AU
HK
Pet Transport from Australia to Hong Kong
6-10
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
9
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Which Hong Kong rules depend on a pet coming from Australia?
Hong Kong sorts countries into 4 groups, and Australia falls in “Group I”.
Normally exempt from quarantine if permit conditions met; 180 days' residence; no rabies vaccination or titre test in the permit terms Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Quarantine: Group I: pets imported direct are normally exempt from quarantine if all permit conditions are met. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group I countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Not required for Group I: the full Group I permit terms (DC-01v05, terms to be complied with fully) contain no rabies antibody (RNATT) test. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I.
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - Import permit: The permit is valid for 6 months and for one consignment only. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I and Group II.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group II countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Health certificate: Group I, II and IIIB: animal health certificate dated not more than 14 days before export. Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I, II and IIIB.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIB countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Health certificate: Certificates must be signed by a government veterinary officer, or by a registered vet and endorsed by a government veterinary officer. Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I and II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Not required for Group I: the Group I permit terms list the required vaccinations as canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus for dogs (panleucopaenia and respiratory disease complex for cats); rabies is not among them. Dogs are vaccinated against rabies on arrival when licensed. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I.
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - How your pet may travel: Pets must arrive as manifested cargo; excess baggage or hand-carried baggage is not permitted. Route must be the fastest and most direct. Applies to dogs and cats from Group I (same in Group II, IIIA, IIIB terms).
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - Arrival points and notice: The permittee must notify the AFCD Import and Export Section duty officer at least 24 hours before arrival.
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, checked 1 October 2026 - Microchip: An ISO or AVID compliant microchip readable by an AVID or ISO compatible reader is required. Applies to dogs and cats from Group II (same wording in Group I terms).
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Minimum age: Group I and IIIB: dogs and cats under 60 days old, or more than 4 weeks pregnant, must not be imported. Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I and IIIB.
DC-01 Permit terms, Group I, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Group I and II pets need a residence certificate: continuously resident at least 180 days (or since birth) before export, with no rabies within 10 km for 180 days (Group II wording). Applies to dogs and cats from Groups I and II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Hong Kong, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Hong Kong guide.
What does Australia require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: A Notice of Intention (NOI) to Export Live Animals (other than Livestock) must reach the regional office at least 10 working days before departure or the start of isolation. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: An export permit is issued and the animal must leave within 72 hours of issue; fees apply to the NOI, the health certificate and the permit. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: All exported cats and dogs, including assistance dogs, need an export permit and health certificate (industry advice 80-2023, 11 April 2023). Applies to dogs and cats, including assistance dogs, exported from Australia.
80-2023: Information on international travel with cats, dogs and assistance dogs, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: Export permit fee for non-livestock animals (which includes exported cats and dogs): AUD 305 per document in 2026-27 (DAFF live animal exports cost recovery implementation statement 2026-27, Table 7 'Fees, charges and volumes', columns: modelled revenue AUD 2,925,255, modelled volume 9,591, 2026-27 price AUD 305). Time-based assessment and inspection fees and the NOI fee are charged separately. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Cost recovery implementation statement: live animal exports 2026-27, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: DAFF's certifying veterinary officer assesses documents and prepares the export health certificate; DAFF charges a time-based fee for this. Check importing country requirements in MICoR. Page last updated 27 August 2026. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Final health and welfare examination by a registered veterinarian within 72 hours of departure (or the period the importing country sets), before the DAFF appointment. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026
Critical points
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 Only | |
| British Airways | 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 | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Cathay Pacific | 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 Only | |
| Philippine Airlines | Cabin and Cargo |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions and quarantine requirements.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations