Hong Kong Orientation Guide

Pets

Domestic Pets

Although themajority of the people inHong Kong live in apartments, many people do have household pets. However, bemindful that owning a pet in Hong Kong may limit the housing options available to you; it is recommended that you advise your property agent before you begin your propertysearch. Many expatriates in Hong Kong keep pets: either family pets that have been brought to Hong Kong,oranimals thathavebeenacquiredafterthe familyarrives.Ifyouplan tospend time ina furnished temporary apartment, it is virtually impossible to find one that will allow pets. So if you want to avoid an extended kennel stay for your pet,find a neighbor or friend at homewho iswilling to keep yourpetuntil you aresettled here inyourpermanentapartment. The fact that someapartmentsaresmallmaylimityourchoiceofanimal. Ifyouwouldliketosecureapet,readthenoticesdisplayedonsupermarketbulletinboards.Many well-lovedanimalsareavailableforadoptionfromfamiliesmovingtoothercountries.Itiswise to muzzle your dog when going for walks as some park areas have poisonous baits set for pest control purposes. Another excellent source is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), a charity which provides for abandoned,abused,lost and stray animals.They also havean “adopt-a- pet” program. For more information, consult their website: www.spca.org.hk/eng/home.asp. In general,wedonotrecommendpurchasingpetsfrom themanypet-shopsor stalls—most are weanedtooearly,undernourished,severelyilland possiblymistreated.Theyoftendieintheir early months and after many costly vet interventions. Fordomesticpetssuchascatsanddogs,importing themtoHongKongcanbe relativelyeasy. Each country has its own stringent regulations to check. A quarantine period might be required, as well as necessary health certification from a qualified veterinarian. 1. Veterinary Health Certificate. Issuednotmore than 14days before the departureof theanimal.Toverify the animal is fitto travel, has no contagious diseases and not more than 4 months’ pregnant. 2. Residence Certificate. Verifies the animal has been continuously residing in the country of origin for sixmonths,or sincebirth.Alsocertifies therehasbeenno reportofrabies in thecountry forthose6months. 3. Rabies Vaccination Certificate. Certificatethatlistsfulldetailsofall vaccinesgivento theanimal,provingthattheanimalhas been vaccinated against rabies within the required time frame. Import / Export a Pet

For more information on specific country requirements contact the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

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