Pet Microchip Data When Moving To or From Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Microchip Landscape: AVID to ISO Transition

For decades, Hong Kong used the AVID encrypted transponder system for dog identification, a 9 digit alphanumeric chip format that was unique to the territory. This system served domestic purposes well but created a persistent barrier for international pet travel, as AVID chips are not readable by standard ISO scanners used across most of Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

From 1 August 2025, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) began issuing ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips for all newly registered dogs. These chips carry a 344 country prefix, identifying the chip's origin as Hong Kong. This aligns the territory with the global standard used in over 100 countries and significantly simplifies outbound pet relocation.

If your dog was chipped before this date, the existing AVID chip remains legally valid within Hong Kong. However, veterinary guidelines recommend implanting a second ISO chip before any international move, as the legacy AVID format will not be readable at most overseas veterinary clinics, airports, or quarantine facilities.

AFCD Registration: What Hong Kong Requires

Under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), all dogs in Hong Kong aged over 5 months must hold a valid dog licence. Licensing requires both microchip implantation and rabies vaccination. The AFCD manages the central microchip database, which links the chip number to the owner's contact details.

Key points for Hong Kong residents:

• Licence fee: $80 at an AFCD Anti Rabies Dog Inoculation and Licensing Centre (includes microchip, vaccination, and licence). Private veterinary clinics charge varying fees for the same services.
• Licence validity: 3 years, with rabies revaccination required for renewal.
• Contact updates: Owners must notify the AFCD whenever their address or phone number changes. This can be done by contacting the AFCD directly or visiting an Animal Management Centre.
• Cats: There is currently no mandatory microchipping requirement for cats in Hong Kong. However, microchipping is strongly recommended, especially for cats that may travel internationally or that live in high rise apartments where escape through windows or balconies is a known risk.

Moving a Pet Out of Hong Kong: Microchip Preparation

Hong Kong's subtropical climate and urban density mean many pet owners eventually relocate, whether for work, family, or lifestyle reasons. Before departure, microchip preparation is essential.

Step 1: Confirm Chip Type and Compatibility

Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet and confirm whether the chip is AVID (9 digit alphanumeric) or ISO (15 digit numeric, 134.2 kHz). If your pet only has an AVID chip, schedule implantation of an ISO compliant chip. Pets can safely carry two chips without interference.

Step 2: Timing With Rabies Vaccination

For most destination countries, including all EU member states, the UK, Japan, and Australia, the ISO microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is administered. Reversing this order can invalidate the vaccination for entry purposes. Given that Hong Kong's rabies vaccination cycle runs on a 3 year schedule, coordinate the timing carefully with your veterinarian.

Step 3: Update AFCD Records

Before leaving, log your international contact number and an emergency contact in Hong Kong with the AFCD. Do not cancel your AFCD registration. If your pet goes missing during transit or is returned to Hong Kong for any reason, the AFCD database remains the primary lookup tool within the territory.

Step 4: Register With the Destination Country

Research and pre register with the destination country's microchip database. For example:

• United Kingdom: Register with a Defra compliant database such as Petlog or PETtrac.
• Australia: Register with the relevant state registry (e.g., Pet Registry in NSW, Central Animal Records in Victoria).
• European Union: Register through a national database connected to Europetnet.
• United States: Register with AKC Reunite, HomeAgain, or PetLink.

Step 5: Register With an International Aggregator

Platforms such as PetMaxx (petmaxx.com) and WorldPetNet (worldpetnet.com) search across dozens of national databases simultaneously. Adding your pet to one of these services creates a critical safety net during transit and after arrival.

Moving a Pet Into Hong Kong: What to Expect

Pets arriving in Hong Kong must carry a microchip that matches the number on the accompanying animal health certificate. The AFCD categorises origin countries into groups that determine quarantine requirements:

• Group I (e.g., UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan): Normally exempt from quarantine if all permit conditions are met.
• Group II (e.g., selected European and Asian countries): May be exempt from quarantine subject to compliance.
• Group IIIA (e.g., United States, Canada, selected others): Minimum 30 days quarantine at an AFCD Animal Management Centre or Licensed Quarantine Centre.
• Group III (e.g., Mainland China, selected others): Minimum 4 months quarantine.

A Special Permit must be obtained from the AFCD before arrival. The permit fee is $432 for a single animal, with $102 for each additional animal in the same shipment.

Upon arrival, dogs must obtain a Hong Kong dog licence. If your pet already carries an ISO chip, re chipping is not required. The AFCD will register the existing chip number in their database. If the chip is non ISO and non AVID, confirm with the AFCD in advance that it is readable by their scanners.

Climate and Seasonal Considerations for Hong Kong

Hong Kong's subtropical climate creates specific risks during pet relocation that intersect with microchip preparedness.

• Summer heat (June to September): Temperatures regularly exceed 33°C with humidity above 80%. Pets travelling during these months face heightened risk of heat stress. Ensure all documentation is finalised well before summer to avoid last minute delays that push travel into peak heat periods.
• Typhoon season (May to November): Flight cancellations and delays during typhoon signals can strand pets in transit facilities. Keep printed copies of all microchip registrations and veterinary documents accessible, not packed in checked luggage.
• Mild winters (December to February): The most comfortable period for pet travel. Temperatures typically range from 12°C to 20°C, reducing heat related health risks during transit.

Hong Kong Specific Documentation Checklist

Common Mistakes for Hong Kong Pet Owners

• Assuming an AVID chip works overseas. The 9 digit AVID format used historically in Hong Kong is unreadable by standard ISO scanners in most countries. Verify compatibility months before travel.
• Deleting the AFCD registration after leaving. Keep the Hong Kong record active. Dual registration across both origin and destination databases maximises the chance of recovery if a pet is lost.
• Overlooking cat microchipping. While not legally required in Hong Kong, cats travelling internationally will need a documented, scannable microchip. Popular breeds in Hong Kong such as British Shorthairs and Scottish Folds are frequently relocated and should be chipped early.
• Ignoring quarantine group rules. The difference between Group I and Group IIIA can mean the difference between zero and 30 days of quarantine. Confirm your origin or destination group with the AFCD before booking flights.
• Public housing considerations. Dogs are generally prohibited in Hong Kong public housing estates, with limited exceptions subject to Housing Authority approval. Cats and birds are permitted. Owners relocating to public housing with a dog should verify eligibility before completing an international move.

Emergency Resources

• AFCD enquiry hotline: 1823 (government hotline for AFCD related queries including licensing and import permits)
• AFCD website: afcd.gov.hk (import/export permit applications, licensing centre locations, quarantine details)
• PetMaxx: petmaxx.com (international multi registry chip search)
• Europetnet: europetnet.org (European cross border chip lookup)
• AAHA Universal Microchip Lookup: aaha.org/microchip (US registry identification tool)

Disclaimer: This content is generated by an AI persona for educational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian or professional pet relocation specialist. Microchip regulations change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the AFCD or the destination country's official veterinary authority before travelling.