Korea’s Allow Pets in Restaurants Regulation is Facing a Rebound
- Doyoung Lim
- Apr 6
- 1 min read
Apr 6, 2026
Doyoung Lim
After the introduction of the new regulations on a pet-friendly restaurant system of allowing dogs and cats into restaurants, both the owners and customers are expressing confusion about the new regulations. Recently, a rapidly increasing number of customers accompanying their pets are more welcome in recent days.
In recent months, as many owners demand “no-pet zones” due to complicated reasons and discomfort, the government is still working on reducing the disorder caused by these regulations. Under revised rules of the Food Sanitation Act, general restaurants, cafes, and bakeries may admit customers with vaccinated dogs and cats if they meet new hygiene and additional safety standards.
Pets must stay in a place like a cage and cannot go around freely between tables. Owners are required to verify designated pet carriers or fixed leash holders. The space between animals and customers should be ensured, and the restaurants must block access to kitchens and food storage areas with barriers or gates.
The public opposition is also increasing. The owners still argue that the regulations are still difficult to follow. To regulate this issue, the government is working to reduce confusion and address the disorder, rising again by highlighting the challenge of balancing between the needs of pet owners and those who use the public area.
