CA
Canada
✈️
HK
Hong Kong
Pet Transport from Canada to Hong Kong
Pet transport from Canada 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 without major issues. At minimum, your pet …
NoneQuarantine on arrival
Moderate routeExpert coordination essential
6-10 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
Step by step
The Canada to Hong Kong pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)3
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.4
Apply for import permit from Hong Kong
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Lead time: Check with authorities5
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)6
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo petsRequirements
What your pet needs to enter Hong Kong
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify 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
Export permit (Canada)
No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate.
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 to read before you book
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Canada to Hong Kong pet transport
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 Canada 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.
Ready to move your pet to Hong Kong?
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Canada to Hong Kong pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.
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Route at a glance
FromCanada
ToHong Kong
Prep time6-10 weeks
ComplexityModerate
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