Hong Kong to slash quarantine for cats and dogs from Macau from 120 days to 30

Hong Kong will slash the quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from Macau from 120 days to 30 from next month, with the relaxed rule expected to cover mainland China later.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on Tuesday announced the latest quarantine arrangements for imported cats and dogs, with Macau the first location with a higher risk of rabies added to a new Group IIIA category list.

From December 1, the quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from Group IIIA places will be shortened from 120 days to 30 days upon their arrival in Hong Kong.

The department revealed that discussions were continuing with mainland authorities regarding the details of its inclusion, with announcements to be made later.

Pets currently arriving from Macau and the mainland, which are considered areas at a high risk of rabies, must undergo 120 days of quarantine before being allowed entry into the city.

“As biotechnology has developed in recent years, the AFCD has conducted a risk assessment earlier on and considered that the quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from certain Group III places could be shortened by measures such as rabies vaccination and rabies neutralising antibody titre tests,” a department spokesman said.

“The new arrangement aims to optimise the quarantine requirements for importing cats and dogs, helping pet owners bring cats and dogs to Hong Kong.”