Hong Kong (HK)
Hong Kong is one of the world's most dynamic cities — a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China operating under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework that preserves its common law legal system, independent judiciary, free port status, and separate currency.
Bringing Pets to Hong Kong
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Quarantine duration: Cats and dogs from most countries: 120 days (4 months) quarantine at the AFCD Animal Management Centre or an approved quarantine premises. However, reduced or nil quarantine applies for pets arriving from approved countries/territories: Australia (7 days), New Zealand (7 days), UK (7 days), Ireland (7 days), and approximately 25 other approved places — if all pre-arrival requirements (microchip, vaccination, RNATT, import licence) are met. Check AFCD's "Importation of Pet Animals" page for the current approved places list — it is updated periodically.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
Import licence fee from AFCD: HK$143/animal (cats/dogs). Quarantine fee: approximately HK$200–400/day per animal (4-month quarantine = HK$24,000–48,000+). RNATT test: HK$500–1,500 (depends on lab). International pet shipping (air cargo): HK$5,000–30,000 depending on size of pet, origin, and carrier. Annual dog licence: HK$90 (sterilised), HK$1,000 (unsterilised). Annual cat licence: HK$60 (sterilised), HK$230 (unsterilised). Vet check-up for import health certificate: HK$800–2,500 (depending on vet and country).
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
All dogs in Hong Kong must be licensed annually with AFCD. Licence fee: HK$90/year (sterilised) or HK$1,000/year (unsterilised). Licence application at any AFCD office or vet clinic registered for licensing. Bring: vet health certificate, sterilisation certificate (if applicable), and HKID. Failure to licence: HK$10,000 fine. The licence must be attached to the dog's collar in public at all times.
Find a registered veterinary surgeon (RVS) in HK via the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB). Many clinics in expat areas: Wan Chai, Happy Valley, Sai Kung, Kowloon Tong. Annual vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and dental checks recommended. Average vet consultation: HK$400–800. Pet health insurance available from AXA, Prudential, and specialist providers (HK$2,000–8,000/year depending on species and coverage).
📋 Relocation Process
Step 1: Ensure pet has ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit) implanted before any vaccines are given. Step 2: Complete required vaccinations (rabies at minimum). Step 3: Get Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) from an AFCD-approved laboratory — must show adequate titre (≥0.5 IU/ml). Step 4: Wait the required period after RNATT (typically 6 months for most countries). Step 5: Apply for an AFCD Import Licence (form: LC form — downloadable from afcd.gov.hk) at least 4 weeks before arrival. Step 6: Book an AFCD-approved quarantine facility or approved "home quarantine" if your accommodation meets AFCD standards (has secure garden, etc. — very rarely approved). Step 7: Book a direct flight or approved transit route to HKIA. Step 8: On arrival, pets are met by AFCD officers at HKIA Cargo Centre — do NOT bring pet into passenger terminal.
Hong Kong is a pet-friendly city with many green spaces, country parks, and designated off-leash areas. Dogs are not permitted on the MTR (exception: small dogs in sealed carriers under 50cm × 30cm × 25cm). Many hiking trails permit leashed dogs. Major country park areas (Sai Kung, Plover Cove, Clear Water Bay) are excellent for dog walks. Bring pet food from home for the first few weeks — favourite brands may be available at city super or online (PetO, hktvmall) but at significantly higher prices than in most Western countries. Note: temperatures and humidity in summer (June–September) can be dangerous for brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs) — be extremely careful.