Cat & Dog Quarantine Procedures for Hong Kong
Moving abroad with your beloved pet isn’t as troublesome as you may think. Many changes have been made over the last few years to make the process a lot smoother than in the past. However, like pet quarantine regulations in Australia, you can’t get away without quarantine in Hong Kong if coming from a Group 3 country. Most pet parents tend to be very concerned about quarantine procedures. They wonder; is it necessary? Is it terrible? How can it be done safely? So to hopefully put your mind at ease, we have put together this guide for everything that you need to know about the pet quarantine procedure in Hong Kong.
What to know prior to arriving in Hong Kong with your pet
Quarantine for pets in Hong Kong is normally for 4 months You are required to obtain a special import permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in advance. This document usually takes five working days to process. Here are other procedures that need to be done prior to entering Hong Kong with your pet.
Pet Microchip
Your pet needs to be microchipped with either a 9 or 15 digit microchip. A 9 digit AVID microchip will be implanted on arrival if the 9 digit chip is not in place, as it’s the AVID type that is used in Hong Kong.
Vaccinations
Pets are grouped into coming from a group bone, group two or group three country, they have different entry rules for each group, and requirements prior to entry into the country.
Vet visits and Pet passports
You should always take your pet to the vet prior to travelling abroad. The vet will check that all vaccinations are up to date and may be able to help you with documentation and procedures for moving abroad with your pet. Also, pet passports are provided by the vet. You will need to visit a vet that is LVI (local veterinary inspector) authorised – they can issue a pet passport in some countries as long as vaccination records are up to date.
Quarantine procedures upon arrival
Upon arrival at the final destination, your pet will be assessed to see if needs quarantine.
If it is needed, your pet will be placed in its designated accommodation almost immediately. You must ensure that you provide contact details and an address in case the quarantine centre needs to contact you concerning any issues with your pet.
The quarantine centre undertakes general cleaning of the room, security, and feeding of your pet. However, they don’t provide exercise, grooming or veterinary care. Therefore you will need to make your own arrangements if you require any of these services.
Visiting your pet
Should you wish to visit your furry friend during the quarantine period, you are permitted to do so. However, you will need to register your name with “Animal Owner Declaration” in advance. Visiting hours at the Hong Kong quarantine facility are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily including public holidays.
Accommodation
The Hong Kong quarantine facility has different sections for cats and dogs, as described below:
- Cattery: Cat rooms are air-conditioned and cleaned daily. A basic room has a size not less than 1.35m² of 1.5m long, 0.9m wide and 2m high. The type and size of room will depend on availability at the time.
- Kennels: Dog kennels are available in different sizes and all are well ventilated. They are also cleaned on a daily basis. A basic room has a size of at least 4m² of 3.15m long and 1.27m wide. There are two separate exercise areas and a small exercise yard of approximately 400m² – owners may exercise and play with their dogs here.
Feeding
Pets will be fed commercial dry food that is provided by the quarantine centre. You, as the pet owner, will need to make arrangements for any alterations to this diet.
Fees
Quarantine facility fees can either be paid in advance or in intervals of one month. If the quarantine duration is less than a month, fees can be paid when the animal leaves the centre. Dog quarantine costs HK$90 per day and cat quarantine has a cost of HK$46 per day.
Location
There are two main quarantine facilities in Hong Kong; Hong Kong Animal Management Centre and Kowloon Animal Management Centre. The former is located in Victoria Road, Pokfulam and the latter in Sung Wong Toi Road, Tokwawan, Kowloon.
If you are coming from a group 3 country and Quarantine is required, Ferndale Kennels can organize it for you. Please contact us with any questions
We can help with pets coming into Hong Kong.
Click Here For Travel Costs Quote
