Pet Transport from Hong Kong to Australia

Hong Kong’s export process is managed by AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, afcd.gov.hk). Hong Kong is classified as a rabies-free territory, but pets must still have a current rabies vaccination before export, and the vaccination must be recorded and current. AFCD verifies the microchip by scanning before issuing the export health certificate. Make sure your vet has recorded the microchip number accurately and that it matches the vaccination records.

The export health certificate is issued by an AFCD-authorised veterinarian in the DAFF-approved format for Australian import. AFCD then endorses the certificate before departure. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue for Australian entry, so the vet appointment and AFCD endorsement should be timed carefully against your flight date.

Contact AFCD well in advance to understand the current processing time for endorsements. During busy periods (around major public holidays or peak travel seasons), appointment slots can be limited. An IPATA-registered pet transport agent based in Hong Kong can manage the AFCD coordination on your behalf, which is particularly useful if you are managing the process remotely or alongside other relocation tasks.

Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) runs the country’s pet import scheme and applies rigorous biosecurity standards. For pets from Hong Kong, the requirements include an ISO microchip (before vaccination), a completed rabies vaccination course, a rabies titre test showing a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml at a DAFF-approved laboratory, a 180-day post-titre wait from the date of the blood draw, a DAFF import permit obtained before travel, and a minimum 10-day quarantine at Mickleham on arrival. Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs.

The import permit must be applied for before travel and specifies the conditions your pet must meet. Apply via agriculture.gov.au. Allow 4-8 weeks for processing and do not book your cargo flight before the permit has been approved.

On arrival at Melbourne International Airport, your pet is transferred directly to the Mickleham facility for quarantine. The standard stay is 10 days. All quarantine costs are paid by the owner. Current rates are approximately AUD 1,877 or above for a standard 10-day stay; confirm the current fee schedule with DAFF before travel. After quarantine, your pet is released to you and can travel onwards within Australia by domestic carrier.

Cathay Pacific operates direct cargo services from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD), with connections to Brisbane and other Australian cities. Cathay Pacific Cargo has an established live animal programme and experienced handling at HKG. All pet transport on this sector is cargo only; no airline accepts pets in the cabin on international transpacific routes.

Book cargo space through Cathay Pacific Cargo directly or through an approved cargo agent, not through the passenger ticketing system. Live animal cargo space is limited and managed separately. Confirm your booking in writing and reconfirm closer to the travel date. The IATA-compliant crate must be sized so that the animal can stand, turn around and lie down without touching the crate sides; confirm approved crate dimensions with the cargo agent.

While Sydney is the most common passenger entry point for Hong Kong travellers, remember that all pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport. If your final destination is Sydney, Brisbane or elsewhere in Australia, your pet completes quarantine in Melbourne and then travels to you by domestic carrier. Factor the domestic leg into your planning, including checking that the domestic carrier accepts pets and confirming the booking.