AFCD Animal Management Centre
About This Facility
Hong Kong requires all cats entering the territory to arrive as manifest cargo with a pre-approved special import permit issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). No airline is permitted to carry pets in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights to/from Hong Kong.
The import process requires ISO microchipping, valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate issued within 14 days of travel, and in some cases a mandatory quarantine period of up to 4 months depending on the country of origin. Hong Kong categorizes source countries by rabies status, with rabies-free countries enjoying a simplified process.
Physical Arrival Directions
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Animal Management Centre is located adjacent to the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal at HKIA. Pets arriving in Hong Kong must be collected from the cargo area after clearing AFCD inspection.
Take a taxi from the passenger terminal to the cargo area and specify 'AFCD Animal Management Centre. ' You will need your special import permit (issued by AFCD before travel), the Air Waybill, and photo ID.
All pets must enter Hong Kong as manifest cargo — no cabin or checked baggage pets are accepted by any airline on flights to Hong Kong.
Practical Tips & What to Expect
Apply for your AFCD special import permit well in advance — the process can take 2–4 weeks. Cats from Group 1 countries (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc.
) may be exempt from quarantine, while cats from Group 2 and 3 countries face quarantine of up to 4 months in an AFCD-approved facility. The quarantine facility is at the AFCD Pokfulam Animal Management Centre.
Given these strict requirements, many pet owners use professional relocation agents who are experienced with Hong Kong's import procedures. The AFCD inspection at the airport typically takes 2–4 hours during business hours.
Professional Pet Transport
Need door-to-door pet transport through Hong Kong International?
Starwood Animal Transport handle permits, health certs, airline bookings & collection logistics.