Hong Kong Pet Relocation Requirements Overview: Bringing Pets to Hong Kong (Relocation from other territories not mentioned herein, please feel free to contact us for details.) Hong Kong welcomes a diverse range of companion and ornamental animals, including cats, dogs, small mammals, cage birds, ornamental fish, reptiles, and amphibians. All imports require permits and health controls to safeguard public health and biosecurity. Like many other regions, Hong Kong has strict regulation and control against animal disease including rabies.
Import permit application at least 10 days before departure. Permit Validity: Import Permits are valid for 30 days and must cover your pet’s arrival date. Species Classification: Different species groups (mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians) have specific permit categories and requirements under Hong Kong legislation Key Planning Requirements: Timeline & Advanced Planning
Essential Requirements Checklist Microchipping & Identification ISO-compliant microchips for mammals, birds, and reptiles. Microchip must be implanted prior to health inspections and vaccinations. 2. Vaccinations & Health Tests Mammals (cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits): Rabies vaccination and— where applicable—a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) for imports from higher-risk regions. Birds: Avian influenza and Newcastle disease vaccinations plus blood tests if required. Reptiles & Amphibians: Parasite treatments and health declarations for CITES-listed species. 3. Health Certificate Must list species, breed, microchip number, vaccination details, and parasite treatments. 4. Permits & Documentation AFCD Import Permit per species group. CITES Permits for protected wildlife and ornamental species. Parasite treatment records.
Quarantine Requirements for High-Risk Origins Hong Kong’s quarantine requirements depend on the pet’s territory of origin, classified by the AFCD into four groups: Group I (Rabies-Free Locations): Pets from Group I territories (e.g. UK, Japan) are exempt from quarantine upon arrival. Group II (Rabies-Controlled Regions): Pets from Group II regions (e.g., Singapore, Taiwan) also enjoy quarantine exemption if they meet all health and documentation criteria. Group IIIA (Higher-Risk Areas): Pets from Group IIIA locations—including mainland China—must undergo 30 days of quarantine at an AFCD-designated facility. Group IIIB (Highest-Risk Areas): Pets from Group IIIB places (e.g., certain Southeast Asian or African countries) face a minimum 120-day quarantine requirement. Because quarantine spaces are limited and in high demand, wait times for an available slot can extend several weeks or months. PetMover can assist in securing quarantine bookings promptly, advising on the earliest possible availability and helping minimize delays and additional costs.
Breed Restrictions for Entry into Hong Kong Hong Kong enforces specific breed restrictions for dogs and cats under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation and AFCD import controls: Prohibited Dog Breeds: Pit Bull Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and any crossbreeds of these types are strictly banned from import or transshipment into Hong Kong. Staffordshire Bull Terrier imports require a statutory declaration with the permit application. Special Cat Breed Requirements: Bengal cats may only be imported or transshipped if accompanied by documentation certifying they are of fifth generation (F⁵) or beyond. Dog Licensing & Vaccination: All dogs over five months of age must obtain a Hong Kong dog licence and be vaccinated against rabies upon arrival, at the permittee’s expense. For detailed guidance on specific breeds or required declarations, please feel free to contact PetMover for expert assistance.
PetMover manages every aspect of your pet’s relocation to Hong Kong, including: Coordinating microchip verification and species-specific health tests Preparing and submitting AFCD Import and CITES permits Obtaining accredited Health Certificates Organizing crate preparation and flight bookings Quarantine spaces booking Expert Pet Relocation Support from PetMover Contact PetMover for comprehensive guidance tailored to your pet’s species and ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free move to Hong Kong.