Pet Transport from Hong Kong to the USA: AFCD Export and CDC Dog Import Form
A move from Hong Kong to United States with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 6-10 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Hong Kong to United States
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Hong Kong to United States import process
01
Before rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip in Hong Kong.
Responsible: Vet in Hong Kong
02
At least 30 days before travel to ensure vaccination is fully valid.
Administer current rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Hong Kong
03
2-3 weeks before departure.
Apply for AFCD live animal export licence.
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
04
Before arrival in the USA. Available at cdc.gov/importation.
Complete CDC Dog Import Form (for dogs only).
Responsible: Owner
05
Within 10 days of US arrival.
Obtain health certificate from vet, endorsed by AFCD.
Responsible: Vet and AFCD
06
After AFCD export licence and health certificate are issued.
Fly to US gateway city (LAX, SFO, JFK, or other approved port). CBP and USDA inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, CBP, USDA
Requirements
United States entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Microchip required for all dogs entering the USA from any country. ISO 15 digit microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compatible) required. Source: CDC, cdc.gov/importation.
Rabies vaccination
Current valid rabies vaccination required for dogs. Must have been administered by a licensed veterinarian. Certificate required at entry. Cats: no CDC rabies vaccination requirement for entry into the USA.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The USA (CDC) does not require a titre test for personal pet dogs or cats from Hong Kong.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Dogs with valid rabies vaccination, microchip, and CDC Dog Import Form may enter without quarantine. Source: CDC, cdc.gov/importation.
Import permit
No formal import permit required for personal pet dogs and cats. CDC Dog Import Form required for all dogs.
Health certificate
Health certificate issued by USDA-accredited veterinarian (or equivalent endorsed by AFCD). The AFCD endorsement replaces the USDA accreditation requirement for the foreign certificate. Presented to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on arrival.
Leaving Hong Kong
Export requirements
Export permit
AFCD live animal export licence required. Apply online via the AFCD licensing portal. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing. Departure from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) only.
Health certificate
Official health certificate endorsed by AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department), Hong Kong. Issued within 10 days of departure. Source: AFCD, afcd.gov.hk.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Microchip and rabies vaccination in Hong Kong: approximately HKD 500-2,000
AFCD export licence fee: approximately HKD 200-500
Health certificate and AFCD endorsement: approximately HKD 500-2,000
Cargo fees HKG to US gateway: approximately HKD 6,000-20,000 depending on pet size and airline
Pet transport agent fee: HKD 2,000-6,000 if used
Realistic total: HKD 10,000-30,000
Critical points
A CDC Dog Import Form is required for ALL dogs entering the USA, regardless of origin. This is a US federal requirement from the CDC. Cats are not subject to this requirement.
The AFCD export licence takes 2-3 weeks to process. Apply well in advance of travel, not in the week before departure.
Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination and an ISO microchip. The CDC Dog Import Form must be completed and ready for inspection by CBP on arrival.
Comparing HK-to-USA with HK-to-UK: the UK requires a tapeworm treatment for dogs (1-5 days before UK arrival) and APHA endorsement of the health certificate. The USA requires the CDC Dog Import Form and does not require a titre test. Both routes are medium complexity.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Cathay Pacific Cargo
Direct cargo services from Hong Kong (HKG) to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK). Cathay Pacific Cargo handles live animals. The most direct carrier option for HK-to-USA.
Cargo Only
United Airlines Cargo
United Cargo operates services from HKG to US gateway cities. Live animal service available on selected routes. Confirm current live animal acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
American Airlines Cargo
American Airlines Cargo accepts live animals on international routes. Services from HKG to DFW and other US cities. Advance documentation review required.
Cargo Only
Korean Air Cargo
Via Seoul Incheon (ICN) to US cities. An alternative connecting option if direct Cathay services are unavailable.
Cargo Only
Meeting United States's entry requirements
Getting a pet into United States is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. A CDC Dog Import Form is required for all dogs entering the USA from any country, including Hong Kong. Complete this before travel. Available at cdc.gov/importation. Cats are not subject to this requirement.
No. There is no quarantine for compliant pets. Dogs with a valid rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and completed CDC Dog Import Form, plus an AFCD-endorsed health certificate, may enter without a quarantine period.
Allow 2-3 weeks for AFCD to process the live animal export licence. Do not book flights until the AFCD licence application is underway.
Yes. Cathay Pacific Cargo operates direct services from HKG to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and New York (JFK). United Airlines and American Airlines also serve this corridor.
USA: CDC Dog Import Form required for dogs; current rabies vaccination; no titre test; no quarantine; total preparation 6-10 weeks. UK: APHA-endorsed health certificate; tapeworm treatment for dogs; no titre test (HK is a listed country); no quarantine; total preparation 4-8 weeks. Both are medium complexity. The UK process is slightly faster.
Airline guides
Cathay Pacific Cargo
United Airlines Cargo
American Airlines Cargo
Korean Air Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.