Import of Dogs and Cats

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WHAT’S NEW

AFCD has recently reviewed the importation requirements for dogs/cats entering Hong Kong from certain countries/places. With effect from 1 December 2024, the grouping of country/place of origin will be revised. Groups I and II remain unchanged while the previous Group III is renamed as Group IIIB. New permit terms and quarantine requirements will be adopted for the newly created Group IIIA. All existing permits issued for import or transit of dogs/cats from the previous Group III countries/places remain valid until expiry. Please click the links below for further information.

SPECIAL PERMIT

Dogs and cats should not be brought into Hong Kong (either import or transshipment/transit) unless a Special Permit to do so is obtained in advance from this Department.

THE RELEVANT ORDINANCE

Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance Cap. 139 of the laws of Hong Kong, and the Rabies Ordinance Cap. 421 of the laws of Hong Kong are enforced by this Department through regulating the import of animals and birds for preventing the introduction of animal diseases including rabies into Hong Kong.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

i. For Transshipment of Dogs / Cats via Hong Kong

Please click here for the Arrangement for Transshipment of Dogs / Cats via Hong Kong

ii. For Importation of Dogs / Cats into Hong Kong

Please check the source countries / places of the dog(s) / cat(s), and click the corresponding Application Procedure links in the table under the categories of Group I, Group II, Group IIIA or Group IIIB for the details of importation requirements and application procedures.

There is a possibility that the rabies status or other factors may change in these countries / places. The below list is subject to ongoing review.

iii. Residence Certification Waiver Scheme

Please click here for the Arragement of Residence Certification Waiver Scheme

NOTES FOR DOGS AND CATS IMPORT / TRANSSHIPMENT

i. Prohibited Dog Breed

Fighting dogs listed in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, Cap. 167, sub Leg. D, of the type known as the Pit Bull Terrier (also known as the American Staffordshire Terrier), the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero and any dog of their crossbreeds are prohibited to be imported / transhipped. In the case of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a statutory declaration must be submitted with the application. For the enquiry about whether certain breed of dog can be imported into HK, the enquirer is recommended to seek advice from AFCD directly.

ii. Special Cat Breed

Bengal cats must not be imported / transhipped unless documentation certifying that the cat is of 5th or above 5th generation. Please contact us to find out what documents you are required to submit during application. For the enquiry about whether certain breed of cat can be imported into HK, the enquirer is recommended to seek advice from AFCD directly.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPORTATION OF DISABILITY ASSISTANCE DOG (DAD)

A Disability Assistance Dog (DAD) is defined as a dog that has been trained to help people with physical disabilities to gain more personal independence. DADs are non-aggressive, highly obedient and hard-working. Their health conditions are regularly and closely monitored by veterinary surgeons and they would have a good history of vaccination against the major infectious diseases. Emotional support dogs are currently not considered as DADs. 

This Department has introduced a policy for the importation of DADs. This policy exempts DADs from quarantine at the Animal Management Centre of this Department and the requirement of 6-month residency in the exporting country/place on the basis of one blood test for Rabies antibody, which should be performed at least 6 months prior to entry to Hong Kong. Such policy is applicable to DADs imported from all countries/places.

To apply for the Special Permit, the applicant should submit to this Department the permit fee and all of the following documents:

1. Completed Special Permit (For Importation/Transit/Transshipment of Animals and Birds) Application Form – Form No. AF240 (415KB)   and the Declaration and Authorization Form- Form No.UN110  (Sample Document). 
2. Completed Importation of Disability Assistance Dogs into Hong Kong Disabled Person's Declaration – Form No. PC102 (149KB)  
3. DAD Certification – issued by the member organisation of Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation
4. Rabies Antibody Test Report
5. Completed Supplementary Certificate – No. PC103 or PC 104   (Sample Document)
6. Vaccination Record(s)

The overseas certification requirements for importation of DADs are stipulated in the permit terms Attachment No.: DC-13v01 .

To facilitate correct certification it is strongly recommended to use our form (No. VC-dad )(Sample Document) for preparing the Animal Health Certificate. For detailed information on the Rabies antibody test, please refer to the notes for rabies antibody test (No. G113) (Sample Document).

Approval must be obtained in advance from this Department before travelling the DADs in-cabin. Please contact us for granting the approval before the shipment.

Please contact this Department for details.

ENQUIRY

Tel: (852) - 1823
Email : icsenquiry@afcd.gov.hk