Dreaming of taking your fur kid on a trip to Hong Kong? Here’s a step-by-step, easy-breezy guide to get your doggo ready for some international travel! From licenses and inspections to health certificates and vaccinations, here’s everything you need to know about making sure Your pup’s all set for Hong Kong.
🐾 Step 1: Export License in Singapore: Go to GoBusiness
First, hop on to the GoBusiness Licensing Portal to apply for an export license. It’s like your pet’s “passport stamp” out of Singapore!
Cost: S$50 for normal service or S$100 if you're in a hurry.
Validity: 30 days — so plan accordingly!
Top Tip: Start the process about a month before your trip to avoid any last-minute scrambles.
🐾 Step 2: Hong Kong-Format Veterinary Health Certificate
Hong Kong’s a bit particular about their paperwork! Grab their specific health certificate format, and take it to your vet. Your vet will endorse the document, confirming that your pup is happy and healthy. Then, submit the completed certificate, vaccination records, and any lab results to the AVA (Animal & Veterinary Service) for final endorsement.
Keep in Mind: This certificate is crucial, so double-check you’ve got it in the Hong Kong-required format.
🐾 Step 3: Schedule an Inspection with AVS
About 5 days before your departure, use the iFAST system to schedule an inspection at Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station. AVS will make sure your pooch is set to go!
Pro Tip: Dogs are family, and the folks at the inspection station know that. Just stay calm, and make sure your pup’s documents are ready!
Before Arrival in Hong Kong: Final Prep Steps
Apply for a Special Permit & Import Waiver
You’ll need a permit and an import waiver. Good news — they’re valid for six months, so you’re all set even if you’re extending your stay.
Cost: HK$432 for the first dog; HK$102 for each additional dog.
Gather These Documents:
Endorsed Health Certificate: Get it signed within 14 days of export, and make sure it includes your dog’s microchip info.
Residence Certificate: Prove your dog has lived in Singapore for at least 180 days.
Vaccinations: Rabies shot within 30 days to 1 year before export, plus the basics (canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus).
Airline Certificate: Confirm your dog will stay in their crate with no outside contact during the journey.
ISO-Compatible Microchip: Must be readable — bring your own reader if it’s a unique brand.
🚨 Important Travel Tips
Dogs must travel as cargo on a direct route.
Notify Hong Kong’s Duty Officer (24 hours before arrival):
Tel: (852) 21821001
Fax: (852) 27698600
Email: foii_airport@afcd.gov.hk
Restrictions: No pups under 5 months old, no doggos over 4 weeks pregnant, and some breeds aren’t allowed in HK. Non-compliance could mean quarantine or your pet being sent back (yikes!).
🐾 For the Way Back from Hong Kong to Singapore
When it’s time to return, here’s what you’ll need:
Microchip Documentation: Ensure it’s ISO-compliant.
Vaccination Records: Up-to-date rabies shot and any other required vaccinations for Singapore.
Health Certificate: Unlike the outgoing trip, the return health certificate needs to follow Singapore’s standard format. This means you’ll need to visit a licensed veterinarian in Hong Kong who can complete the Singapore-approved certificate format, ensuring all information aligns with Singapore’s import requirements.
Before going Back to Singapore
Apply for a Dog License (if you haven’t already) on the GoBusiness Licensing Portal.
Import License: Valid for 30 days, S$50 for normal service or S$100 for express.
Inspection Booking & Customs GST Payment: Schedule a dog inspection with iFAST and submit your GST payment.
Vaccinations & Microchip: Make sure the rabies serology test and general vaccines are updated.
Final Health Check: Within 7 days of export, get a government-endorsed health check from the country you’re coming from (Hong Kong, in this case).
Don’t forget to bring all original import documents to the inspection!
🌏 In a Nutshell: Smooth Sailing for You and Your Pup
It may seem like a lot, but once you break down the steps, it’s just like packing a suitcase — a bit of planning, some quick checks, and voilà! With these steps covered, your dog will be set for a memorable Hong Kong holiday. Just don’t forget their favorite toy and a treat or two! Safe travels, and may your adventures be filled with wagging tails and plenty of pawsitive vibes! 🐶✈️
Heads up!
Here is the link to our TikTok video on a simpler application process for those that prefer shorter text: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasianpawrent_sg/photo/7434212110294322449
And Link to our google drive for the documents: Pet Travel Document
Reference:
Preparing to bring dogs and cats into Singapore. (n.d.). https://www.nparks.gov.sg/avs/pets/bringing-animals-into-singapore-and-exporting/bringing-in-and-transshipping-dogs-and-cats/preparing-to-bring-dogs-and-cats-into-singapore
Licence to Import/Export/Transship for Non-Food Producing Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics. (n.d.). https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/browse-all-licences/animal-&-veterinary-service-(avs)/licence-to-import-export-transship-for-non-food-producing-animals--birds--eggs-and-biologics
Import of Dogs and Cats from Group II countries/places. (n.d.). https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_ipab/qua_ie_ipab_idc/qua_ie_ipab_idc_Group_II.html
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