Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. pet-friendly
    • ex. We stayed at a pet-friendly hotel during our vacation.
  2. on a leash
    • ex. Please keep your pet on a leash near the playground.
  3. a utensil
    • ex. Make sure all the utensils are clean before preparing the meal.
  4. a breed
    • ex. There are many different breeds of dogs.
  5. prepackaged
    • ex. The store sells prepackaged salads and fresh fruit.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

Font size

Hong Kong has started allowing dogs inside more than 900 approved restaurants after changing a rule that has existed since 1994. The new policy began in July as part of the city’s plan to become more pet-friendly. Before the change, only guide dogs and working dogs were allowed inside restaurants. Officials say more than 240,000 households in Hong Kong own over 400,000 cats and dogs.

Under the new rules, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters and controlled by an adult. They must stay off tables and cannot eat from human dishes or utensils. Dogs listed as fighting breeds are not allowed inside. Restaurants may sell prepackaged pet food but cannot prepare meals for dogs.

Many restaurant owners hope the new policy will attract more customers. At Wan Land Cafe, dogs can now stay inside instead of only in the outdoor area during hot weather. Owner Kelvin Chan said the change may not greatly increase business, but he believes it will help build a more welcoming society if pet owners are responsible and respect other customers.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Pet-friendly Policies and Responsible Pet Ownership

  • In your country, are pets allowed in public spaces like restaurants? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What responsibilities should pet owners have when bringing their pets to public places? Discuss.
  • Why do you think it's important to have pet-friendly policies? Discuss.

Sharing Public Spaces with Pets

  • Would you choose to eat at a restaurant that allows dogs inside? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • If you had a restaurant, what kind of rules would you have to welcome pet owners and non-pet owners in your business (ex. separate spaces for pet owners and non-pet owners, only small pets are allowed)? Discuss.
  • Describe what you think a responsible pet owner is. Discuss.