Why so many Hong Kong folks are doing this now
With more families moving north for jobs, cheaper living, or family ties in the Mainland, bringing your pet along is common. Cities like Shenzhen or Guangzhou feel like extensions of HK life these days.
Start with the must-haves
Your dog or cat needs an ISO microchip first—get it scanned to confirm it works. Then vaccines kick in, especially rabies (current record). Many call the whole process 帶寵物回大陸, because it involves getting the pet legally across the border without quarantine surprises if everything lines up right.
Step-by-step checklist
- Microchip and vaccines — ISO chip + rabies shot (at least 30 days before but within validity). Keep the needle card handy.
- Vet health check — Visit a registered vet within 7 days of travel for clinical exam and health certificate issuance.
- AFCD endorsement — Submit the health cert to AFCD for official stamp (do this in HK).
- Owner accompaniment — You must travel with the pet—one pet per person only.
- Transport booking — Land borders (Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau) for easiest entry; air cargo if flying (pet on same flight).
On arrival
At the border or airport, Mainland customs does on-site inspection: check microchip, docs, quick health look. If all good—no quarantine. Miss something? Possible 30-day hold or return.
Transport tips
● Land — Drive or taxi across borders; pet stays with you.
● Air — Cargo hold only, IATA crate under 32kg total. Book early. No high-speed rail for pets (except guide dogs).
Avoid these common issues
Forgetting AFCD endorsement or wrong timing on health cert. One family I know had to turn back over a missing stamp. Plan 1.5–3 months ahead.
Many professional companies like Pet Travel handle 帶寵物回大陸 smoothly this way. Your pet settles into the new flat faster, and the family feels complete
