Dogs will be allowed to travel on MTR trains for the first time

It’s finally happening – dogs will be allowed on MTR trains for the first time ever! As part of SPCA Dogathon 2026 on March 1, Hong Kong’s principal public transport operator is temporarily reducing its restrictions regarding animal companions (other than guide dogs) and letting small- to medium-sized puppers travel on its railway network! It’s a historic milestone for the city, likely helped along by the successful implementation of the Light Rail ‘Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme’, and we’re all for the inclusive arrangement.

However, before you get too excited and storm the MTR with Fido and friends on March 1, it’s important to note that there are rules to this one-day special travel arrangement. MTR’s dog-friendly service is open to participants of the SPCA Dogathon 2026 – it’s designed to make their travels to and from the event venue easier. Dog owners must apply for an SPCA Dogathon 1-Day MTR Woof Pass, which can only be used on March 1 but will grant unlimited rides on the day. (Also, humans still have to pay their own fare as usual.) Each Dogathon Woof Pass holder may only bring one dog per ride. Dogs must be placed in a carrier or backpack before they enter MTR premises; pet strollers are not permitted. Same as the existing ‘Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme’ on the Light Rail, Dogathon Woof Pass holders with dogs must board and alight trains from the last carriage only, and remain in the same carriage during the journey. Naturally, doggos are not allowed to roam around in the carriage, and must remain in their carrier at all times.

Unsurprisingly – Hongkongers are huge pet lovers, after all – the demand has far outweighed the supply. As of publishing, SPCA notes that its current batch of registrations for the Dogathon Woof Pass is full, but that another release is coming soon. If you want to prepare ahead for the next drop, here’s how to secure your SPCA Dogathon 1-Day MTR Woof Pass: Visit the SPCA Dogathon website, complete the registration form, and donate $90 to SPCA. Successful registrants will receive a notification to collect their wristband, which must be worn at all times during event day.

Dogathon is an annual charity walk established by SPCA, and this year, it will be hosted at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, making for the most magical time at the happiest place on Earth for more than 3,000 pet owners and their canine friends. Join in on ‘A Magical Journey For Paws & Purpose’, which will begin at 8.30am, cover a distance of five km, and take around one to two hours to stroll. Greeting all humans and fur babies at the end of their walk is a Pet Festival at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Coach Park, featuring a charity marketplace, a pet playground for doggos who have tons more energy to burn, guest star appearances, and photo ops.

Proceeds from Dogathon 2026 will be earmarked for funds that go toward saving animal lives, aiding animals in shelters, and supporting pet-inclusive initiatives. 99 percent of SCPA funding – which the organisation uses to serve the 4,000-plus animals that depend on SPCA annually – comes from donations and its services, so any amount helps.

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