Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has marked the fifth anniversary of its Canine Security Unit by expanding the team from the original two dogs to a 20-strong squad. The animals are dual-trained: when wearing “ON DUTY” harnesses they search for explosives and contraband, while a bright green “PAT ME” vest signals that they are off-patrol and available for traveller interaction. Airport Authority chief executive Vivian Cheung said the initiative is modelled on therapy-dog programmes adopted at Heathrow and Changi. “Stress levels in a post-pandemic travel environment remain high,” she noted. “Inviting passengers—especially families and nervous flyers—to pet a friendly dog has measurable benefits for customer satisfaction while keeping security front-of-mind.” The larger canine corps arrives just weeks after Terminal 2 reopened for departures, adding new security screening lanes equipped with CT-based cabin-baggage scanners.
While HKIA optimises on-the-ground processes, travellers should also ensure their documentation is in order before arrival. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) allows passengers and corporate travel planners to verify visa requirements, submit applications online and receive real-time updates, further reducing stress on departure day.
According to Aviation Security Company (AVSECO), the dogs can clear a queue of 100 passengers in half the time taken by manual swabbing, freeing officers to focus on behavioural assessment. Operationally, the 20 dogs are enough to patrol both Terminal 1 and the recently upgraded Terminal 2 around the clock. AVSECO chairperson Michael Low hinted at further growth if cargo volume continues to climb; HKIA processed a world-leading 5.07 million tonnes of freight in 2025. For corporate mobility managers, the programme offers a small but meaningful enhancement to duty-of-care obligations. Firms are advised to remind employees that only dogs wearing “PAT ME” vests may be touched and that random baggage inspections remain possible even during the ambassador sessions. Travellers with allergies can request routing through alternative lanes, and signage in English, Chinese and Braille directs passengers accordingly.
While HKIA optimises on-the-ground processes, travellers should also ensure their documentation is in order before arrival. VisaHQ’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) allows passengers and corporate travel planners to verify visa requirements, submit applications online and receive real-time updates, further reducing stress on departure day.
According to Aviation Security Company (AVSECO), the dogs can clear a queue of 100 passengers in half the time taken by manual swabbing, freeing officers to focus on behavioural assessment. Operationally, the 20 dogs are enough to patrol both Terminal 1 and the recently upgraded Terminal 2 around the clock. AVSECO chairperson Michael Low hinted at further growth if cargo volume continues to climb; HKIA processed a world-leading 5.07 million tonnes of freight in 2025. For corporate mobility managers, the programme offers a small but meaningful enhancement to duty-of-care obligations. Firms are advised to remind employees that only dogs wearing “PAT ME” vests may be touched and that random baggage inspections remain possible even during the ambassador sessions. Travellers with allergies can request routing through alternative lanes, and signage in English, Chinese and Braille directs passengers accordingly.
