AU
HK
Pet Transport from Australia to Hong Kong
Pet transport from Australia to Hong Kong is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there …
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Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
0
Days quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
9
Airlines on this route
Step by step
The Australia to Hong Kong import process
01
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
03
Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
04
Lead time: Check with authorities
Apply for import permit from Hong Kong
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
05
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
Responsible: Official veterinarian
06
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
07
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
Requirements
Hong Kong entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. Vaccination window is strict: minimum 30 days before arrival, maximum 12 months.
Rabies titre test
Required for: Pets from Group 2 and Group 3 countries. Not required for: Pets from Group 1 countries (rabies-free: UK, Australia, Japan, NZ, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml
Quarantine
Check requirements
Import permit
Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions and quarantine requirements.
Health certificate
Required. Official veterinary health certificate. Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate must confirm: vaccination status, microchip number, health status, absence of infectious disease
Leaving Australia
Export requirements
Export permit
Required for live animal exports from Australia
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
Import permit application fee (Hong Kong)
Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)
Critical points
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Australian airlines may restrict pet cargo during peak summer (December to February) when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region) | Cargo Only |
| British Airways | Cargo transport available | Cargo Only |
| Singapore Airlines | Cargo: Pets travel as cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons | Cargo Only |
| Qantas | Cargo transport available. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round. Temperature embargoes: seasonal restrictions during Australian summer (Dec-Feb) | Cargo Only |
| Air France | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes. French regulations on dangerous dog breeds apply | Cabin and Cargo |
| Cathay Pacific | Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met | Cargo Only |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Cargo: JAL Pet Policy: pets transported as checked baggage in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds: French Bulldogs BANNED from cargo (May-October). English Bulldogs banned year-round.. Summer restrictions: May-October temperature embargoes on some routes | Cargo Only |
| Thai Airways | Cargo: Pets as checked baggage or Thai Cargo for larger animals. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during hot season (March-May). Some breed restrictions apply | Cargo Only |
| Philippine Airlines | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Pets as checked baggage or PAL Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo. Temperature restrictions during extreme heat | Cabin and Cargo |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.
Yes. Check requirements Plan your trip around the quarantine period and factor in the cost, which is owner-paid.
Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions and quarantine requirements.
Required. Official veterinary health certificate. Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate must confirm: vaccination status, microchip number, health status, absence of infectious disease Your Australia vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by Hong Kong: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.
Yes. Required for: Pets from Group 2 and Group 3 countries. Not required for: Pets from Group 1 countries (rabies-free: UK, Australia, Japan, NZ, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
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