Pet Transport from Hong Kong to the USA: AFCD Endorsement and the CDC Dog Import Form

Dog has been only in these countries for 6 months before entry: CDC Dog Import Form receipt (valid 6 months), age 6 months, microchip, healthy; any airport, seaport or land border. Official source

• Import permit: For dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries, the receipt is valid 6 months unless the dog visits a high-risk country or a different low-risk country in that time. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026
• Health certificate: No document beyond the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is listed for dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026
• Health certificate: Not required: CDC does not require a general health certificate for pets (cats, and dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries). Airlines and some states may still ask for one.
  Bringing an Animal into the U.S., checked 2 October 2026
• Rabies vaccination: CDC recommends, but for dogs only from rabies-free or low-risk countries does not list as an entry requirement, rabies vaccination. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
  Bringing a Dog into the United States, checked 2 October 2026
• How your pet may travel: Not required: no federal restriction on mode of travel for dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries; they may arrive by air, sea or land. Cabin, checked baggage or cargo is an airline matter. (Seattle's CDC facility takes cargo-only reservations, and the LAX facilities prefer cargo, for high-risk dogs.) Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026
• Arrival points and notice: Dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries may enter at any airport, seaport or land border. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026

• Minimum age: Every dog must be at least 6 months old on entry or return to the US.
  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026
• Minimum age: Not listed: cats. CDC's cat section requires only that cats appear healthy on arrival (they may be inspected, examined at the owner's cost if ill, or refused if they show a zoonotic disease); rabies vaccination proof is not required. APHIS states it has no animal health requirements for pet cats (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/cats). Neither sets a minimum age; destination states may.
  Bringing an Animal into the U.S., checked 2 October 2026

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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