Relocating to Hong Kong is a significant undertaking, and for families with pets, the process adds an extra layer of planning. The good news is that Hong Kong has a well-established system for importing dogs and cats, and thousands of expat families successfully bring their animals into the city every year. The process is manageable if you start early and follow the requirements precisely.
This guide covers every step, from understanding which country group you fall into through to settling your pet into life in Hong Kong.
Understanding Hong Kong’s Pet Import System
All dog and cat imports into Hong Kong are regulated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Every animal requires a Special Permit issued by AFCD before it can enter the territory. There are no exceptions to this rule, regardless of how briefly you plan to stay or whether your pet is transiting through Hong Kong to another destination.
Hong Kong classifies countries and territories into four groups based on their rabies status and veterinary oversight standards. The group your pet is coming from determines the documentation required, the quarantine period (if any), and how far in advance you need to start preparing.
One important rule that surprises many expats: dogs and cats cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights into Hong Kong. All pets must arrive as manifest cargo, which means they are booked separately through the airline’s cargo division and handled by ground staff upon arrival. This applies to every airline and every country of origin without exception.
The permit application costs HK$432 for one animal, plus HK$102 for each additional animal in the same consignment. Permits are processed within five working days and are valid for six months from the date of issue.
Which Group Is Your Country In?
The country grouping determines everything about your pet’s import journey. As of December 2024, AFCD revised the groupings, creating a new Group IIIA category and reclassifying several countries.
| Group | Quarantine | Residence Requirement | Key Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | None (if fully compliant) | 6 months continuous | United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii, Fiji, Bailiwick of Jersey |
| Group II | None (if fully compliant) | 4 months continuous | USA (Continental), Canada, France, Germany, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Taiwan, and others |
| Group IIIA | 30 days | 4 months continuous | Mainland China, Macao, Thailand, Malaysia, Hungary, Lithuania |
| Group IIIB | 120 days | None specified | All countries and territories not listed in Groups I, II, or IIIA |
Residence requirement means your pet must have been born in or continuously resided in that country for the specified period before departure. If you adopted a dog in Thailand three months ago and are now relocating to Hong Kong, you would need to wait until the four-month mark before your pet qualifies under Group IIIA conditions.
Group I and II are the most straightforward. If all permit conditions are met, including correct vaccination timing, a valid health certificate, and proper microchipping, your pet can enter Hong Kong without any quarantine. Most expats relocating from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or Western Europe fall into these two groups.
Group IIIA was created in December 2024 and expanded in June 2025 to include Mainland China. The 30-day quarantine is served at a government-approved facility at the owner’s expense.
Group IIIB applies to countries with higher rabies risk. The 120-day quarantine is substantial and expensive. If you are relocating from a Group IIIB country, we strongly recommend engaging a professional pet relocation service to manage the logistics.
Step-by-Step Import Process
Starting early is essential. For Group I and II countries, begin the process at least three to four months before your planned move. For Group IIIA and IIIB, start six to twelve months ahead, as quarantine facility bookings can have significant waiting lists.
Step 1: Confirm your country group. Check the AFCD country list and confirm your pet meets the residence requirement for that group.
Step 2: Microchip your pet. Your dog or cat must be implanted with a 9-digit or 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip. The microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is administered, as the vaccination record must reference the chip number. If your pet already has a microchip, confirm it is readable and the number matches your existing records.
Step 3: Rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be given no earlier than 30 days and no later than 12 months before the date of arrival in Hong Kong. Your pet must be at least 90 days old at the time of vaccination. For dogs, additional vaccinations against canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus are also required.
Step 4: Rabies antibody titer test (Group II, IIIA, and IIIB). A blood sample must be taken no less than 90 days and no more than one year before departure, and tested at an AFCD-approved laboratory. The test must show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. This is a critical timeline requirement that catches many pet owners off guard. Plan for this early.
Step 5: Apply for the AFCD Special Permit. Submit Form AF240 along with supporting documents. The permit costs HK$432 for one animal (HK$102 for each additional). Processing takes approximately five working days. The permit is valid for six months.
Step 6: Obtain a veterinary health certificate. An official government veterinarian in your country of departure must issue a health certificate within 14 days of travel. In the United States, this is handled through USDA APHIS. In the UK, it is done through your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office.
Step 7: Book cargo space with your airline. Contact the airline’s cargo division directly. This must be done well in advance, as airlines have limited capacity for live animal shipments and some routes have seasonal restrictions during extreme heat or cold. Direct flights are strongly recommended to avoid complications at transit points.
Step 8: Notify AFCD. You must notify the AFCD Duty Officer at least 24 hours before your pet’s scheduled arrival. Provide the flight number, arrival time, and permit reference number.
Banned and Restricted Breeds
Hong Kong has a strict ban on four dog breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. This ban extends to crossbreeds of these breeds. If your dog is identified as one of these breeds or a cross, the AFCD will refuse the import permit.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not banned but are considered a restricted breed. Owners must provide a statutory declaration confirming the dog’s breed, and the dog may be subject to additional inspection upon arrival.
Bengal cats are permitted only if they are fifth generation (F5) or further from the Asian Leopard Cat ancestor. Documentation proving the generational distance is required.
If your dog’s breed is ambiguous or could be mistaken for a restricted breed, we recommend obtaining a breed DNA test and a letter from your veterinarian before applying for the permit. This can prevent delays or refusal at the border.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pet relocation costs vary significantly depending on your country of origin, the size of your animal, and whether you use a professional relocation service.
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| AFCD Special Permit | HK$432 (+ HK$102 per additional animal) |
| Microchipping | HK$300 to HK$500 (if not already done) |
| Rabies vaccination | HK$200 to HK$500 |
| Rabies antibody titer test | HK$1,500 to HK$3,000 |
| Official health certificate (government vet) | Varies by country (US: ~US$150 to $250) |
| Airline cargo fee | HK$5,000 to HK$15,000+ (depends on route and animal size) |
| IATA-compliant travel crate | HK$800 to HK$3,000 |
| Quarantine boarding (Group IIIA, 30 days) | ~HK$2,700 (dogs at HK$90/day) or ~HK$1,380 (cats at HK$46/day) |
| Quarantine boarding (Group IIIB, 120 days) | ~HK$10,800 (dogs) or ~HK$5,520 (cats) |
| Professional relocation agent | HK$15,000 to HK$40,000+ |
For a medium-sized dog coming from the USA or UK without quarantine, the total cost typically falls between HK$20,000 and HK$35,000 (approximately US$2,500 to US$4,500) when using a professional agent. Handling the paperwork yourself can save HK$15,000 or more, but the process requires careful attention to every deadline and document requirement.
The most common costly mistake is getting the vaccination or blood test timing wrong, which can delay the move by months and require rebooking flights and temporary boarding at both ends.
Choosing an Airline and Booking Cargo
Cathay Pacific is the most commonly used airline for pet cargo into Hong Kong, given its hub at Hong Kong International Airport and its established live animal handling procedures. Other airlines including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates also accept pet cargo on Hong Kong routes, though policies and availability vary.
All pets entering Hong Kong must travel as manifest cargo. This means you book the animal’s transport through the airline’s cargo division, not through passenger services. Your pet travels in a pressurised, climate-controlled section of the aircraft, and you do not need to be on the same flight, though most owners prefer to travel on the same day.
The travel crate must be IATA-compliant. This means it must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It must have secure fastenings, adequate ventilation on all sides, a leak-proof base, and a water dish attached to the inside of the door. Label the crate with “Live Animal” stickers, your name, contact details, and your pet’s name.
Most airlines impose seasonal embargoes during extreme temperatures. For Hong Kong, this typically means restrictions during the hottest months (June to August) when ground temperatures at the airport can exceed safe limits for animals waiting on the tarmac. Book early and confirm whether your travel dates fall within any embargo periods.
Direct flights are always preferable. Transit stops, especially at airports without proper animal handling facilities, introduce risk and stress. If a direct route is not available, confirm that the transit airport has approved live animal facilities and that the layover time is within airline guidelines.
Settling Your Pet in Hong Kong
Once your pet clears AFCD inspection (or completes quarantine), there are several practical matters to address as you settle into life in Hong Kong.
Dog licensing is mandatory. All dogs over five months old must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies within 30 days of arrival. Licensing is handled through any AFCD office or a registered veterinarian. The license is valid for three years.
Finding a vet. Hong Kong has excellent veterinary care. Expat-popular clinics include Island Veterinary Specialists (Wan Chai), Kowloon Veterinary Hospital (Mong Kok), and Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital (Sha Tin). Emergency veterinary services are available 24/7 at several facilities across the city.
Pet-friendly housing. Not all Hong Kong landlords accept pets, and many buildings have pet restrictions in their Deed of Mutual Covenant. When apartment hunting, confirm the building’s pet policy before signing the lease. Areas known for being more pet-friendly include Gold Coast in Tuen Mun, Discovery Bay on Lantau, Sai Kung in the New Territories, and parts of the Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island.
Dog parks and walking. Hong Kong has more green space than most newcomers expect. Popular dog-walking spots include Bowen Road (a flat, shaded path above Wan Chai), Cyberport Waterfront Park (dog-friendly area in Pok Fu Lam), Tai Po Waterfront Park (one of the largest parks in the New Territories), and the network of country trails accessible from most urban areas. Several beaches permit dogs during off-peak hours.
Pet supplies. Chains like Pet Space, Pet Lovers Centre, and Q-Pets have branches across the territory. International brands are widely available. For specialty diets or imported brands, online stores like PetChill and Whiskers n Paws offer delivery across Hong Kong.
Pet insurance. Several insurers in Hong Kong offer pet coverage, including MSIG, BlueCross, and Petplan. Policies typically cover accident and illness treatment, with premiums starting from around HK$150 per month for a young, healthy dog. Given the high cost of veterinary care in Hong Kong, pet insurance is worth considering.
