Lead time needed
18-24 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
High
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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US
MO

Pet Transport from the United States to Macau

If you are relocating a pet from United States to Macau, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Allow about 18-24 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival. This …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from United States to Macau typically takes around 18-24 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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Step by step

The United States to Macau import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Before the rabies vaccination, first step in the sequence.
Implant the ISO microchip.

Responsible: Vet in the US.

2
After the microchip. At least 30 days before the blood draw.
Administer or confirm the rabies vaccination.

Responsible: Licensed vet in the US.

3
30 days or more after vaccination. Lab turnaround typically 2-3 weeks.
Draw blood for the rabies antibody titre test.

Responsible: Vet plus an approved laboratory.

4
Fixed. This is the step that sets the overall timeline.
Wait out the roughly three-month period from the blood draw date.

Responsible: N/A

5
Once the wait period is nearly up. Valid only 30 days from issue.
Apply for the IAM Import Licence for Live Animals (PS-1092).

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent, via gov.mo.

6
2-4 weeks before travel.
Book cargo to Hong Kong and arrange the cross-border transfer into Macau.

Responsible: Owner or agent.

7
Certificate close to departure; inspection booked at least 1 working day ahead.
Obtain the USDA-endorsed health certificate and confirm the IAM arrival inspection slot.

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet; IAM in Macau.

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Macau

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before the rabies vaccination is …
Rabies vaccination
Required. Given after the microchip, current and clearly dated on the health …
Rabies titre test
Required, since the United States is not on Macau's short list of rabies-free …
Quarantine
No mandatory quarantine for pets that meet the pre-entry requirements and pass …
Import permit
Import Licence for Live Animals (PS-1092), applied for through the Macao SAR …
Health certificate
Official veterinary Health Certificate of Animal (form referenced as PS-1086 on …
Export permit
No general export permit required for a personal pet dog or cat leaving the …
Costs

What this route typically costs

Rabies titre test and laboratory fee: USD 200-350.
USDA-endorsed health certificate and veterinary paperwork: USD …
IAM Import Licence (PS-1092) application fee: modest, typically under …
Cargo fee, US gateway to Hong Kong: USD 2,200-3,800 depending on crate …
Cross-border transfer, Hong Kong to Macau (bridge coach or ferry, …
IATA-compliant travel crate: USD 150-450.
Total typical range: USD 2,900-5,300 over 4-6 months.

Critical points

There is no direct cargo flight from the US to Macau. Every routing adds a Hong Kong transfer leg, which needs its own booking and paperwork.

The roughly three-month wait runs from the blood draw date, not the vaccination date. Miscounting this is a common source of delay.

The PS-1092 import licence is only valid for 30 days once issued. Apply against a confirmed travel date, not a provisional one.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Cathay Pacific Cargo
No direct cargo service into Macau from the US. Pets fly to Hong Kong (HKG) with Cathay …
Cargo Only
United Airlines Cargo
An alternative for the first leg into Hong Kong, with the same cross-border Macau transfer …
Cargo Only
Air China
Routing via a mainland Chinese hub such as Guangzhou, a useful backup when Hong Kong cargo …
Cargo Only

How Macau handles incoming pets

Macau asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.

What experienced owners do

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

FAQ

Common questions

Yes. The US is not on IAM’s short list of rabies-free exempt origins, so a titre test is required: blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, a minimum result of 0.5 IU/mL, then roughly a three-month wait from the blood draw before entry.
Not for a pet that meets the pre-entry requirements. IAM dropped the mandatory 30-day quarantine for compliant dogs and cats in a policy change that took effect around June 2026.
No. Pets fly to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific Cargo or United Airlines Cargo, then cross into Macau by road over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge or by ferry.
The Import Licence for Live Animals, PS-1092, applied for through the Macao SAR Government Portal. IAM usually issues it within 3 working days, but it expires 30 days after issue.
Airline guides
  • Cathay Pacific Cargo
  • United Airlines Cargo
  • Air China
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Macau.

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US MOUnited States to Macau
International pet transport route
Lead time18-24 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityHigh
Airlines3
ServiceDoor to door
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