East carrier before planning rail travel

• Size: For eligible small animals, the animal-specific case must have length, width and height adding up to no more than 120 cm.
• Weight: The animal and case together must weigh no more than 10 kg. Keep the animal inside at stations and on trains.
• Ticket: JR East lists a ¥290 baggage charge per case. Show the case at the boarding station’s gate or other designated point to buy the baggage ticket.

A leash is not the ordinary-pet arrangement: use a compliant case and check with JR East if your animal does not fit. Statutorily recognised guide, service and hearing dogs accompanying their users have separate free-baggage provisions.

JR East can refuse items that may inconvenience passengers or when trains are very crowded. Its rule does not establish access on Tokyo Metro, Toei, other railways, buses or taxis.

Read the original: JR East: baggage and small-animal conditions (Japanese)

Make a smaller outing work

• Start with your pet: Match size, weight, carrier tolerance and any legally defined category to the exact rule.
• Confirm both directions: Check each operator and the destination’s signs, then choose an allowed walk near your base or a directly confirmed alternative.
• Keep a care option: Confirm accommodation and unattended-stay rules. Arrange a sitter if the day does not suit your pet.

These are planning alternatives, not claims that a taxi, café or hotel will admit your pet. Ask the provider about your own animal before relying on it.