"Dog Sits Beside Owner Licking Cake"... Chinese Hot Pot Franchise in Uproar

Haidilao in China Suspends Pet-Friendly Dining Service
Amid Hygiene Controversy

Chinese hot pot franchise Haidilao has completely halted its pet-friendly dining service, which had been piloted at select locations. The decision comes amid criticism that allowing pets in restaurants is unsanitary.

A scene showing a pet dog eating a cake from a bowl at a Haidilao store in China has sparked a hygiene controversy. Chinese social media

According to Chinese media outlets such as Sina Finance on the 28th, Haidilao announced on the 26th, "After thoroughly reviewing various opinions, we have decided to suspend the pet-friendly dining service that was being piloted at three locations nationwide."

Haidilao first tested a pet-friendly store in September last year at the Shanghefang branch in Shenzhen. The store set up a separate dining area for pets, installed air purifiers, and provided pet-specific food with reduced salt content. The company also offered pet birthday parties and celebration services, which attracted attention on social media platforms.

Subsequently, in March this year, the Chunxingcheng branch in Wuhan joined the pilot program, and on the 21st, the Yifangcheng branch in Shenzhen also began offering the service. However, it was terminated entirely just five days later. Haidilao explained, "There was a lot of controversy," and added, "We thoroughly reviewed opinions from various sectors."

The controversy escalated after a video was posted on social media on the 21st, showing a pet dog eating cake at the Haidilao Yifangcheng branch. The footage depicted a customer sitting at a table in the Haidilao store, feeding cake on a plate to their dog.

Local netizens who saw this commented, "This is absolutely unacceptable," "Such behavior is selfish and inconsiderate of others," and "I also have pets, but this is inappropriate. It's like the ban on smoking in public places," expressing their dissatisfaction.

Pet birthday celebration service offered at a Haidilao store in China. Chinese social media

The media reported that the issue of pet access has sparked heated debate among consumers. Pet owners are calling for greater inclusivity in public spaces, while non-pet owners strongly oppose the idea due to concerns about shedding, noise, allergies, and hygiene issues.

The media further noted that, especially in restaurants where food safety is paramount, there is growing concern that pet-friendly dining could lead to hygiene controversies. Although there are no nationwide regulations in China, some regions restrict pet entry into restaurants except for guide dogs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.