Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao has officially suspended its pet-friendly dining trial programme following growing public backlash over hygiene and food safety concerns.
The decision came after multiple incidents across China sparked heated debate online, including reports of customers using public restaurant utensils to feed pets and allowing animals to sit on children’s dining chairs.
In a statement released yesterday, Haidilao said it had originally hoped to explore a “more reasonable and compliant” pet-friendly operating model and had launched trial services at three outlets in Shenzhen and Wuhan.
However, after a period of testing and receiving extensive feedback from the public, the company decided to halt the programme entirely.
The restaurant chain announced that the three pilot outlets would immediately stop accepting customers dining with pets, while all other Haidilao branches nationwide would also prohibit ordinary customers from bringing pets into restaurants moving forward.
The company clarified that guide dogs and working dogs would still be allowed.
The controversy intensified after an incident on May 21 at a pet-friendly Haidilao outlet in Shenzhen went viral online.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed a customer placing a pet dog directly on the dining table, where the animal was seen licking cake from a restaurant plate.
The incident triggered criticism from many netizens, with some questioning food hygiene standards and restaurant safety practices.
Following the backlash, the outlet reportedly defended its policy by stating that the restaurant had designated separate pet dining areas which were strictly separated from ordinary customer seating sections.
The incident has reignited wider discussions in China about pet-friendly public spaces, hygiene standards and balancing the interests of pet owners with other diners.
