How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog or Cat from the U.S. to Hong Kong?

A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners Planning International Moves

Introduction: City Life, Skyline Views, and Bringing Your Pet Along

Moving to Hong Kong from the USA with your dog or cat means navigating one of Asia’s busiest airports and one of the most regulated pet import systems. From mandatory import permits to breed restrictions, the process involves careful planning.

Costs to relocate a pet from the USA to Hong Kong generally range from $2,500 for a small cat or dog to $6,000+ for large breeds. Prices vary based on your pet’s size, airline routes, and whether you use professional relocation services for customs clearance and home delivery.

Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses, timelines, and ways to save money—plus how 0x Cargo Pet Travel can manage the entire process for you.

1. U.S. Preparatory Expenses (Typically $300–$1,000+)

a. Veterinary Visits & Vaccinations

• ISO-compliant microchip implantation: $45–$75

• Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel): $20–$50

• Core vaccines (DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats): $25–$50 each

b. USDA Document Endorsement

• USDA APHIS endorsement fee: $38–$173 depending on services needed

2. Shipping & Crate Costs (Approximately $2,500–$5,200+)

a. Airfare & Cargo Handling

• Small dog or cat: $2,500–$3,200

• Medium dog: $3,000–$4,000

• Large dog: $4,200–$5,200+

b. Airline-Approved Crate

• Standard crate: $200–$400

• Oversized/custom crate: $500–$1,000

3. Hong Kong Government Fees

Import Permit (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department – AFCD)

• Permit fee: ~HKD 432 (~US$55) per pet

Breed Restrictions

• Certain breeds prohibited; relocation may require alternative routing or special permissions.

4. Ground Transportation & Local Handling ($300–$900+)

U.S. Side:

• Home pickup to departure airport: $200–$500

Hong Kong Side:

• Customs clearance and release: $300–$500

• Home delivery or onward transport to Mainland China/Macau: $100–$300 extra

5. Additional and Contingency Costs

• Boarding pre-departure: $30–$70/day

• Extra vet checks due to airline requirements: $50–$200

• Special handling for short-nosed breeds (may require specific flights or crates)

6. Real-World Examples

Example 1 – USA → Hong Kong, Cat

• Vet & vaccinations: $200

• Crate + airfare: $2,600

• Import permit & clearance: $100

• Home delivery: $300Total: ≈ $3,200

Example 2 – USA → Hong Kong, Large Dog

• Vet & vaccinations: $300

• Crate + airfare: $4,800

• Import permit & clearance: $200

• Onward transport to Shenzhen: $250Total: ≈ $5,550

7. Timeline: Why Costs Add Up

• Import permit application: 2–4 weeks

• Microchip & rabies vaccination: At least 30 days before travel

• USDA health certificate: Within 10 days of departure

• Flight booking: 2–6 weeks in advance

Delays in permit approval or incomplete documentation can lead to rebooking fees, additional boarding, and higher costs.

8. How to Save on Overseas Pet Relocation to Hong Kong

• Apply for the import permit early to secure your travel date

• Use direct flights to minimize handling and potential delays

• Book cargo space well in advance for better pricing

• Combine your pet’s travel with your own move to coordinate logistics

9. DIY vs. Professional Assistance

DIY:

• Lower upfront cost but requires handling permits, flights, and customs alone

• Risk of denied entry if breed restrictions or paperwork are overlooked

Professional (like 0x Cargo Pet Travel):

• Handles permits, customs, breed compliance, and delivery

• Reduces stress and minimizes mistakes, especially if onward transport to Mainland/Macau is required

10. Total Cost Summary

Route	Typical Total Cost
Small dog/cat → Hong Kong	$2,800–$4,200
Medium dog → Hong Kong	$3,500–$4,800
Large dog → Hong Kong	$4,500–$6,000+
Onward transport to Mainland/Macau	$100–$300 extra

Final Thoughts: Smooth Entry into a Busy Hub

Hong Kong’s pet import process is highly organized but requires careful compliance with AFCD regulations. Proper preparation ensures your pet’s arrival is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

How 0x Cargo Pet Travel Makes It Easy

At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, we’ve successfully relocated over 1,000 cats and dogs from the USA to Hong Kong in the past 5 years. Our services include:

• 365-day, door-to-door transport from your U.S. home to your Hong Kong address

• AFCD import permit application and processing

• Customs clearance, delivery, and optional onward transport to Mainland China or Macau

• Trilingual staff fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese

• Safe flight booking and IATA-approved crate preparation

Contact us today at 0xcargo.com for a customized relocation plan tailored to your pet’s needs.