Official Import Rules
- Hong Kong uses AFCD country groups for dog imports, so the exact checklist depends on where the dog has been living before travel.
- All dogs need an AFCD Special Permit before import or transit.
- All dogs need an acceptable microchip, the required health certificate, and the group-specific vaccination or testing documents.
- Group I: Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the Bailiwick of Jersey.
- Dogs from Group I places are normally exempt from quarantine when all permit conditions are met.
- Group II: the continental USA, Canada, Singapore, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan China, and other listed lower-risk places.
- Singapore is officially classified under Group II, not Group I, so Singapore-origin dogs must follow Group II requirements.
- Dogs from Group II may be exempt from quarantine if the permit terms are fully met.
- Group IIIA is confirmed by AFCD to consist of: Chinese Mainland, Hungary, Lithuania, Macao China, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- Dogs from Group IIIA need rabies vaccination, core canine vaccines, a satisfactory RNATT result, a quarantine booking, and at least 30 days of post-arrival quarantine.
- Group IIIB covers all other countries and places not listed in Groups I, II, or IIIA.
- Dogs from Group IIIB need the required vaccinations, a quarantine booking, and at least 120 days of post-arrival quarantine.
- Dogs arriving by air must travel as manifested cargo.
- Mainland-origin imports may also use specified land border control points.
- Prohibited fighting-dog types cannot be imported.
- Dogs over 5 months old must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies after arrival.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
Fighting breeds (Pit Bull Terrier/Amstaff type, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro) are prohibited from import. 'Known dangerous' large-dog rules apply locally: dogs over 20 kg must be leashed in public.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cargo-only arrival with an AFCD Special Permit obtained before travel; no cabin or checked-baggage pets into HKG.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
Group I: normally none. Group II (including Singapore): may be exempt if permit terms are met. Group IIIA (Chinese Mainland, Hungary, Lithuania, Macao China, Malaysia, Thailand): minimum 30 days. Group IIIB (all other places): minimum 120 days (4 months).
City & Housing Notes
Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories are all dog-friendly. Many modern apartments in Hong Kong permit dogs. The city has numerous well-equipped vet clinics and a strong dog welfare community. Living costs are high but the international expat community is large.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Excellent veterinary care throughout Hong Kong, with many clinics staffed by internationally trained vets. AFCD regulates veterinary practitioners. Emergency 24-hour clinics are available in Causeway Bay, Kowloon, and elsewhere. Common issues include respiratory infections in the humid climate and heatstroke in summer.
Leaving Hong Kong With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a licensed vet. Exit requires compliance with destination country rules. AFCD can endorse export documentation. Allow 5–7 working days for processing.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What group is my country in?
Group I includes Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the Bailiwick of Jersey. Group II includes the continental USA, Canada, Singapore, and many European countries; Singapore is confirmed as Group II, not Group I. Group IIIA is confirmed by AFCD to include Chinese Mainland, Hungary, Lithuania, Macao China, Malaysia, and Thailand. All other places fall under Group IIIB. Check AFCD before booking in case the list is updated.
Can my dog fly in the cabin to Hong Kong?
No. Dogs arriving by air to Hong Kong must travel as manifested cargo, not in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage. Mainland-origin imports may also use specified land border control points.
How long does the import process take?
For Group I countries, you can apply for the AFCD permit about 4 weeks before travel with straightforward documentation. For Group IIIB countries, the titer test, waiting period, and quarantine mean the process can take 4–6 months or more.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.