AFCD announces new quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from Mainland

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     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (May 13) that new quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland will be implemented. With effect from June 3, the Mainland will be included in Group IIIA. Cats and dogs imported from the Mainland that meet the relevant quarantine requirements and are accompanied by an animal health certificate issued by Mainland official veterinarians will have their quarantine period significantly reduced from the current 120 days to 30 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. The new arrangements will facilitate animal owners in bringing their pet cats and dogs from the Mainland to Hong Kong.

     Applicants who import cats and dogs from the Mainland must ensure that the animals comply with the requirements of Group IIIA and submit the necessary proof to the AFCD. These include having the animals implanted with a conforming microchip, holding a valid vaccination certificate for rabies and designated infectious diseases, obtaining satisfactory results from rabies antibody titer testing conducted at a laboratory approved by the AFCD on a blood sample taken not less than 90 days and not more than one year before departure, and possessing an animal health certificate issued by Mainland official veterinarians.

     An AFCD spokesman said that to ensure strict implementation of the relevant quarantine regulations, the AFCD has agreed with the Mainland authorities that official veterinarians of Shenzhen Customs will issue the animal health certificates in the first phase of implementation. Detailed requirements for issuing health certificates by the Mainland can be obtained from Shenzhen Customs. Details of the quarantine arrangements and the application procedures for importing cats and dogs from the Mainland, including the method of reserving quarantine facilities and information on recognised laboratories on the Mainland, are available on the AFCD website.

     The AFCD will continue to closely refer to the latest information on animal diseases announced by the World Organisation for Animal Health, and optimise the quarantine requirements of imported dogs and cats in a timely manner based on operational experience, risk assessment and other factors.

Ends/Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:06

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