Group Classification for Hong Kong

Hong Kong uses a three-group classification system for pet import. The United States is considered a Group II country, meaning:

• There’s no mandatory quarantine if all health and documentation requirements are met.

• Pets must arrive with an approved import permit, valid health records, and a properly completed health certificate.

Microchip Requirements for Hong Kong

Pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted prior to rabies vaccination, and the number must appear on all vaccination and health documents.

Vaccinations

Dogs:

• Rabies vaccination – Given at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travel (unless a 3-year vaccine is accepted and documented).

• DHPP/DHLPP – Core vaccines (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis) must be current and administered within the last 12 months.

• Other recommended vaccines: Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)

Cats:

• Rabies vaccination – Same timing as dogs.

• FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia, administered within the past year.

• Feline Leukemia - This is recommended but not mandatory

👉 All vaccine records must include the microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, and veterinarian details.

Import Permit

An import permit is required for cats and dogs entering Hong Kong. 

The permit must be applied prior to departure and can take 5+ working days to be processed & issued. 

The permit is valid for 6 months upon issue and a copy of the import permit must travel with your pet into Hong Kong.

*If you are working with Starwood to transport your pet, we will take care of this on your behalf.

Health Certificate

A clinical exam and Hong Kong Health Certificate must be completed and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 10-14 days prior to travel and must be endorsed by the USDA.  You cannot use the standard USDA APHIS 7001 Form. You must use the Hong Kong-specific health certificate available on the USDA-APHIS website. 

The ORIGINAL endorsed health certificate MUST travel with your pet into Hong Kong.

If you hire Starwood to assist with your pet's relocation, we can take care of the final exam, paperwork, and USDA endorsement on your behalf.

Age Restrictions

Dogs and cats must be at least 5 months old to enter Hong Kong.

Pets more than 4 weeks pregnant may NOT enter Hong Kong.

Banned Breeds 

Fighting dogs listed in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation can NOT be imported to Hong Kong.

These breeds include:

• Pit Bull Terrier (also known as the American Staffordshire Terrier)

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Braziliero

• Any dog of the crossbreeds above

If you have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, your dog will require a statutory declaration attesting to the breed of the dog.

Bengal cats and their crossbreeds are NOT to be imported to Hong Kong unless they have documentation certifying they are of 5th or above 5th generations of domestic ancestry.

Savannah cats have their own special permit terms.

Arrival in Hong Kong 

Cats and dogs must travel to Hong Kong via manifest cargo. They can NOT arrive as excess baggage or in-cabin.

How Starwood can help

International pet relocation from Hong Kong involves strict documentation timelines and airline coordination. Our team simplifies the process by handling every aspect of your pet’s journey.

Our services from Hong Kong include:

• Door-to-door international pet relocation
• Travel consultation and flight booking
• Airline-approved travel kennels with identification labeling
• Veterinary documentation guidance and preparation
• MAFF export coordination
• Customs clearance assistance
• Airport handling and delivery coordination
• Real-time updates throughout your pet’s journey

Whether your pet is relocating to the United States, Europe, Australia, or another destination, Starwood Pet Travel ensures the process is smooth, compliant, and safe from departure to arrival.