Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial capitals and a major business and cultural hub. As you might imagine, it is a popular destination for many of our clients and we handle both imports and exports. Traveling your pets to Hong Kong is one of our specialties.

While the rules are not onerous, the authorities are quite strict and if anything is missing from the paperwork, they will detain your pet. This, as well as the ability to speed through custom’s clearance, is a great reason to use our services! An overview of the process is as follows:

Ensure Your Dog is Microchipped
Each pet will need to be microchipped. This microchip must contain either 9 or 15 numbers, and for ease, should be able to be read by a universal scanner (one that is encrypted). If the chip cannot be read by these scanners, you’ll be required to bring your own.

Captain’s Affidavit
All dogs need a signed statement from the airline used stating they have not left their crate whilst traveling or been in contact with any other animals. For those who transit through another country, it must also state that they have not left the cargo area of the airport.

Dogs must enter through Hong Kong International Airport if coming in by air. Ensure that the flight is as direct as possible and that it doesn’t transit through any high rabies countries. Transit permits might be needed if your dog changes aircraft or is in transit for more than 6 hours. An import permit is needed if you’re bringing your dog in from mainland China.

In addition, the duty officer of the import and export section at the airport must be notified a minimum of 24 hours prior to your dog arrives.

Has Rabies Vaccination
All pets must be vaccinated between 30 days and a year as of the date of arrival. Vaccinations vary depending on which country you’re coming from. All dogs must have the following vaccinations:

• Canine distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus

International Health Certificate
(APHIS Form 7001)– This is the standard Health Certificate. We will assist your vet in filling out this form. It must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

Hong Kong Health Certificate
(Form VC9R) – This is a form unique to Hong Kong. We prepare this form for you and your vet in PDF format so everything is correct. Your vet will just need to review and sign. This form will need to be sent to the USDA for endorsement.

Import Permit
You cannot bring any animal into Hong Kong without an official import permit, which can be acquired from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong. One is needed per dog and is valid for 6 months. An import permit is required in order for your pet to enter the country. Your Personal Move Counselor will get this for you.

Depending on where your pet originates, additional paperwork may be required before you leave for Hong Kong, however, we can take care of that with no difficulties.

As long as everything is done correctly, there is no quarantine when entering Hong Kong from the United States and your pets should be able to hop off the plane and go with you for some Peking Duck!