Pet Holidays from Hong Kong: A Guide for Pet Owners

Can You Travel With Your Pet From Hong Kong?

Yes! Pet-friendly holidays from Hong Kong are possible if you’re traveling to Group 1 or Group 2 countries under the regulations of the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD).

Top Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations for Hong Kong Pet Owners

The most popular destinations for Hong Kong pet owners include:
✅ Japan – Pet-friendly cafes, outdoor parks, and pet spas
✅ South Korea – Stylish pet hotels, dog-friendly cafes, and nature trails
✅ Taiwan – Scenic dog-friendly hikes and coastal getaways
✅ United Kingdom – Countryside stays, dog-friendly pubs, and beaches
✅ Switzerland – Mountain trails, lakeside retreats, and pet-friendly cities
✅ USA & Canada – Vast outdoor parks, pet-friendly hotels, and road trips

Below is a complete list of Group 1 and Group 2 countries where pets can travel:

Group 1 Countries (Simpler entry requirements)

Australia | Fiji | Hawaii | Ireland | Japan | New Zealand | United Kingdom | Bailiwick of Jersey

Group 2 Countries (Requires a waiver for early return to Hong Kong)

Austria | Bahamas | Bahrain | Belgium | Bermuda | Brunei | Canada | Cayman Islands | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Finland | France | Germany | Gibraltar | Guam | Iceland | Italy | Jamaica | Luxembourg | Maldives | Malta | Mauritius | New Caledonia | The Netherlands | Norway | Papua New Guinea | Portugal | Seychelles | Singapore | South Korea | Solomon Islands | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |   Taiwan

Pet Travel to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan

These three destinations are the most popular for pet-friendly getaways due to their short flights from Hong Kong and well-developed pet-friendly infrastructure. They are also all in Group 1 or 2 that means that there is no quarantine on re-entering Hong Kong.

 Japan: Pet-Friendly Holiday Ideas

Japan is a dream destination for pet owners, with everything from pet-friendly theme parks to luxurious pet resorts.

• Dog-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants – Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have numerous pet-friendly cafes, with many offering gourmet pet menus.
• Outdoor Adventures – Mount Fuji’s surrounding areas and Nara Park allow leashed pets to explore beautiful landscapes.
• Pet Hotels & Onsens – Japan has high-end pet resorts, including dog-friendly onsens (hot springs).
• Public Transport for Pets – Small pets can ride the bullet train (Shinkansen) in carriers, making domestic travel easy.

🛬 Flight Notes: Pets can fly as excess baggage with their owner, but must return to Hong Kong as cargo.

 South Korea: Pet-Friendly Holiday Ideas

South Korea is extremely pet-friendly, especially in Seoul and Busan.

• Luxury Pet Hotels – South Korea has top-tier pet hotels with spa treatments and indoor playgrounds.
• Pet-Friendly Cafes & Stores – Seoul’s Itaewon and Gangnam districts have trendy pet cafes and shopping streets catering to pet owners.
• Nature Walks & Pet Parks – Namsan Park in Seoul and Haeundae Beach in Busan welcome pets.
• Pet Theme Parks – There are dog-friendly amusement parks like Pet World in Gyeonggi Province.

🛬 Flight Notes: South Korea allows pets as excess baggage, making it a budget-friendly option.

 Taiwan: Pet-Friendly Holiday Ideas

Taiwan is one of the easiest places to visit with a pet from Hong Kong, thanks to relaxed pet travel rules and plenty of pet-friendly spots.

• Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails – Yangmingshan National Park and Elephant Mountain are popular with pet owners.
• Seaside Getaways – Kenting National Park and Sun Moon Lake allow pets in many areas.
• Pet-Friendly Hotels – Taipei has boutique pet hotels and Airbnbs that welcome pets.
• Cultural Spots – Some night markets and temples allow leashed pets.

🛬 Flight Notes: Taiwan is one of the most affordable destinations for pet travel due to its short flight time.

Important Pet Travel Regulations

• Returning to Hong Kong: All pets must return as cargo (unless using a private jet service). This is the most expensive part of the trip, especially for larger dogs.
• Group 2 Waivers: If traveling to a Group 2 country (like Korea, Taiwan, or Japan), your pet must stay abroad for 180 days before returning unless you arrange a rabies blood test and waiver through the AFCD.
• Pet Passport & Microchip: Most destinations require pets to have an ISO-compliant microchip and up-to-date vaccination records.

How Much Does It Cost to Take a Pet on Holiday?

The biggest expense for pet holidays is usually cargo costs for the return flight to Hong Kong. For small pets, excess baggage options are affordable when departing, but returning as cargo can be expensive for larger dogs.

💡 Budget Tip:

• Consider longer trips to spread out travel costs (e.g., summer or winter holidays).
• Some airlines have pet travel discounts for frequent pet travelers.

Is a Pet Holiday Right for You?

If you’re thinking about a short pet-friendly getaway, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan are great options. If you want a longer stay, destinations like Europe, the UK, or North America offer more flexibility for extended holidays or temporary relocations.

Need Help Arranging Your Pet’s Holiday?

At Ferndale Pet Travel, we specialize in pet relocation and travel services from Hong Kong and Singapore. Contact us today for flight arrangements, pet travel documentation, and advice on pet-friendly destinations!

📩 Get in Touch – [email protected]