Bringing a pet to Hong Kong

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Hong Kong maintains strict pet import rules that vary depending on the rabies-risk category of the origin country. Most pets from high-risk areas face a mandatory 120-day quarantine, while those from low-risk or rabies-free regions may qualify for a shorter stay or home quarantine. Expect extensive paperwork, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a valid rabies antibody test before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Hong Kong.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorized private vet endorsed by the exporting country's agriculture authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 5 months

Breed restrictions

Hong Kong does not have specific breed bans for dogs, but brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may face restrictions from airlines due to health risks during air travel. Check with your airline for their specific policies.

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date and validity period
Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Vaccination record for routine vaccines (e.g., distemper, parvovirus)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AFCD.

Dogs from rabies-free origins (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan) do not need a titer test or import permit.

AFCD Hong Kong

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorized private vet endorsed by the exporting country's agriculture authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 5 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date and validity period
Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Vaccination record for routine vaccines (e.g., distemper, parvovirus)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AFCD.

Dogs from low-risk origins (e.g., USA, Canada, most of Europe, Singapore) do not need a titer test or import permit.

AFCD Hong Kong

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorized private vet endorsed by the exporting country's agriculture authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 5 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine date and validity period
FAVN titer test result showing ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days after vaccination
Import permit from AFCD (apply at least 30 days before travel)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Vaccination record for routine vaccines (e.g., distemper, parvovirus)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$200-400 HKD. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AFCD.

Dogs from high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, China, India, most of Africa and South America) require a FAVN titer test and an import permit from AFCD. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

AFCD Hong Kong

Frequently asked questions

Dogs must be at least 5 months old at the time of import. This accounts for the rabies vaccination minimum age (12 weeks) and the required waiting period (21 days for free/low-risk origins, or 90 days for high-risk origins after titer test).

Only if your dog is from a high-risk rabies origin (e.g., Thailand, China, India, Russia). A FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL is required, performed at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination. Dogs from free or low-risk origins do not need a titer test.

Apply for the import permit from AFCD at least 30 days before travel. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. The permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must submit the FAVN test result and other documents with the application.

Yes, non-commercial travellers can bring up to 5 dogs per shipment without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial and subject to additional requirements, such as a different permit and possible quarantine. Contact AFCD for guidance.

No. Hong Kong does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit rules.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. If it expires before you land, you will need a new certificate from your vet. Airlines may also refuse boarding if the certificate is not valid on the travel date.

No. Hong Kong does not impose mandatory quarantine for dogs from any origin, provided all import requirements are met (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, titer test and import permit). Dogs are cleared at the airport and can go home with their owner upon arrival.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Hong Kong.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., AFCD-endorsed vet in origin) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, inactivated vaccine, administered after microchip)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure by an official government veterinarian

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

Cats from rabies-free origins (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) do not need a rabies titer test or import permit. No quarantine upon arrival.

AFCD Hong Kong

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, inactivated vaccine, administered after microchip)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure by an official government veterinarian

Rough budget

Cats from low-risk origins (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia) do not need a rabies titer test or import permit. No quarantine upon arrival.

AFCD Hong Kong

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

120 days

Mandatory 120-day quarantine at the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) quarantine facility. The cat must be isolated in a licensed facility; owner pays all costs (approx. HKD 100–200 per day). The cat must have a valid microchip and rabies vaccination before quarantine. The quarantine period may be reduced to 30 days if the cat arrives from a high-risk country with a valid FAVN test result showing ≥0.5 IU/mL and the cat has been in a rabies-free or low-risk country for at least 180 days prior to travel.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, inactivated vaccine, administered after microchip)
FAVN titer test certificate (≥0.5 IU/mL, from OIE-approved lab, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before arrival)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure by an official government veterinarian
Import permit (required for high-risk origins; apply to AFCD at least 30 days before arrival)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$0–50, quarantine costs ~HKD 100–200 per day for 120 days (approx. HKD 12,000–24,000 total). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

Cats from high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a FAVN titer test, an import permit, and a mandatory 120-day quarantine upon arrival. The quarantine can be reduced to 30 days if the cat has been in a rabies-free or low-risk country for at least 180 days prior to travel and has a valid FAVN test result.

AFCD Hong Kong

Frequently asked questions

Only if your cat is arriving from a high-risk rabies country. For cats from free or low-risk origins, no titer test is required. For high-risk origins, a FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL is mandatory, performed at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before arrival.

Zero days for cats from free or low-risk origins. For high-risk origins, the standard quarantine is 120 days at an AFCD facility. This can be reduced to 30 days if the cat has been in a rabies-free or low-risk country for at least 180 days prior to travel and has a valid FAVN test result.

Yes, but the limit is typically 5 cats per person for non-commercial import. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, which require a different permit and may involve additional fees and inspections. Check with AFCD for the exact limit.

No. Hong Kong does not recognize emotional support animals for cats. Service animals are only recognized for dogs (e.g., guide dogs). All cats, regardless of role, must follow the standard import requirements for their origin tier. No exemptions.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Hong Kong. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian in the origin country. If the certificate is older than 10 days on arrival, it will be rejected.

Only if your cat is arriving from a high-risk rabies country. For free or low-risk origins, no import permit is required. For high-risk origins, you must apply to AFCD at least 30 days before arrival and receive the permit before travel.

That depends on the airline's policy, not Hong Kong's import rules. Hong Kong does not ban cabin travel for cats, but the airline must allow it. The cat must meet all import requirements regardless of how it travels. Check with your airline for cabin pet policies.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Hong Kong.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate (AFCD form or equivalent)
Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-40. No import permit fee or titer test cost for this tier.

Ferrets from rabies-free countries (e.g. Australia, Japan, UK, EU) do not require quarantine. Health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country and issued within 10 days of travel.

AFCD Hong Kong

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate (AFCD form or equivalent)
Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-40. No import permit fee or titer test cost for this tier.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Singapore, South Korea) do not require quarantine. Health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country and issued within 10 days of travel.

AFCD Hong Kong

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

30 days

Mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Hong Kong Animal Management Centre (Ta Kwu Ling). Owner pays all quarantine fees (approx. HKD 100-150 per day). Quarantine must be booked in advance via AFCD.

Health certificate

Required

Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
Health certificate (AFCD form or equivalent)
Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Import permit (issued by AFCD)
Quarantine booking confirmation from AFCD

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-40, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$44, quarantine ~$100-150/day for 30 days. Total rough estimate: $3,500-$5,000.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, China, India, most of Africa and South America) require a FAVN titer test, an import permit, and 30-day quarantine. Quarantine space is limited — book at least 2 months in advance.

AFCD Hong Kong

Frequently asked questions

No. The USA is classified as low-risk for rabies. Ferrets from the USA do not need a FAVN test. Only ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, China, India) require a FAVN test with a result ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days before travel.

Hong Kong does not set a strict numeric cap for non-commercial pet ferrets, but the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) expects that the number is consistent with personal travel (typically 1-2 animals). If you bring more than 5 ferrets, AFCD may treat the shipment as commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with AFCD before travel if you plan to bring more than 2 ferrets.

No. Hong Kong does not recognise emotional support animals or service ferrets under its import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) FAVN test and quarantine requirements.

Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin on international flights to Hong Kong. Ferrets are typically accepted as checked baggage or cargo, depending on the airline. Cathay Pacific, for example, only accepts ferrets as cargo. Check with your airline at least 2 weeks before travel. Ferrets must be in an IATA-compliant carrier.

Ferrets from high-risk countries must undergo 30 days of quarantine at the Hong Kong Animal Management Centre in Ta Kwu Ling. The owner must book quarantine space in advance through AFCD (apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel). Quarantine fees are approximately HKD 100-150 per day (about USD 13-19). The ferret will be housed in a climate-controlled facility and checked by a veterinarian. No visitors are allowed during quarantine.

Yes. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian (e.g. USDA-accredited vet in the US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in the UK) and must be on the AFCD-approved form or an equivalent government-issued certificate. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in Hong Kong. It must confirm the ferret is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (if applicable), and free from infectious diseases.

No. Mainland China is classified as a high-risk rabies country. Ferrets from mainland China require a FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/mL), an import permit from AFCD, and 30 days of quarantine at the Ta Kwu Ling facility. Additionally, the ferret must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. The health certificate must be issued by an official Chinese government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip, and rabies vaccination must be current. The rabies antibody test must be performed at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival for pets from high-risk countries. Import permits are required and must be obtained before travel.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Hong Kong, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).