Hong Kong requires a Special Permit from AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) before importing any dog or cat. Pets must be at least 5 months old with an ISO microchip and rabies titer test. Requirements vary by country group classification, with quarantine periods ranging from no quarantine to 120 days depending on origin.
Companies Listed
14
Quarantine
Yes (30 days)
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Special Permit from AFCD required before import
Dogs and cats must be at least 5 months old
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required
Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT ≥ 0.5 IU/mL) from AFCD-approved lab
Blood sample for RNATT collected 90 days to 1 year before export
Dogs vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus
Cats vaccinated against panleukopenia and respiratory disease complex
Fighting dog breeds and Savannah cats prohibited
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Hong Kong (SAR) vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds can be imported into Hong Kong with an AFCD Special Permit obtained in advance, an avian influenza health certificate, and pre-export segregation and testing. All birds are tested for avian influenza on arrival before release. Endangered species also need CITES documentation. Notify AFCD at least two working days before arrival.
Obtain a Special Permit in advance by submitting Form AF240 to AFCD with the applicable fee (an animal trader licence is needed if imported for commercial sale)
Birds and consignments are subject to diagnostic testing for H5 avian influenza; allow time for mailing and tests
Birds must come from premises free of avian influenza and segregated/tested before export per the AFCD permit terms
Veterinary health certificate as required by AFCD
Imported pet birds are subject to avian influenza testing before release to importers
Separate CITES permit for protected species; apply in advance to AFCD
The Special Permit requirement, AF240 application, H5 avian influenza testing and CITES requirement are confirmed on the official AFCD 'Importation of Pet Birds' page. The detailed pre-export premises-freedom period (around 180 days) and 14-day segregation come from the AFCD permit-terms document; confirm the exact segregation/quarantine period and testing rules with AFCD for your origin country.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Hong Kong with an AFCD Special Permit obtained in advance and a government veterinary health certificate. On arrival horses undergo post-arrival quarantine under approved veterinary supervision; such facilities are currently only available through the Hong Kong Jockey Club, so private equine import is heavily channelled through that infrastructure.
Obtain a Special Permit from AFCD in advance of import
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's official veterinary authority
Disease testing per the agreed protocol for the country of origin (e.g. equine infectious anaemia, glanders, equine viral arteritis, African horse sickness freedom)
Post-arrival quarantine under approved veterinary supervision (facilities currently available only at the Hong Kong Jockey Club)
Advance notification to the AFCD Import & Export Division before arrival
Specific tests, timelines and pre-export quarantine depend on the bilateral protocol between Hong Kong and the exporting country. Because approved quarantine is tied to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, private owners typically import through professional equine agents. Confirm the current protocol with AFCD.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Hong Kong allows reptiles to be imported with an AFCD Special Permit (Form AF240) obtained in advance, valid for 6 months and one consignment. Each species is assessed for disease risk, welfare, public safety and ecological impact, and CITES-listed species require separate CITES permits. Full scientific names must be provided before applying.
Apply for a Special Permit (Form AF240) in advance; the permit is valid for 6 months and one consignment only (extensions of 30 days are available per application with re-submission and fee)
Pay the applicable fees per the AFCD schedule (e.g. HK$344 for the first 200 animals, HK$78 per additional 200)
Provide the full scientific name (genus and species) of each animal so AFCD can assess it before issuing the permit
Separate CITES permit required for any species protected under CITES
Species assessed for level of domestication, risk of disease introduction, animal welfare, public safety and ecological impact
Comply with all permit terms and conditions on arrival
Verified against the official AFCD 'Importation of Reptiles' page: Special Permit (AF240) required in advance, valid 6 months/one consignment, with case-by-case species assessment and HK$344 fee for the first 200 animals; processing is about 3 working days (5 from receipt). There is no single published prohibited-species list. Confirm current fees and species status with AFCD.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Hong Kong (SAR)?
Estimate the airline, crate, vet, and documentation costs for your move — with a full breakdown.
