HK
Pet Import to Hong Kong
Moderate to importVerification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by Dr. Sarah Okafor, International Animal Health Consultant
Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) sorts origin countries into four groups, and the group decides whether your pet faces quarantine. No dog or cat may be imported into Hong Kong, or transhipped through it, without a Special Permit obtained from AFCD in advance.
AFCD charges HK$432 for the permit for one animal and HK$102 for each additional animal on the same permit. Pets must fly in as manifested cargo, not as excess baggage or hand-carried baggage.
Start by finding your origin country’s group. Almost everything else follows from it.
Import Requirements
Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.
Who is in charge
- The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) issues the Special Permit; no dog or cat may be imported or transhipped through Hong Kong without one obtained in advance. AFCD page last revised 15 September 2026.
Import of Dogs and Cats, checked 1 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
| Group | What applies | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| Group I | Normally exempt from quarantine if permit conditions met; 180 days' residence; no rabies vaccination or titre test in the permit terms Source | Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Bailiwick of Jersey |
| Group II | May be exempt from quarantine if permit conditions met; 180 days' residence; rabies vaccination 30 days to 1 year before export; no titre test; at least 4 months' quarantine if documents are not proper Source | Austria, Bahrain, Bermuda, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Guam, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan China, Vanuatu, Bahamas, Belgium, Brunei, Cayman Island, Denmark, France, Gibraltar, Iceland, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, The Netherlands, USA (Continental), Virgin Islands |
| Group IIIA | Minimum 30 days' quarantine; RNATT 90 days to 1 year before export (effective 3 June 2025 for the Mainland) Source | Chinese Mainland, Hungary, Lithuania, Macao China, Malaysia, Thailand |
| Group IIIB | Minimum 120 days' quarantine; no titre test; rabies vaccination certificate optional Source | all other countries/places not in Groups I, II or IIIA |
- Origin grouping was revised with effect from 1 December 2024 into Groups I, II, IIIA and IIIB (Chinese Mainland moved into IIIA from 3 June 2025).
Import of Dogs and Cats, checked 1 October 2026 - The Chinese Mainland was placed in Group IIIA from 3 June 2025, reducing quarantine from 120 days to 30 days.
Applies to dogs and cats from the Chinese Mainland.
AFCD announces new quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from Mainland, checked 1 October 2026
Import permit
- The Special Permit costs HK$432 for one animal plus HK$102 for each additional animal on the same permit for a single shipment.
Applies to dogs and cats from all groups.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group I countries/places, checked 2 October 2026 - Permit processing takes at least 3 working days (5 working days from receipt of application and fee to issue).
Applies to dogs and cats from all groups.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group I countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - 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
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 - For Group IIIA, the microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination and blood sampling.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIA countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - A dog whose microchip does not meet Hong Kong legal requirements will have a conforming microchip implanted on arrival at the permittee's expense.
Applies to dogs arriving in Hong Kong.
Collection of Animals at Hong Kong International Airport, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies vaccination
- Group II: rabies vaccination not less than 30 days and not more than 1 year before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Group IIIA: inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine 30 days to 1 year before export; for a primary vaccination the animal must have been at least 90 days old.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
DC-06 Permit terms, Group IIIA, checked 1 October 2026 - 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 - Not required for Group IIIB as an import condition: the Group IIIB permit terms make the anti-rabies vaccination certificate optional (pets serve at least 120 days of quarantine instead). Dogs are vaccinated against rabies on arrival when licensed.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIB.
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test
- Group IIIA: RNATT on a blood sample taken 90 days to 1 year before export, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, at an approved laboratory.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIA countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Mainland China (Group IIIA): the rabies antibody test (RNATT) must be done at a laboratory recognised by AFCD; four laboratories on the Mainland are now recognised (listed in permit terms DC-06v03).
Applies to dogs and cats from the Chinese Mainland.
Quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland, checked 2 October 2026 - 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 - Not required for Group II: the full Group II permit terms (DC-02v05) contain no rabies antibody (RNATT) test.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Not required for Group IIIB: the full Group IIIB permit terms (DC-03v04) contain no rabies antibody (RNATT) test; these pets serve at least 120 days of quarantine instead.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIB.
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, checked 1 October 2026 - Group IIIA: the RNATT must use the FAVN or RFFIT method at an AFCD-approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml; the recognised laboratories are listed in permit terms DC-06v03 (including four in the Mainland, plus labs such as APHA (UK), Kansas State University and the US CDC).
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIA 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 - Group IIIA: animal health certificate issued not more than 7 days before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIA countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - 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 - Mainland pets need the specific animal health certificate agreed between AFCD and GACC, issued by a government veterinary officer.
Applies to dogs and cats from the Chinese Mainland.
Quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland, checked 2 October 2026
Other vaccines and tests
- Dogs need distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus vaccination; cats need panleucopaenia and respiratory disease complex vaccination, 14 days to 1 year before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIB (similar for other groups).
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIB countries/places, checked 1 October 2026
Parasite treatment
- Not required: none of the four AFCD permit terms (Groups I, II, IIIA, IIIB) contains any internal or external parasite treatment condition; the terms are the full list to be complied with.
Applies to dogs and cats from all groups.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026
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 - Group II: pets may be exempt from quarantine if all permit conditions are met; pets without proper documentation may face at least 4 months' quarantine.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group II.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group II countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Group II pets without proper documentation may be required to undergo at least 4 months' quarantine at the owner's expense, or be returned to the country of origin.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group II without proper documentation.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group II countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Group IIIA: minimum 30 days' quarantine in an AFCD Animal Management Centre or a Licensed Quarantine Centre.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
DC-06 Permit terms, Group IIIA, checked 1 October 2026 - Group IIIB: minimum 120 days' quarantine in an AFCD Animal Management Centre or a Licensed Quarantine Centre.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIB.
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, checked 2 October 2026 - AFCD quarantine kennels must be booked (form PC100); the estimated average wait is about 3 months for dogs and 6 months for cats.
Applies to dogs and cats needing quarantine (Groups IIIA and IIIB).
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIB countries/places, checked 1 October 2026 - Pets ordered into quarantine pay the prescribed accommodation fees and must provide transport when directed under official escort to the AFCD Airport Animal Hostel or Animal Management Centre.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIB (permit terms).
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, 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.
Applies to dogs and cats from all groups (same term in the Group I, II, IIIA and IIIB permit terms).
DC-03 Permit terms, Group IIIB, checked 1 October 2026 - Pets from the Mainland arriving by land must reach the border control point named on the application between 9am and 5pm (AFCD Mainland page, revised 3 September 2026).
Applies to dogs and cats from the Chinese Mainland.
Quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland, checked 2 October 2026Official sources differ
AFCD permit terms DC-06v03 (https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab_idc/files/DC_06v03_Permit_Terms_for_import_dog_cat_from_Gp3A_Sep26B.pdf) say: 'If importing from Mainland, the animals must arrive at a designated border control point in Hong Kong between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.' That wording does not limit the time window to land arrivals; the newer, more specific Mainland web page limits it to land arrivals and also allows Hong Kong International Airport. For an air arrival from the Mainland, plan within 9am to 5pm or confirm with AFCD. - Air arrivals are handled by AFCD offices at Hong Kong International Airport, including the Terminal 1 office with the Airport Animal Hostel and offices at the cargo terminals (Super Terminal One, Cathay Cargo Terminal, Asia Airfreight Terminal); map version May 2026.
Applies to dogs and cats arriving by air.
Map of AFCD airport offices (G114), checked 1 October 2026 - Dogs and cats from the Mainland may enter through any land border control point or Hong Kong International Airport; the chosen entry point must be named on application form AF301 (AFCD Mainland page, revised 3 September 2026).
Applies to dogs and cats from the Chinese Mainland.
Quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland, checked 2 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 - Group II: dogs and cats under 5 months old, or more than 4 weeks pregnant, must not be imported.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group II.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026 - Group IIIA terms set no separate minimum import age; the age conditions are that a primary rabies vaccination must have been given at 90 days old or over (followed by a blood test at least 90 days before export), and pets more than 4 weeks pregnant must not be imported.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
DC-06 Permit terms, Group IIIA, checked 1 October 2026
How many pets
- No official page states a rule on this. We confirm it with you for each move.
Banned and restricted breeds
- Pit Bull Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero and their crosses are prohibited from import or transhipment.
Import of Dogs and Cats, checked 1 October 2026 - A statutory declaration must accompany any permit application for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Import of Dogs and Cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Bengal cats and their crosses need documentation of 5th or later generation domestic ancestry.
Applies to Bengal cats from Group II (same on main page).
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, 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
Official fees
- Quarantine at the Government Animal Management Centre costs HK$90 a day for a dog and HK$46 a day for a cat (booking form PC100, June 2026 version); fees are subject to revision. Licensed Quarantine Centre (SPCA) fees are set by the centre.
Applies to dogs and cats needing quarantine (Groups IIIA and IIIB, and others ordered into quarantine).
Booking of Quarantine Facility for Imported Dogs and Cats (Form PC100), checked 1 October 2026 - Dogs aged 5 months or over are licensed and vaccinated against rabies on collection at the airport; the dog licence fee is HK$80.
Applies to dogs aged 5 months and over.
Collection of Animals at Hong Kong International Airport, checked 1 October 2026 - Group IIIA (including the Chinese Mainland): the AFCD Group IIIA page (revised September 2026) states the standard permit fee of HK$432 for one animal plus HK$102 for each additional animal on the same permit. Confirm with AFCD before quoting a Mainland permit fee.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group IIIA.
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group IIIA countries/places, 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 - All dogs aged 5 months or over must obtain a Hong Kong dog licence on arrival (microchip and rabies vaccination).
Applies to dogs aged 5 months and over.
DC-02 Permit terms, Group II, checked 1 October 2026
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The group system
Since 1 December 2024, AFCD has used four groups: I, II, IIIA and IIIB. Group I is Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Bailiwick of Jersey, and pets imported direct from these places are normally exempt from quarantine if every permit condition is met.
Group II includes the continental USA, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea and much of Europe, among them France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Group II pets may be exempt from quarantine if they meet the permit conditions, but a pet without proper documentation may face at least 4 months’ quarantine at the owner’s expense or be returned to its country of origin.
Group IIIA (the Chinese Mainland, Hungary, Lithuania, Macao, Malaysia and Thailand) means at least 30 days’ quarantine and a rabies antibody test (RNATT) on a blood sample taken 90 days to 1 year before export. Every other country or place falls into Group IIIB, where pets serve at least 120 days’ quarantine.
So a pet from a country outside the first three groups can still come to Hong Kong; it simply faces the longest quarantine.
The permit and arrival process
AFCD says permit processing takes at least 3 working days once it has all the information it needs. For Group I and II pets, the permit is valid for 6 months and for one consignment only. You must tell the AFCD Import and Export Section duty officer at least 24 hours before your pet’s expected arrival.
Air arrivals are handled by AFCD offices at Hong Kong International Airport, including the Terminal 1 office with the Airport Animal Hostel and offices at the cargo terminals. Dogs aged 5 months or over are licensed and vaccinated against rabies when they are collected at the airport, and AFCD charges HK$80 for the dog licence. If a dog’s microchip does not meet Hong Kong’s legal requirements, a conforming one is implanted on arrival at the permittee’s expense.
Pets from Groups IIIA and IIIB go into quarantine at an AFCD Animal Management Centre or a Licensed Quarantine Centre, and AFCD kennels must be booked on form PC100. AFCD puts the average wait for one of its quarantine kennels at about 3 months for dogs and 6 months for cats.
Routes to Hong Kong SAR
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK is in Group I. AFCD says dogs and cats imported direct from Group I are normally exempt from quarantine if they fully comply with the permit conditions. Those conditions include at least 180 days’ continuous residence in the country or place (or since birth) before export, and an animal health certificate issued no more than 14 days before export. Group I terms do not require a rabies vaccination or a rabies antibody test before travel.
Apply to AFCD for a Special Permit before your pet travels, because no dog or cat may enter Hong Kong without one. AFCD says processing takes at least 3 working days, subject to all the required information being provided. The fee is HK$432 for one animal plus HK$102 for each additional animal on the same permit for a single shipment.
Yes. Every country or place not listed in Groups I, II or IIIA falls into Group IIIB. Pets from Group IIIB need an AFCD Special Permit and must spend at least 120 days in quarantine at an AFCD Animal Management Centre or a Licensed Quarantine Centre. AFCD kennels must be booked on form PC100, so check the waiting time before you set a travel date.
Pets arriving by air come into Hong Kong International Airport, where AFCD has offices at Terminal 1 (with the Airport Animal Hostel) and at the cargo terminals. Pets must travel as manifested cargo on the fastest and most direct route. Pets from the Chinese Mainland may instead enter through any land border control point, which must be named on the application. Have all original documents ready on arrival.
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Hong Kong SAR
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Code: HK