For CDC dog-rabies purposes, the current high-risk list expressly excludes Hong Kong from “China”. A dog that has been only in low-risk or rabies-free places for 6 months still must be healthy, at least 6 months old, microchipped and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Cats follow lighter federal animal-health rules, but the destination state can add requirements.
HK → US · Dogs and cats
Hong Kong → Continental United States
For CDC dog-rabies purposes, the current high-risk list expressly excludes Hong Kong from “China”. A dog that has been only in low-risk or rabies-free places for 6 months still must be healthy, at least 6 months old, microchipped and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Cats follow lighter federal animal-health rules, but the destination state can add requirements.
Source coverage incomplete; confirmation requiredLast checked: 18 Jul 2026Next source review: 18 Aug 2026
CDC clearance does not reserve a cabin, hold or cargo place. Confirm the operating carrier, aircraft, transfer airports, heat limits and BOAS policy in writing; Hawaii, Guam and other territories are not covered by this continental-US record.
Personal travel or relocation to the continental US after the final destination state is known
Route timeline
Plan by dependencies, not a flat checklist.
Personal travel or relocation to the continental US after the final destination state is known
- 01Before choosing a flight
Classify species, purpose, six-month history and destination state
This record is for a personal dog or cat going to the continental US. A dog that visited any CDC high-risk place in the previous 6 months, an adoption/resale movement, or a territory destination must switch to another rule path.
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - 02Before departure
For a dog: age, health, microchip and CDC receipt
The dog must appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, have a detectable microchip and have a separate CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Show the receipt to the airline and US border authorities.
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 03As soon as the final state is known
For a cat: check CDC appearance and state rules
USDA APHIS has no general animal-health requirement for a domestic pet cat, while CDC requires an animal to appear healthy. The receiving state or territory can still require rabies records, a health certificate or other controls.
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service · USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - 04Before ticketing and again before departure
Close the Hong Kong export and carrier layer
Hong Kong itself has no general pet export permit, but AFCD certification may be needed when the destination, transit authority or carrier asks for official endorsement. Match that document set to the operating airline’s written acceptance.
Hong Kong AFCD · International Air Transport Association
Source ledger
Official sources
Every conclusion must trace back to an official source. Government forms link directly to the original publisher, and superseded documents are not treated as current requirements.
United States Centers for Disease Control and PreventionBringing a dog into the United States18 Jul 2026United States Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHigh-risk countries for dog rabies (Hong Kong expressly excluded from China)18 Jul 2026USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceBring a pet from another country into the United States18 Jul 2026USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceBring a domestic pet cat into the United States18 Jul 2026United States Centers for Disease Control and PreventionBringing an animal into the United States18 Jul 2026Hong Kong AFCDExport of pets from Hong Kong: official FAQ and certification process18 Jul 2026Hong Kong AFCDCurrent Group II import terms (June 2025 version)18 Jul 2026Hong Kong AFCDResidence certification waiver guideline (January 2026 version)18 Jul 2026International Air Transport AssociationTraveler's Pet Corner18 Jul 2026
Official formCDC Dog Import Form and official instructionsUnited States CDCOfficial formAF300-HCA: official animal health certificate applicationHong Kong AFCDOfficial formAF240-return: permit and residence-waiver applicationHong Kong AFCDOfficial certificateVC-DC2: Group II veterinary certificateHong Kong AFCDOfficial certificatePC101: airline/captain's affidavitHong Kong AFCD
HK → US · Data version 2026.07.18.2
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