Getting a pet from United Kingdom to Hong Kong is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 6-10 weeks of preparation usually covers it.
Start with the step by step process …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Hong Kong
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Hong Kong pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip and current rabies vaccination are in place
Responsible: Vet
Verify now. Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination.
2
Apply for AFCD Special Permit online
Responsible: Owner or agent
1-2 weeks before travel. Required before arrival.
3
Book cargo space on UK to Hong Kong route
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead. Cathay Pacific direct is the popular choice.
4
Official Veterinarian issues health certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised vet
Within 10 days of travel
5
Travel to Hong Kong as cargo
Responsible: Airline cargo
On travel date. Direct flight is around 12 hours.
6
AFCD inspection on arrival. Permit and documents verified.
Responsible: Hong Kong AFCD
On arrival. No quarantine for Group I pets. Released to owner.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Hong Kong
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO standard microchip, readable at Hong Kong customs.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current rabies vaccination. The UK is classified as a Group I (low-risk) territory by AFCD.
Import permit
Special Permit required from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) before arrival. Apply online via the AFCD system. Allow 1-2 weeks.
Health certificate
Veterinary health certificate issued within the AFCD-specified window before travel, endorsed as required.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No formal UK export permit required.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AFCD Special Permit fee: approximately HKD 432 per animal
Cargo airline fee: £1,000 to £2,800 from Heathrow to Hong Kong depending on crate size
APHA health certificate and endorsement: £150 to £400
Pet transport agent fee: £400 to £1,200
IATA-compliant travel crate: £80 to £350
Total typical range: £1,700 to £4,500
Critical points to read before you book
The AFCD Special Permit must be obtained before the pet arrives in Hong Kong. Arriving without a valid permit can result in the animal being held or refused.
Hong Kong is hot and humid in summer (May to September). Airlines apply heat embargoes on live animal cargo, especially for brachycephalic breeds. Plan summer moves carefully.
Hong Kong restricts certain dog breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Spanish Pit Bull Terriers, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Fila and Japanese Tosa. These require special handling or may be prohibited.
Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination, as with most international routes.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Primary carrier. Direct Heathrow to Hong Kong cargo pet service. Climate-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Hong Kong direct. Pets via IAG Cargo. PetAir UK manages UK-side export.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Via Dubai hub. Emirates SkyCargo. Adds transit time but reliable cargo service.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
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.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Hong Kong pet transport
No. The UK is a Group I (low-risk) territory for AFCD purposes, which means UK pets do not require quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong. Provided you have the AFCD Special Permit, a valid microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and the health certificate, your pet is released to you after the arrival inspection at the airport.
Typically 1-2 weeks. The application is made online through the AFCD system. You will need your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and travel details. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel to allow buffer time. The permit must be valid before your pet arrives in Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific is the primary carrier and operates direct Heathrow to Hong Kong cargo pet services. British Airways also flies the route direct, with pets handled through IAG Cargo and PetAir UK for the UK-side export. Emirates offers a connecting option via Dubai. For most owners, a direct flight (Cathay or BA) is preferable to minimise journey time and handling.
Yes. Hong Kong regulates certain breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Fila, Japanese Tosa and Spanish Pit Bull Terriers. These breeds are subject to control under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation and may require special arrangements or be prohibited. Check the AFCD rules for your specific breed before beginning the process.
Airline guides
Cathay Pacific
British Airways
Emirates
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United Kingdom to Hong Kong pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.