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Pet Travel from the UK to Hong Kong: Dog & Cat Import Requirements

Exporting a dog or cat from the UK to Hong Kong requires a pre-approved Special Permit, endorsed vaccination documentation, owner declarations, and an official Export Health Certificate.

 

As Hong Kong is classified as a Group I destination for UK pets, quarantine may be waived provided all import conditions are strictly met.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Hong Kong

Step 1 - Check your pet is eligible to travel

Hong Kong only permits the import of dogs and cats, and a Special Import Permit is required in advance for all animals. Pets must be at least 60 days old, and female animals must not be more than 4 weeks pregnant at the time of travel.

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The United Kingdom is a Group I country, meaning pets can enter Hong Kong without post-arrival quarantine when all requirements are met. Dogs may be refused entry if they are purebred or if they are a crossbreed containing any of the breeds listed below:

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  • Pit Bull-type dogs

  • Japanese Tosa

  • Dogo Argentino

  • Fila Brasileiro

  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers are permitted, but may require a statutory declaration confirming breed, if requested by AFCD.

 

Bengal cats (and their crossbreeds) may only be imported if documentation confirms they are 5th generation or above of domestic ancestry. These permit terms do not apply to Savannah cats. If there is any uncertainty regarding eligibility or breed classification, confirmation should be obtained from the Hong Kong authorities before proceeding.

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Step 2 - Hong Kong Import Permit (Required Before Travel)

To bring a dog or cat into Hong Kong, you must have a valid Hong Kong import permit issued by the Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

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  • The import permit should be arranged in advance of your export appointment, as it forms part of the entry requirements for Hong Kong.

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  • The permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance (takes roughly 5 working days to be issued).

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  • We strongly recommend checking that the details on your permit (including owner details, pet details, and travel dates) match the supporting documents you will be using for export.

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If you are unsure where to apply, the permit is obtained through the AFCD’s online services portal.

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Step 3 - Arrange Your Pet’s Transport (After Permit Approval)

Once your Special Import Permit has been approved, you can begin arranging your pet’s transport to Hong Kong.

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  • Pets must travel by the fastest and most direct route from the exporting country to Hong Kong

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  • Animals must be transported as manifested cargo

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  • Travel as excess baggage or hand-carried baggage is not permitted

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  • If the journey includes a stopover in a Group II, Group IIIA or Group IIIB country, prior approval must be obtained from the Hong Kong authorities

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Transport arrangements should only be finalised once the import permit has been formally authorised to avoid delays or non-compliance.

Step 4 — Request the Export Health Certificate (EHC 3472)

Before we can certify your dog/cat for travel to Hong Kong, the official Export Health Certificate (EHC 3472) must be requested from DEFRA.

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To start this process:

  • You confirm us as your chosen Official Veterinarian

  • Once you have chosen your Official Veterinarian, you must request the correct Export Health Certificate from DEFRA — for Hong Kong this is EHC 3472 (Export of cats and dogs to Hong Kong).

  • The EHC is then issued through DEFRA to us for completion and signing

 

We guide you through this request step to make sure the correct certificate is issued and linked to your export — please do not apply for a certificate without confirming the details with us first.

Step 5 - Vaccines & Microchip

Dogs and cats must be identified with a working, ISO-compliant microchip and be up to date with their routine vaccinations.

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Routine vaccines must have been administered no less than 14 days and no more than 12 months before travel.

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  • Dogs: Canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus

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  • Cats: Feline panleucopaenia and feline respiratory disease complex (cat flu)​

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Step 6 - Export Health Certificate issued

Once all requirements are met and documents are verified, we perform the final clinical examination and issue the official Export Health Certificate required for travel to Hong Kong. 

 

This certificate must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian no more than 14 days before export.

Step 7 - Notify Hong Kong Authorities of Arrival

Before your pet arrives in Hong Kong, the importer (or their agent) must notify the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the expected arrival time.

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  • Notification must be provided at least 24 hours in advance of arrival.

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  • This must be done during office hours

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This step is mandatory and helps ensure appropriate inspection arrangements are in place on arrival.

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Step 8 - Airline Certification Requirement 

For entry into Hong Kong, a separate transport declaration must be completed confirming that your pet travelled for the entire journey inside its crate, had no contact with other animals, and — if transiting through another country — remained within the airport’s secure cargo transit area.

 

This form is typically completed by the airline or transport agent. If these conditions are not met or cannot be certified, Hong Kong authorities may refuse entry or place your pet into quarantine.

Step 9 – Rabies Vaccination & Dog Licence on Arrival (Dogs Only)

For dogs aged 5 months or older on arrival in Hong Kong, a rabies vaccination is required on arrival in order to obtain a Hong Kong Dog Licence (as required under local rabies regulations).

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The rabies vaccination and licensing fee is HK$80.

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