Haidilao Ends Pet Dining Pilot After Dog-on-Table Controversy
Chinese hotpot giant Haidilao has abruptly terminated its pet-friendly dining pilot program following a public backlash triggered by a viral video showing a dog eating cake directly off a dining table at one of its outlets. The decision, announced on May 26, 2026, marks a swift reversal for the chain’s experiment with welcoming pets into its restaurants.
The Controversy
The incident began on May 21, when a video circulated widely on Chinese social media showing a customer’s dog at a Haidilao outlet in Shenzhen licking cake from a plate placed on the dining table. The footage sparked immediate outrage, with many commenters expressing disgust and questioning the hygiene standards of the restaurant. According to NetEase News, the video ignited a fierce debate about whether pets belong in dining establishments.
Haidilao initially defended its policy on May 22, stating that the store was a pet-friendly restaurant with separate dining areas for pets and that the pet owner was using disposable tableware. However, the public outcry continued to grow.
A Parallel Incident in Xi’an
On the same day, a separate video emerged from Xi’an showing a dog on a dining table at “Taishishou Tea Restaurant” licking food from plates. The Xi’an Yanta District Market Supervision Bureau responded swiftly, ordering the restaurant to close for thorough disinfection, as Guancha.cn reported. The Xi’an incident further intensified public scrutiny of pet-friendly dining practices across China.
Haidilao’s Reversal
On May 26, Haidilao issued an official statement on its Weibo account announcing the termination of the entire pet dining pilot program. “After a period of testing, this pilot program has sparked much discussion. After considering all opinions, Haidilao has decided to stop this pilot,” the company said, according to 21st Century Business Herald. All three pilot stores — two in Shenzhen and one in Wuhan — immediately ceased accepting pets. The newest pilot location in Shenzhen’s Yifangcheng district had been operating for only five days.
All other Haidilao stores nationwide will continue their existing policy of refusing pets, with the exception of legally recognized service animals such as guide dogs.
The Pet Economy and Social Tensions
The controversy highlights a growing societal divide in China between pet owners and non-pet owners. China’s pet industry has experienced explosive growth, with the urban pet consumer market reaching 300.2 billion RMB (approximately US$41.5 billion) in 2024, a 7.5% year-on-year increase, according to the “2025 China Pet Industry White Paper.” Post-90s and post-00s generations have become the primary pet owners, driving demand for pet-friendly services in restaurants, hotels, and transportation.
However, this trend has also generated friction. Data cited in the research shows that nationwide disputes caused by pets entering public spaces surged 47% year-on-year in 2025, with shopping malls accounting for over 60% of incidents. In February 2026, the China General Chamber of Commerce issued “Pet-Friendly Mall Operations Standards” requiring physical isolation of pet activity areas and dedicated cleaning stations — standards that many malls have struggled to meet.
What’s Next for Haidilao and Pet-Friendly Dining
Haidilao has stated that while its offline pet-friendly pilot has ended, its commitment to pet-owning customers will continue through online channels. The company plans to develop exclusive pet food, snacks, toys, and accessories — pivoting from in-store services to product sales.
The incident is likely to have ripple effects across China’s restaurant industry. Other chains exploring pet-friendly models may now reconsider or delay similar initiatives. The swift regulatory response in Xi’an signals that authorities are taking the issue seriously, and the February 2026 industry standards may need to be strengthened or more widely enforced.
For now, the debate over where to draw the line between pet-friendly hospitality and public hygiene remains unresolved — a question that China’s booming pet economy will have to confront as it continues to grow.