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 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 or Group III 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.

ii. For Transshipment of Dogs / Cats via Hong Kong

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

iii. Notes for DOGS import / transshipment  - 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.

iv. Notes for CATS import / transshipment  - 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 Disability Assistance Dog (DAD) and Search and Rescue Dog (SAR Dog)

Importation of Disability Assistance Dogs (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.

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 Application Form – Form No. AF240 (PDF Format)
2. Completed Declaration Form – Form No. PC102 (PDF Format)
3. DAD Certification – issued by the organization recognized by the official body to certify that the animal is a qualified DAD
4. Rabies Antibody Test Report
5. Completed Supplementary Certificate – Form No. PC103 or PC 104 (PDF Format)
6. Vaccination Record(s)

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

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

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.

Importation/Transshipment of Search and Rescue Dogs

Rescue dogs assist in locating victims of disasters. Prompt delivery of rescue dogs to the scene of a disaster improves the chance of success. AFCD has simplified the procedures for importation/transshipment of rescue dogs, which are closely monitored by qualified veterinarians.

When rescue dogs are employed in a rescue mission in Hong Kong, a Special Permit is required for importation and it is free of charge. No quarantine is required provided that the qualification of the rescue dogs is certified by a competent authority and the dogs are accompanied by health certificates including current vaccination against rabies and major infectious canine diseases.

A Special Permit is not required if rescue dogs remain in the same aircraft or vessel during the whole transshipment period in Hong Kong. However, a Special Permit is required if rescue dogs are transshipped from one aircraft or vessel to another in Hong Kong and the Special Permit fee will be waived. If rescue dogs need to stay in Hong Kong for more than 24 hours during the transshipment, they have to stay in AFCD’s Airport Animal Hostel. The accommodation fee, however, will be waived.

Please contact this Department for details.

Enquiry:

Tel: (852) - 1823
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