Moving a Pet to Hong Kong
Rules and Regulations for International Pet Shipping
What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has strict requirements when it comes to importing cats and dogs. As long as you are well-prepared and your pet follows all the rules, then your move to Hong Kong should be smooth sailing.
We've outlined the basic requirements on this page but you can also find the requirements directly from Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries, & Conservation Department website.
Like many countries, Hong has some varying requirements depending on your pet's country of origin. The requirements we have outlined below are for pets traveling from the mainland USA to Hong Kong.
Microchip
All pets are required to have an ISO or AVID-compatible microchip. The chip number must be readable at every vet visit and must be reported accurately on all of your pet's paperwork. If your pet has more than one microchip, then all readable chip numbers should be listed on your pet's paperwork.
Dogs are required to have an AVID microchip. If they do not have one upon arrival to Hong Kong, then they will be re-implanted with a new one and given a new rabies vaccination.
Do note that if the microchip cannot be read or does not match the number on your pet's paperwork then they may be subject to quarantine or sent back home at the pet owner's expense.
Rabies Vaccination
Cats and dogs must be vaccinate for rabies at least 30 days prior but less than 1 year prior to export. Pets must be at least 90 days old at the time of vaccination.
**The ORIGINAL signed Rabies Vaccination Certificate must travel with your pet into Hong Kong.
A rabies titer blood test is not required for pets traveling from the USA to Hong Kong as long as rabies (except bats) has NOT been reported within 10km of the animal’s place of residence within the 180 days prior to export.
Other Vaccinations
The following additional vaccinations are required for cats and dogs entering Hong Kong. They must be completed at least 14 days prior to and less than 1 year prior to export.
Cats
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) [required]
- Feline Leukemia (recommended, but not mandatory)
Dogs
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) [required]
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) [recommended, but not mandatory]
- Leptospirosis [recommended, but not mandatory]
- CIV (Canine Influenza Virus) [recommended, but not mandatory]
Import Permit
An import permit is required for cats and dogs entering Hong Kong.
The permit must be applied prior to departure and can take 5+ working days to be processed & issued.
The permit is valid for 6 months upon issue and a copy of the import permit must travel with your pet into Hong Kong.
*If you are working with Starwood to transport your pet, we will take care of this on your behalf.
Health Certificate
A clinical exam and Hong Kong Health Certificate must be completed and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 10-14 days prior to travel and must be endorsed by the USDA. You cannot use the standard USDA APHIS 7001 Form. You must use the Hong Kong-specific health certificate available on the USDA-APHIS website.
The ORIGINAL endorsed health certificate MUST travel with your pet into Hong Kong.
If you hire Starwood to assist with your pet's relocation, we can take care of the final exam, paperwork, and USDA endorsement on your behalf.
Photo of Pet
While Hong Kong does not require you to submit a photo of your pet along with their other documentation, we will ask you for photos so we can put a face to a name and verify their breed.
What Are the Pet Restrictions for Hong Kong?
Age Restrictions
Dogs and cats must be at least 5 months old to enter Hong Kong. Pets more than 4 weeks pregnant may NOT enter Hong Kong.
Banned Breeds
Fighting dogs listed in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation can NOT be imported to Hong Kong. These breeds include:
- Pit Bull Terrier (also known as the American Staffordshire Terrier)
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Braziliero
- Any dog of the crossbreeds above
If you have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, your dog will require a statutory declaration attesting to the breed of the dog.
Bengal cats and their crossbreeds are NOT to be imported to Hong Kong unless they have documentation certifying they are of 5th or above 5th generations of domestic ancestry.
Savannah cats have their own special permit terms.
Arrival to Hong Kong
Cats and dogs must travel to Hong Kong via manifest cargo. They can NOT arrive as excess baggage or in-cabin.Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Hong Kong?
All pets must have a microchip that is ISO-compatible or AVID. Microchips must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is done because the number must appear on all of your pet’s health and import documentation.
Dogs who arrive in Hong Kong without an AVID microchip will be re-implanted with one and given a new rabies vaccination. This is required for dog licensing purposes.
What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to Hong Kong?
If your pet is compliant with all of Hong Kong's pet import requirements, then they will not have to be quarantined.
If they are found to be non-compliant, then your pet may be quarantined or sent back to their origin country.
Are There Any Area Specific Pet Requirements in Hong Kong?
Dogs are required to be licensed upon arrival to Hong Kong. If they do not have an AVID microchip, then a new one will be implanted and they will receive a new rabies vaccination.
You must renew your dog's rabies vaccination and dog license every 3 years.
Top Destinations in Hong Kong
Our Hong Kong pet shipping services include:
- Door-to-door transport
- Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to Hong Kong (outlined above)
- USDA endorsement of all relevant documents where required
- IATA-compliant flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification,
and emergency notification instructions - Customs clearance and delivery to your home
- Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer
- Travel consultation and flight reservations
We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to Hong Kong.