Pet Transport from Hong Kong to China
Which China rules depend on a pet coming from Hong Kong?
China sorts countries into 2 groups, and Hong Kong falls in “Designated countries or regions”.
Exempt from quarantine with a valid microchip and a satisfactory on-site inspection; no rabies antibody report needed Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Quarantine: Exemption 1: pets from designated countries or regions with a valid microchip that pass on-site inspection are exempt from quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from GACC designated countries or regions.
海关总署公告2019年第5号（关于进一步规范携带宠物入境检疫监管工作的公告）, checked 3 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Not required: pets from GACC designated countries or regions do not need a rabies antibody (titre) test and may enter through any port with the correct health and vaccination certificates (Shanghai municipal government guide (sources: Shanghai Customs, Pudong Airport Customs, Huangpu Customs; updated 16 October 2025)). Applies to dogs and cats from GACC designated countries or regions.
How to bring a pet to Shanghai, checked 3 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering China, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our China guide.
What does Hong Kong require before your pet leaves?
- Other conditions: To the Chinese Mainland: the Mainland allows one dog or cat per person per entry; by road, cross via Shenzhen Bay Port or Lok Ma Chau Port with an AFCD-endorsed health certificate. Applies to dogs and cats going from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland.
Import and Export of Animals and Animal Products: frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: Not required: AFCD does not restrict the export of dogs and cats and no AFCD export permit is needed; the destination's own import permit and rules still apply. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Hong Kong.
Import and Export of Animals and Animal Products: frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: For destinations other than the EU and UK, a registered vet issues the animal health certificate (normally within 10 days before departure, or as the destination requires) and AFCD endorses it; endorsement takes one working day, an AFCD-issued official certificate two working days (page revised 26 January 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Hong Kong.
The issue of an official Animal Health Certificate, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: AFCD only examines animals and issues its own official health certificate when the destination specifically requires an official veterinary examination. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Hong Kong.
Import and Export of Animals and Animal Products: frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: AFCD fees (schedule dated 26 January 2026): endorsement or alteration of a health certificate HK$155; official examination of a single mammal HK$410 plus a HK$1,960 visiting fee where applicable. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Hong Kong.
Fees for Official Veterinary Examination/Official Health Certification/Testing (G111), checked 1 October 2026
We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Hong Kong to China move gets missed.
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
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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