With Hong Kong's ongoing emigration wave, many people want to bring their beloved pets to a new home. Pet relocation is a complex process that needs careful planning and preparation. Whether you are emigrating or simply travelling with your fur kid, it is important to understand the requirements and steps involved. This article is your 2026 pet relocation guide, covering the latest fees, requirements, process and country-specific rules so you can grasp the essentials in one place.
2026 Pet Relocation Fees
| Pet Relocation Item | Cost Reference (HKD) |
|---|---|
| ISO Microchip Implantation | From $500 |
| Rabies Vaccination | From $380 |
| Adjuvant-free Rabies Vaccine (Nisseiken) | From $1,200 |
| Rabies Antibody Titre Test | From $3,500 |
| Internal Parasite / Tapeworm Treatment (Drontal) | From $150 |
| External Parasite Treatment (Frontline Plus) | From $300 |
| International Health Certificate | From $1,000–3,500 |
| Pet in Cabin | From $2,000 |
| Pet in Hold | From $4,000 |
| Pet Crate* | $500–$4,500 |
| Clearance* | From $3,000 |
| Service fees: one price covers everything View our full pet relocation services | Fees depend on destination Book a free consultation |
Pet Crate*: quotes do not apply to extra-large breeds, e.g. Dobermanns need a custom-made crate.
Clearance*: depends on the number of pets, airline, clearance agent and whether the pet travels as cargo.
What is pet relocation?
Pet relocation (pet immigration) is the process of bringing your pet from one country to another, including exit and entry formalities. When people move or travel to another country, they may want to bring their pet along. To ensure animal safety and prevent the spread of disease, each country has laws and regulations that restrict and inspect pets entering its territory.
What are the requirements for pet relocation?
Each destination country/region has its own entry requirements for pets. Before you fly, take a look at the pet relocation process, steps and costs for the overall picture, then check the requirements below one by one:
1. Microchipping is mandatory
Pets have no ID card or fingerprints, so a microchip and pet registration certificate are used to identify them and give them legal identity. The chip identifies your pet and records the owner's details; if your pet ever gets lost, the chip can help reunite you faster. In Hong Kong, ISO microchip implantation generally costs from $500.
2. Vaccinations and a health certificate are required
Before relocating your pet, make sure they have received all necessary vaccinations and hold a health certificate. Vaccine and health certificate requirements can vary by country, so confirm the requirements of your destination. Typical vaccination, testing and health certificate costs: rabies vaccination from $380, adjuvant-free rabies vaccine from $1,200, rabies antibody blood test from $3,500, international health certificate from $1,000.
Typical vaccine requirements for popular destinations:
| Country / Region | Rabies vaccine validity | Extra booster needed? |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 1 year | No |
| USA / Canada | 1–3 years | No |
| Japan | Two doses meeting import requirements, at least 30 days apart; valid 3 years | No |
| Singapore | 1–3 years | Yes (dogs DHPPi / cats Felocell 3) |
| Taiwan | 1–3 years | No |
| Australia | 3 years | Yes (dogs DHPPi+L4 / cats Felocell 3) |
3. Entry rules and restrictions by country
Different countries have different entry requirements and restrictions for pets. Here are some special rules for popular destinations:
- Taiwan: allow at least 4 months to prepare; after the rabies antibody test passes, pets must wait at least 3 months before travel. See detailed Taiwan requirements
- Australia: allow at least 7 months to prepare; an ISO microchip and an AFCD-issued pet identity document are required, plus 10 days of quarantine on arrival; after the rabies antibody test passes, pets must wait at least 6 months before travel. See detailed Australia requirements
- UK: allow at least 1.5 months to prepare; dogs are dewormed on the day the health certificate is issued and must arrive in the UK within 120 hours. See detailed UK requirements
- Hong Kong: pets/animals may only be imported as cargo; cats and dogs imported from Mainland China must have an ISO microchip; each traveller may bring only 1 dog or 1 cat at a time. See detailed Hong Kong requirements
- USA: in addition to federal import requirements, you must also meet the pet import requirements of your destination state. See detailed USA requirements
Planning to move to Japan, Canada, Singapore or Europe? Read the corresponding country guide for the detailed process, steps and fees.
For each country's pet regulations and required documents, refer to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Traveler's Pets Corner.
4. Airline requirements
Every airline can have different requirements for pet relocation, so check with the airline before booking. For example, Cathay Pacific has extra requirements for short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds and has suspended carrying pets in hold; British Airways only carries non-cat/dog pets (parrots, tortoises, rabbits, etc.) on designated days. We recommend different airlines depending on the route.
5. Breed transport restrictions
Some routes may not accept short-nosed cat and dog breeds in the hold, requiring alternatives such as transiting through a third country and continuing by Pet Taxi. Airlines define short-nosed breeds differently — some classify the British Shorthair as short-nosed. Before transporting your pet, understand the airline's breed requirements and choose a feasible route.
Using the UK as an example, short-nosed breeds may not be able to fly direct, and can instead transit through Europe and continue by Pet Taxi. Want to see how it actually works? Watch our on-the-ground video:
6. Pet crate requirements
A standard IATA-compliant pet crate should have the following features:
- Sturdy, spacious and made of hard plastic that meets IATA standards
- Only one door; escape-proof and claws cannot reach out
- Ventilation on at least two sides
- Marked as a live animal transport container
- Absorbent bedding on the bottom
- Door secured on all four sides; reinforced with mesh/straps
- Wheels removed; anti-slip
- Height: head does not touch the top
- Length: body length plus half the front leg height
- Width: twice the shoulder width
- Enough room to turn around, stand and lie down
- Food and water inside the crate, with containers firmly fixed
Source: International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations
Preparing before relocation
1. Book local pet transport
Not every form of transport accepts pets after you arrive, so book pickup in advance. We work with Pet Taxi/transport companies in many countries to make sure you and your pet travel home comfortably after landing.
2. Train your pet to get used to the crate
Use food to train your pet to get used to the crate, so they become familiar with the environment and feel less stressed. Follow our tutorial video to train your fur kid step by step:
3. Find local vet clinics in advance
Look up the locations and opening hours of nearby vet clinics in advance, so your pet can get treatment right away whenever needed.
4. Learn about local pet food
Some countries have specific rules on pet food — for example, the EU restricts certain pet food ingredients, so you may not be able to buy the brand your pet normally eats after moving. Check local sources and brands before departure to avoid a long wait for supplies.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our Canlife Pets Moving specialists at any time.