1.
Haven't heard of anyone having a sick dog taken away or run across any rules re: detaining diseased dogs, but you can check with the HK Agiculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (
http://www.afcd.gov.hk) to make sure there are no rules on the books. You might also try contacting some local veterinary offices. Vet care is great here.
However, (this is kind of a side note) don't underestimate the amount of effort it takes to get all the papers, etc. in order to import your dog. Its not terribly hard, but it takes some planning. Here's just a short breakdown of what you'll need:
1) A Residence certificate signed by a vet stating that:
i) The animals have been residing in the country of origin during the 6 months prior to shipment or since birth.
ii) There has been no case of rabies in the area for more than 6 months prior to shipment. Be sure to check this out with your vet as early as possible to avoid unnecessary disappointment. (It may take the vet some time to check with state or county health officials.)
2) Rabies vaccination certificate stating that:
i) The animal has been vaccinated not less than 30 days and not more than one year before coming to Hong Kong.
ii) A good history of anti-Rabies vaccination.
3) A vaccination certificate stating that the animal has been vaccinated against the following canine/feline infectious diseases not less than 14 days and not more than one year before coming to Hong Kong.
DOGS: Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Canine Parvovirus.
CATS: Feline Panleucopaenia (Infectious Enteritis) and Cat Flu.
The certificate should also show a good vaccination history.
4) An airline certificate.
5) Health certificate: A health certificate signed by a registered veterinary surgeon and dated not more than 14 days before departure, with government endorsement and stating that:
- The animal is free from any clinical signs of infectious disease and fit to travel.
- If it is a female, it is either not pregnant or less than 4 weeks pregnant.
I would probably have my vet put a note or something on the health cert. carefully describing the skin condition. Also, consider using a pet import-export agency who can help with customs. They will be there when the dog arrives and are more familiar with the import procedures and could possibly make sure the government vet/ staff get the correct information re: the skin condition to prevent hold-ups.
2.
There are plenty of green spaces for nice walks, provided that you live in the right place. If you live toward the South side of the island, on/ near the Peak or in NT or in a few other areas the chances of you even coming into contact with someone who will complain about your pup are quite slim -and there are plenty of green open places to walk and hike undisturbed in these areas. I would try to avoid living in congested, crowded and polluted areas like Causeway Bay with such a big doggie.
3.
I can't imagine people treating your dog poorly because of its skin condition. Some people in general here do not like dogs, but that basically applies to all dogs. Occasionally I'll run into someone who makes a big deal about seeing my dog (they'll run and hide and gasp loudly when they see the pup or jump away from the dog who is just walking down a path), but it isn't a real problem. And, most of the places I walk there aren't many/ any other people around.
Oh, I don't know anything about his skin condition, but you might want to check with your vet to make sure that high (HIGH) humidity and heat will not make it worse.
Good luck, and let know if you have any more doggie questions.
