Japan / South Korea / Taiwan / Singapore / UK / Europe / United States (Continental) / Canada (Group I and II listed on the AFCD website)
Japan / Taiwan: 180 – 210 days
South Korea / Singapore / United States (Continental) / Canada / Europe: 90 days
UK: 30 – 60 days
The relevant epidemic prevention measures depend on the import and export requirements between Hong Kong and the destination. General travel health measures include:
According to the regulations of the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the airport, animals / pets must be transported to Hong Kong via the fastest and most direct route from the exporting country / region. They must be imported into Hong Kong as manifested cargo and cannot be carried as excess baggage or hand luggage.
Pets arriving in Hong Kong on private jets are exempt from being imported as manifested cargo.
There are three main considerations. First, Japan is one of the group I of countries classified by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for the entry of cats and dogs. If all the conditions listed on the permit are met, quarantine is generally not required. Second, Japan is a very pet-friendly country, with a high level of acceptance compared to other countries, and corresponding hotels and facilities for pets are relatively well-developed. Third, considering geographical location and flight frequency, the flight time from Hong Kong to Okinawa is about two and a half hours, and even to Hokkaido, it only takes around six hours, with frequent daily flights available, making travel arrangements convenient.
Pet owners can choose to travel independently (self-guided tour). In fact, when traveling with pets by car, most rental car companies do not charge additional fees. You will need to notify the rental company in advance that you will be bringing a pet, and then sign an additional Pet Consent Form when picking up the vehicle. For more details, you can consult the staff at PET HOLIDAYS.
Generally, airlines have weight and size limits for transporting pets as excess baggage. If the total size of a large dog exceeds 292cm, they can be transported as manifested cargo, so there will be no size restrictions when traveling with large dogs.
Taking a small dog / cat under 7 kg as an example, the round-trip cost to Tokyo, Japan is approximately HK$45,000.
In addition to the aforementioned expenses related to pets, other major expenditures such as hotels, rental cars, and dining can vary greatly depending on personal preferences. Japan offers five-star pet-friendly hotels as well as pet-friendly guesthouses, with significant differences in prices. PET HOLIDAYS is also very willing to provide information and share with pet owners. Of course, pet owners can consider the all-inclusive package services offered by PET HOLIDAYS based on their individual budgets, allowing us to save you valuable time.
Pets must be able to move around at the front desk of the hotel, dine with their owners in the restaurant, and sleep with their owners in the room to be regarded as a hotel in Japan that is basically suitable for pets. Additionally, larger and more unique hotels may include amenities such as a Dog Run area, forest zones, dog-friendly hot springs, and beaches. Therefore, well-equipped pet-friendly hotels are generally located in suburban areas. Pet owners should pay special attention when choosing a hotel, as some only accept small dogs.
It is recommended to have a veterinary check-up for pets before departure, and to bring their usual food to avoid any upset caused by dietary changes. Additionally, it’s advisable to carry a pet first-aid kit (including allergy medication, blood-stopping powder, etc.) for emergencies. PET HOLIDAYS will provide pet owners with information about veterinary clinics along the travel route before departure. Japan is a very pet-friendly country, and assistance can be sought from the pet-friendly hotel where you are staying if needed
Founded in 2016, Pet Holidays has extensive experience in the industry.
Professional team that has organized multiple private jet tours with pets to Japan; Over 50 private jet flights have been arranged for pet relocation and numerous pets have been successfully relocated to over 40 countries.
Pet Holidays has listed company background – Pricerite and Cash Financial, significantly enhancing its competitiveness and credibility. Multiple awards & honours, establishing a strong reputation and status within the industry.
The requirements for taking pets abroad, regardless of immigration or travel, also depend on the destination. Generally, the following are required:
Some requirements may vary depending on individual countries/regions.
For relocating to Hong Kong, the requirements depend on the group of the country/region and include:
Pets from Group III countries/regions importing to Hong Kong must undergo a quarantine of no less than 120 days.
The form pets can board a flight depends on various factors, such as the breed and size of the pet, the airline, the type of aircraft, and the requirements of the destination country/region.
Pet In-Cabin – If the pet is small enough and the pet carrier is under a certain size and weight (depending on the airline), it can be taken as carry-on luggage. For example, with Lufthansa, the pet carrier should not exceed 55 cm in length, 40 cm in width, and 23 cm in height, and the total weight should not exceed 8 kg. In this case, pets can travel in the same cabin as their owners, and the pet carrier can be placed under the seat in front. It is important to note that some airlines do not allow pets in specific classes such as Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class. It is recommended to check with the airline before booking your ticket.
Pet In-Hold – If the pet exceeds the size limits for Pet In-Cabin and is around 45 kg or less (depending on the airline), it can be checked in as excess baggage. A dedicated staff member will handle the pet, and ground crew will carefully transport it to the aircraft. During this process, pets are placed in a covered trailer to protect them from wind, rain, or other weather conditions. Since checking in a pet takes time, it’s important to arrive at the airport check-in counter early, approximately 3 hours before the flight. Once you arrive at your destination, you can simply pick up your pet at the excess baggage claim area.
Manifested Cargo – If your pet is large or flying alone, it must be transported as cargo. Some countries/regions require pets to import in this form, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
Whether pets are transported as excess baggage or cargo, the pet will be separated from other luggage and placed in a dedicated, temperature-controlled pet compartment. Water and food will be provided inside the crate. Moreover, airline staff are highly responsible and specially trained to take great care of the pets, ensuring that the pets are loaded onto the aircraft last and taken off first upon arrival.
It is recommended to start training your pet to get familiar with the crate well in advance of departure. You can place items with the owner’s scent or the pet’s favorite toys inside the crate to help them adapt more comfortably.
Private Jets – The advantage is that you can sit with your pets throughout the flight, and they don’t have to be confined in a crate for long periods of time. This is more suitable for some anxious or elderly pets.
Many airlines allow pets to sit in the cabin with passengers, such as Air Canada, American Airlines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, etc. Of course, each airline has its own restrictions and requirements. If you have any questions regarding the airline you choose, please contact us directly for assistance.
Pet crates and luggage are kept separate, with pet crates placed in a temperature-controlled area and securely strapped to prevent movement due to turbulence. Water and food containers are provided inside the pet crate to ensure the pet’s comfort. Additionally, airline staff are very attentive to the needs of pets.