Explainer | Hong Kong may ease pet quarantine rules. How do they compare with rest of world?
- Conservation authorities finalising study on shortening 120-day quarantine period for certain imported pet dogs and cats, which is among longest in the world
The Post compares the quarantine policy in the city with the rules adopted in other places, and the need behind the possible relaxation.
1. How long is the quarantine in Hong Kong?
The quarantine period for pets in Hong Kong depends on the origin of the animals, with the department classifying the areas into three groups.
Pets from Group I countries and regions, which include Britain, Australia, Ireland and Hawaii, are not subject to quarantine after they are above two months old, vaccinated and chipped.
Group II countries and places include the continental United States, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore and Guam. Pets from these places will similarly have quarantine waived if they are vaccinated and chipped at the age of five months.
Places not specified in the first two groups belong to Group III, where exported pets must undergo a mandatory 120-day quarantine, during which their owners must pay HK$90 (US$11.5) per day for dogs and HK$46 per day for cats.
