Hong Kong has complex pet import regulations to protect the local flora and fauna from exotic and introduced diseases. Hong Kong is also a rabies-free country, and pets that enter the country have to be healthy and vaccinated. Only pets that meet all pet import regulations can travel to Hong Kong.

If you are planning to transport your pet dog or cat to Hong Kong, make sure you follow the right schedule of vaccinations as mandated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in Hong Kong. Read on for all you need to know about the vaccination schedule for pet dogs and cats flying to Hong Kong.

Identify country category

Pet import regulations in Hong Kong vary for different origin countries depending on the rabies category. Hong Kong recognises three country categories based on the rabies status of the country. Before you begin your travel plans, identify your country’s category and follow the pet import regulations for that category.

• Group I countries: These are countries which have no incidence of rabies. Group I countries are Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
• Group II countries: These are countries with less incidence of rabies or where rabies is controlled. Group II countries are Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Guam, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Norway, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Taiwan, USA (Continental), Vanuatu and Virgin Islands.
• Group III countries: Countries not grouped under Group I or II belong to Group III.

Vaccination schedule for pets from Group I countries

All pets flying to Hong Kong must be vaccinated before leaving their home country. The date of vaccination must be not less than 14 days and not more than one year before arriving in Hong Kong.

Pet dogs flying to Hong Kong from a Group I country have to be vaccinated against the following:

• Canine distemper
• Infectious canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus

Pet cats travelling to Hong Kong need the following vaccinations:

• Feline panleucopaenia (infectious enteritis)
• Feline respiratory disease complex (cat flu)

Unvaccinated kittens and puppies from Group I countries can travel to Hong Kong provided they are at least 60 days old.

Before moving to Hong Kong with your pet, make sure all the vaccinations are in order and are valid until the date of arrival in Hong Kong. If the immunisations are not current, speak to your vet about giving a booster dose before travelling.

Vaccination schedule for pets flying to Hong Kong from Group II countries

Pet dogs and cats moving to Hong Kong from category II countries have to be vaccinated for rabies as well as the general vaccinations. The rabies vaccination must be administered not less than 30 days and not more than one year before arriving in Hong Kong. Other mandatory vaccinations have to be given not less than 14 days and not more than one year before travelling to Hong Kong.

Pet dogs need to be vaccinated for:

• Rabies
• Canine distemper
• Infectious canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus

Pet cats should be vaccinated for:

• Rabies
• Feline panleucopaenia (infectious enteritis)
• Feline respiratory disease complex (cat flu)

Puppies and kittens from Group II countries have to be at least five months old and fully vaccinated with the vaccinations mentioned above before travelling to Hong Kong.

Remember to check the date of vaccination before travelling to Hong Kong. All the vaccinations must be current at the time of arrival in the country and recorded in a vet’s certificate. A booster dose can be arranged from your vet if your pet dog or cat’s vaccination is not valid.

Vaccination schedule for pets flying from Group III countries

Pets travelling from Group III countries have to follow a more complex vaccination schedule because of the rabies status of these countries. All pet dogs and cats must be fully vaccinated before entering the country to protect local animals from diseases.

Full vaccination as defined by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in Hong Kong is pets that have received the primary and the booster doses of all mandatory vaccines. Pet dogs and cats must have built up sufficient antibodies before travelling to Hong Kong.

Primary vaccination schedule:

• First vaccination: To be given to the pet at age eight weeks or above.
• Second vaccination: To be administered at least two to four weeks after the first vaccination. The pet dog or cat must be more than ten weeks old at the time of the second vaccination. If the second vaccination is not completed as per schedule in two to four weeks after the first vaccination, the primary vaccination must be repeated.

Booster vaccination schedule

The booster vaccination must be completed within 18 months of the primary vaccination or as recommended by the vet. If the duration of the booster vaccination is more than 18 months, the primary vaccination must be repeated before travelling to Hong Kong.

Vaccination schedule for pets flying in from a Group III country

All pet dogs must receive primary and booster vaccinations for:

• Rabies
• Canine distemper
• Infectious canine hepatitis
• Canine parvovirus

Pet cats need the following vaccinations:

• Rabies
• Feline panleucopaenia (infectious enteritis)
• Feline respiratory disease complex (cat flu)

These vaccinations must be administered not less than 14 days and not more than one year before moving into Hong Kong.

Puppies and kittens from Group III countries cannot enter Hong Kong if they are less than five months old. Make sure your puppy or kitten is fully vaccinated with the primary and booster shots before travelling to Hong Kong.

Moving to Hong Kong?

Remember to keep a careful record of all vaccination details, including the date and name of the vaccine. A copy of vaccination records must be submitted to book quarantine space as well as to apply for the import permit.

Travelling to Hong Kong with your pet dog or cat is complex and an accredited pet relocation company can guide you through the process successfully, and make sure the move is easy and stress-free. If you are planning to move to Hong Kong with your pet pal, get in touch with the team at Petraveller for a comprehensive pet relocation plan.