Pet Immigration Requirements for Hong Kong
Hong Kong, like many countries, enforces strict pet import regulations to protect its animal population and prevent the spread of contagious diseases. These regulations also determine whether your pet will undergo quarantine upon arrival. Understanding the pet import categories is crucial for ensuring a smooth relocation process for both you and your pet.
Understanding Hong Kong’s Pet Import Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
Hong Kong classifies countries into three groups, each with its own set of rules regarding pet importation:
Group 1: No Quarantine Required
If you are relocating from Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, your pet will not need to undergo quarantine upon arrival, provided you meet all the requirements specified in the Hong Kong pet import permit.
Requirements:
Full health check and certification from a licensed veterinarian.
Compliance with the Hong Kong pet import regulations.
This category is a great option for pet owners, as your pet can be taken home immediately upon arrival.
Group 2: Pet Quarantine Exemption with Conditions
Pets from Austria, Canada, USA (continental), Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Bahrain, Bermuda, Cyprus, Finland, Guam, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Spain, Vanuatu, The Bahamas, Belgium, Brunei, Cayman Islands, France, Gibraltar, Iceland, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, New Caledonia, South Korea, Netherlands, United States (Mainland), and Virgin Islands can also avoid quarantine if they meet specific health and documentation requirements outlined in the import permit. Note that puppies and kittens must be at least 5 months old to be eligible for import.
Requirements:
Health check and vaccination documentation.
Puppies and kittens must be 5 months or older to travel.
If your pet is younger than 5 months, you’ll need to delay their relocation until they reach the required age.
Group 3: Mandatory Quarantine
Pets arriving from countries from Group 3 include: Mainland China, Macau, China, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia. A 120-day quarantine is mandatory for entry into Hong Kong. The cost for quarantine is HK$90.00 per day for dogs (totalling HK$10,800) and HK$46.00 per day for cats (totalling HK$5,520). Due to high demand, quarantine spots are limited and may require a wait of 5-7 months.
Planning ahead is crucial if your pet falls into this category. Ensure you book their quarantine spot well in advance to avoid further delays. Pets will stay in the quarantine center during this period, but you will be allowed to visit them.
Vaccination Requirements for Pets Traveling to Hong Kong
To ensure the safety of all animals entering Hong Kong, pets must meet specific vaccination requirements before travel.
Rabies Vaccine
Pets from Group 2 and Group 3 countries must be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months before entering Hong Kong. Pets must be at least 5 months old before they can travel.
For pets from Group 1 countries, it is likely they are already up to date with their rabies vaccination, as it is a common requirement for travel.
Annual Vaccinations
In addition to the rabies vaccine, all dogs must be vaccinated against canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and parvovirus, while all cats must be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia and cat flu. These vaccines must be administered between 14 days and 12 months before entering Hong Kong.
Microchipping
All pets, including dogs and cats, must be microchipped with an ISO 15-digit or AVID 9-digit chip. Microchipping should be done before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. If your pet does not have an AVID microchip, it will be provided at Hong Kong Airport. Microchipping is vital for identification and tracking in case your pet gets lost during travel.
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a required document that verifies your pet is fit to travel and meets the health standards outlined in the Hong Kong import permit. The certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian and may include details about past health conditions and medications.
Hong Kong Dog Licence and Pet Licensing Requirements
Interestingly, a Hong Kong Dog Licence is not required for pets traveling to Hong Kong. However, if you plan to keep your dog in Hong Kong, you must obtain a licence at the Cargo Terminals upon arrival.
Unlike dogs, cats do not require a licence in Hong Kong, making them easier to import.
Import Permit: A Must for Pet Relocation
An official import permit is necessary for bringing dogs and cats into Hong Kong. This permit is issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The application must be completed in person, as there is no online system. The processing time for the permit is usually about one week.
Quarantine Procedures for Pets
If your pet falls under Group 3, they will undergo a 120-day quarantine at a designated facility. Upon arrival at the Cargo Terminal, your pet will be placed in an air-conditioned Livestock Room until they are transferred to the quarantine center.
During the quarantine, you can visit your pet. After the quarantine period, the pet will be cleared for pickup and can be delivered to your home.
Special Considerations: Banned Breeds in Hong Kong
Certain dog breeds are prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong due to their classification as dangerous. These include:
Japanese Tosa
Pit Bull Terrier
Fila Brasileiro
Dogo Argentino
(Both purebreds and crossbreeds are banned)
When relocating pets to Hong Kong, understanding the pet import categories, vaccination requirements, and the quarantine process is essential. Allow at least 1.5 months for Group 1 and, Group 2 and 12 months for Group 3. Whether your pet is traveling from a Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 country, being prepared with the right documentation and meeting all health regulations will ensure a smoother transition. If you need assistance with the application process or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to navigate the requirements. More information can also be found here.
