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to or from Hong Kong starts here

Get A Quote Moving to Hong Kong Moving from Hong Kong

We’re

Pets, not packages. Expect more.

We’re proud to be the highest rated and most trusted international pet shipping company in the United States.

50+ years of care

Trust the experts with experience (and all the 5-star reviews to prove it!).

Technology

Industry-leading Pet Travel Portal to make things simple & clear.

Pet Protection Plan

Peace of mind for things outside of your (or our) control.

Stay in touch

CareTags Travel Sense to provide updates throughout your pet’s move via email & text.

Partner with us for peace of mind.

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OUR PROMISE TO YOU

Starwood Pet Travel offers the highest standard of care-blending real-time tracking, expert and personalized guidance, and a global partner network no one else can match.

Unmatched Transparency

Our industry-exclusive technology gives you real-time, door-to-door tracking—so you’re never out of touch with your pet’s journey.

Global Network, Personally Vetted

We don’t just work with agents—we meet them. Every year, our team travels the world to personally vet and maintain the strongest partnerships in the industry.

Experience + Personal Care

It’s reassuring to have a highly experienced and caring personal travel coordinator who is guiding each step of your pet’s journey.

Every trip has a story

Read stories traveling to and from Hong Kong

JFK-GVA

May 06, 2025

Boston to Burgundy

Meet Hallee—an energetic Irish Doodle with the heart of an explorer and the loyalty of a lifelong best friend. A mix of Irish Setter and toy poodle, Hallee has always been full of energy and curiosity. As she nears her...

Meet Halle
ORD-LAX-MEL

March 17, 2025

From Chicago to Melbourne: Macey's Journey Home

After several years in the U.S., Macey—the sweet, slightly shy ball-chaser—has made her way back home to Australia. Her journey from Chicago to Melbourne was no small feat, spanning thousands of miles and involving a carefully coordinated trip with our...

Meet Macey
DEN-FRA-LHR

April 28, 2025

Orion's Big Move: From the Mountains to English Gardens

Orion, an affectionate and friendly young cat with a playful, cheeky streak, recently made the journey from the mountains of Colorado to his new home in England. Traveling comfortably aboard Lufthansa on a carefully planned route from Denver to Frankfurt,...

Meet Orion
JFK-LHR

April 02, 2025

Pippa moves to Cambridge, England

Pippa, a sweet white Labradoodle from Connecticut, recently made the transatlantic leap to her new home in England. Known for her gentle spirit and fluffy charm, Pippa can get a little anxious when she's apart from her family—often letting out...

Meet Pippa

Discover the heartfelt stories of pet owners traveling
to and from Hong Kong

Star Star Star Star Star

64 days ago

Just wanted to give a huge thanks to the Jet Pets team in New Zealand and Starwood Pet Travel in the US for getting our beloved Kona safely to the United States. From the initial discussions to the Vet visits...

Source: Google

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Star Star Star Star Star

122 days ago

Incredible experience using this service. Everything was truly 'hands free' as Starwood took care of all the heavy lifting. Each point of contact was detailed, communicative, and readily available for any and all questions. Our dog arrived to her final...

Source: Google

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Star Star Star Star Star

221 days ago

My partner and I hired Starwood to help with transporting our dog from Texas to the UK. We found it as affordable as transporting a pet can be (as it was thousands of dollars more to do ourselves and a...

Source: Google

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Star Star Star Star Star

57 days ago

Julie and team ❤️ We have Oscar now in Tucson. We just wanted to pass on our deepest gratitude to you and your teams. We were so worried and stressed about Oscar’s trip due to his age and medical history...

Source: Google

Learn More

Traveling to Hong Kong

2025 Hong Kong Pet Travel Guide

Moving to Hong Kong with your pet? Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most pet-conscious cities, but importing animals is tightly regulated. With a permit-based system and specific vaccination, microchip, and health certificate requirements, planning well in advance is key to a successful move.

Below is a general overview of what’s required when transporting pets to Hong Kong from the United States.

Group Classification

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

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.

Cats:

  • Rabies vaccination – Same timing as dogs.

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

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

Recommended Vaccinations

Cats: Feline Leukemia

Dogs: Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)

Rabies Titer Test

Not required for pets entering Hong Kong from the United States (Group II country), but all rabies vaccines must be inactivated and verifiably administered after the microchip was implanted.

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.

Pet Restrictions

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.

2025 Hong Kong Country Guide

Welcome to Hong Kong—a dynamic city that combines high-rise living with a surprising number of parks, trails, and pet-friendly cafés. While the city is densely populated, Hong Kong is also one of the most organized and pet-conscious urban centers in Asia. With a few adjustments, your pet can thrive in this vibrant, fast-paced environment.

Here’s what every new pet parent should know after arriving in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Country Guide

Moving from Hong Kong

We have a team of experts ready to help with every aspect of your pet’s move from Hong Kong. Our services from Hong Kong include:

  • Door to door pet transport, both international and domestic
  • Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport
  • USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
  • Airline approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
  • Customs clearance and delivery to your home
  • Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in your area
  • Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you throughout your pet's journey.

Incoming Pet? We're Ready for Touchdown!

Whether you’re flying your pet to the United States after a brief stay or a whole lifetime in another country, there are a number of hoops to jump through. Getting all of the details right can be confusing and time-consuming, and improper planning or documentation could delay your pet’s entry into the country. Let us handle all the details for you!

Usa Import Faq

What’s the process?

After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to assist you. They will take care of all the necessary arrangements for your pet's import, including collecting information and documents from you. On the day of arrival, they will keep you updated on the clearance process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

It's important to note that this quote covers import and customs clearance specifically for the United States. It is your responsibility to handle the export process from your country of origin. You have the option to work directly with an airline or engage a local pet shipper.

Additionally, if you are traveling from a high-risk rabies country to the United States, it is your responsibility to obtain the CDC import permit.

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