Bringing Dogs to Hong Kong [2023 Regulations]

Importing dogs to Hong Kong can be a complicated process.

Hong Kong is a country well known for having strict rules when it comes to many things. Importing dogs is one of them. They have strict conditions that must be met in order to successfully import dogs to Hong Kong. The requirements vary, depending on which country you are traveling from. Generally, your dog will need a microchip, rabies vaccination, other vaccinations, vet health certificate and special permit. Whether your dog needs to stay in Hong Kong Pet Quarantine depends on where you are traveling from. 

In this article, we will guide you through the process of importing dogs to Hong Kong, and breakdown the strict and complicated entry requirements, depending on where you are traveling from.

---

What is a Hong Kong Pet Passport?

Hong Kong does not have an official ‘Pet Passport’, however it is a term used to describe the documents that are required to take a dog to Hong Kong. Customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your dog in customs. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your dog is fit and healthy to travel and won’t pose a threat to those residing in Hong Kong. For a Hong Kong pet passport for your dog, you will likely need microchip documents, vaccination records, veterinary health certificate and special permit. Your Hong Kong Pet Passport will vary depending on where you are traveling from.

---

What is the process of importing dogs to Hong Kong?

The process of importing pets to Hong Kong is as follows:

1. Research – the requirements of importing a dog to Hong Kong will depend on where you are traveling from. Therefore, ensure you are aware of the specific requirements for taking your pet to Hong Kong. It’s also important to check that your dog’s breed is allowed to be imported to Hong Kong, as they have very strict rules, prohibiting many breeds from visiting.
2. Visit the vet – all dogs require a microchip and vaccinations. 
3. Organise quarantine – if traveling from a Group 3 country, you must reserve your dog a spot well in advanced. 
4. Apply for special permit – you will need to apply for a special permit before importing pets to Hong Kong. You will need to send off the correct forms, along with a copy of your passport and your dog’s microchip and vaccination records.
5. Notify Duty Officer of the Import & Export Section – at least 24 hours before your anticipated time of arrival.

---

What are the requirements to import pets to Hong Kong?

The requirements to import dogs to Hong Kong depend on where you are traveling from. The requirements can include any of the following:

1. Pet microchipping
2. Rabies vaccination
3. Additional vaccinations
4. Rabies blood test (service dogs only)
5. Special permit
6. Health certificate

PET MICROCHIPPING

All dogs must be microchipped with an AVID or ISO pet microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted. 

A microchip is a small chip the size of a grain of rice that holds a unique number which can be detected by a microchip scanner. It is implanted just under your pet’s skin in between its shoulder blades.

This should be the first step you take. This is because your dog’s microchip must be implanted before its rabies vaccination is administered, otherwise the vaccination will not count. We will discuss the rabies vaccination in detail in the next section.

RABIES VACCINATION

Dogs residing in and entering from Group 1 countries do not require a rabies vaccination. However, it is a requirement for dogs entering Hong Kong from all other countries (Group 2 and 3). 

It’s important to note that your dog’s microchip number must also be recorded on all documentation.

Dogs must be more than 16 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

Dogs from Group 1 and Group 3 don’t need to vaccinated against rabies. It is, however, recommend to vaccinate against rabies if your pet is coming from a Group 3 country.

Dogs from Group 2 must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and not more than 1 year before the flight date.

RABIES BLOOD TEST (RABIES TITER TEST)

A rabies titer test is not required when entering Hong Kong with a dog. However, service dogs can avoid quarantine by passing a rabies titer test no sooner than 30 days after their rabies vaccination and at least 6 months before entering HK.

The test should be performed at least 6 months before entering Hong Kong. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or greater and is valid for 12 months.

In a titer test, a licensed vet will take your dog’s blood at least 30 days after receiving their rabies vaccination. Their blood sample must then be sent to an approved lab for testing. Their blood test results must show at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody to pass. This shows that their rabies vaccination was successful and they are protected against the disease.

All rabies vaccinations must be kept current once the titer test has been completed.

DOG SPECIAL PERMIT

To import dogs to Hong Kong, you will need a ‘special permit’. This applies no matter where you are traveling from.

The permit should be obtained in advance from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong.

Please note that it requires at least 3 working days to process the application.

The special permit is valid for 6 months and for one consignment only. Dogs must be imported to Hong Kong on or before the expiry date of the permit.

What forms do I need to complete?

GROUP 1: Form No. AF240 and Form No. UN110
GROUP 2: Form No. AF240 and Form No. UN110
GROUP 3: Form No. AF240, Form No. UN110 and Form No. PC100

Along with the forms you must attach a photocopy of your passport and your dog’s vaccination certificate showing your dog’s birth date, microchip number and the vaccination record.

Fee must be paid at the time of the application (unless otherwise stated). Permit fee for a single animal is HK$432. Fee for each additional animal is HK$102 under a same permit for a single shipment.

In person:	Cash or crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” is to be paid at the time when an application is submitted.
By post:	Crossed local cheque is acceptable for local application. Cash should not be sent by post.
For overseas application:	Payment shall be by bank draft in HONG KONG CURRENCY payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” drawn from a bank in Hong Kong. An overseas applicant may nominate a person or an agent in Hong Kong to apply for permits on his / her behalf.

Can I extend my Special Permit?

If an extension is required, application and fee must be submitted before the permit expired. The permit will only be extended for 30 days in every application, and it takes 3 working days for the extension process from the date of receipt of application and fee.

HEALTH CERTIFICATE

Dogs from all Groups will need a Veterinary Certificate for Hong Kong issued by an accredited veterinarian.

The veterinary certificate must be obtained within 14 days of entry to Hong Kong.

The certificate must be endorsed by the USDA or CFIA if your dog is traveling from the United States or Canada respectively. If your dog is traveling from another country, the Governing Authority responsible for the import and export of animals should endorse your forms.

A copy of this must be sent along with a copy of your passport with your application for the special permit.

---

What dog breeds are not allowed into Hong Kong?

Will my dog need to stay in Hong Kong pet quarantine?

Dogs traveling from Group 1 or 2 countries will not be subjected to Hong Kong pet quarantine, as long as you abide to all the permit conditions. However, dogs traveling from Group 3 countries will be subject to a quarantine period of at least 40 days days upon arrival. 

All dog quarantine is served in the Animal Management Centre of this Department (Introduction to Animal Management Quarantine Centre).

Don’t worry, quarantine isn’t as scary as it sounds. Dogs will have great caretakers and special food/medication accommodations if your dog needs it.

It is advised that you make reservations for your dog at least 15 months in advance to avoid delays.

You can make reservations by calling the AFCD office (852) 2150 7065. Reservation of Quarantine facility can be arranged only after the submitted documents are in order.

---

What airlines allow flying a dog to Hong Kong?

Most airlines allow flying a dog to Hong Kong. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a dog, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with dogs, including which dog breeds are allowed, the size and weight of dogs that are permitted, and the number of dogs they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their dogs, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because dogs must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

For a list of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, check 15 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies].

---

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Can I take my puppy to Hong Kong?

Yes, puppies at least 16 weeks old are permitted to travel to Hong Kong.

Can I take my dog to Hong Kong with an EU Pet Passport?

You can travel to Hong Kong with an EU Pet Passport, however there are additional conditions to be met. You will need to apply for a Special Permit and your dog will also need additional vaccinations. Please refer to the requirements section above.

Will my dog be happy in Hong Kong?

The government officially encourages people bringing pets into Hong Kong to be “responsible pet owners.” Many residences in Hong Kong are smaller apartments, and unfortunately not all accommodations allow dogs. In light of that, it's good to consider whether your dog will be able to get the exercise they need, or whether they may become a nuisance to your neighbors.

---

Bottom Line

So, importing a dog to Hong Kong can be a complicated process, more so if you are traveling from a Group 3 country.

If you haven’t been put off, just be sure to familiarise yourself with the conditions you need to meet to bring your dog to Hong Kong.

Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare for your trip, even up to 1 year in more complicated cases! If this process seems too complicated, you can always get in contact with special pet travel agencies.

Hope you have found this helpful. Happy travels!