[HKNewbie7007]

Hello,

I am moving to HK in April of 08. I am bringing my dog (3 year old Miniature Pinscher 10lbs). I have a few different questions if anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated.

1. Can anyone inform me of trying to ship my dog on my own since I want to avoid the ridiculous cost of an exporter, I've been quoted $2,500. What would I need to do to accomplish this on my own, I'm willing to do all the legwork and running around to potentially cut that cost in half. Maybe including what's actually needed or a site containing the info and approx time I should start trying to accomplish all the tasks.

2. I have found it difficult to find a serviced apartment or hotel that can house myself and my dog for a reasonable price. The only one I found was Olympic Terrace for $14,500 HK (30 day/night). I understand from reading the reviews that this building is terrible and not many people have enjoyed their stays. Unfortunately, I can not find anything else that fits my budget which is actually $12,000/$13,000 HK (I'm willing to pay a bit more to make it happen though). So, does anyone else know a serviced apartment/hotel that might suit me and my criteria ?

3. I was curious about the laws of walking dogs and having them use the toilet outside. I live in NYC now so my dog is completely ok with using the sidewalks. What is excepted there ?

4. Also, about transporting the dog around different parts of HK. Can I put my dog in a fully enclosed zipper bag and bring her on the MTR or buses ? I use the same bag now for subways in NYC and buses and it's authorized for airplane use as well.

Thank you all so much for reading this lengthy correspondence and I appreciate any and all answers/suggestions/ideas/advice.

[dipper]

Don't know about Q1 or Q2 but I think there was a previous thread about your first question so its probably worth doing a search.

Q3. Yes dogs can crap in the street but you need to collect the faeces and put it in a bin, much like most places I guess.

Q4. Should be fine, I don't know whether its officially allowed or not but its common and as long as you're sensible you'll be fine.

[BEL]

Hi!

I've sent you a private message with some websites that have info about the procedure of importing dogs into HK. We used a company for our dog, but I know some of the procedures included getting a special import permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in HK before your pet is shipped, checking the quarantine requirements for import relating to the country your pet is coming from, and getting a vet's clearance for your pet before it fly's on your end.

Regarding accomodation.. I've heard that Shama Serviced Apartments in Soho are pet friendly, but I'm not sure about the cost. Here's their website link: Shama – serviced apartments

Walking your dog is fine - they are allowed to go to the toilet on the footpath, but you must pick it up. Some parks and beaches are not dog friendly though, they will have signs on the outside if they don't allow dogs.

I'm not sure you can take your dog on the MTR, I didn't think you could. Not sure about buses. They are allowed to travel in Taxi's, which are fairly cheap here in HK - you get charged an extra HK$5 for them travelling in the taxi.

Good Luck!

[PDLM]

I don't think I've ever seen a westerner picking up their dog's shit - they all seem to include this in their domestic helper's duties for some reason.

[KnowItAll]

>> I don't think I've ever seen a westerner picking up their dog's shit

Plenty of westerners around the Pokfulam / Bel Air area that walk their dogs on weekends / evenings and carry poop-scoops or something to that equivalent.

Less during the day / week ...

[wesleytobey]

HKNewbie,

I've brought my dogs myself from Singapore to the US, and it was easy enough. Shipping your dogs out from the US is a little more tricky, but can be done as long as you're willing to run around a bit.

By shipping, I assume you mean you'll be taking your dog with you on the same flight, as excess baggage. They will have to be in an appropriately-sized crate approved for travel, and will have to be in the cargo compartment. There might be some airlines that allow the dog crate to be in the passenger compartment with the passenger, but I'm not sure about this.

As for the paperwork, it's not any different than if you were to go through an agent. The required documentation is described in many websites and the agents you've spoken to would probably have already mentioned them to you. From the HK side, you need to apply for an import permit (see this site for info AFCD Import of Dogs and Cats).
On the US side, you'll need to get the vaccinations in place (rabies, DHPP) and also a health certificate (there's a form on the website) within 10 days of travel, I believe. This health cert needs to be endorsed by a government vet. And the dog also needs to have an AVID microchip.

I can't quite remember everything, as it's been 2 months since my dogs arrived in HK. I wanted to avoid the headache this time and used an agent. If you decide to go with an agent, Wish You Were Here was great. Their US agent, Universal Pet Travel (based near LA), was also great.

Good luck!

[LA Bliss]

hi newbie7007, we just moved our maltese from LA to HK last month and used http://export-a-pet.com/.

$2,500 HKD? sounds right, i believe we paid a little less than $400 US for the svcs from export-a-pet above. the best part about their svc was that they pick-up your pup @ airport customs and bring the pup to your home. the AFCD site below is pretty comprehensive but here's some additional reading:

Pet travel hotels, pet friendly hotels, dog, cat quarantine, international travel!
Live Animals

bear in mind, any mistakes in paperwork will lead to quarantine of your pup @ HK airport. start now by preparing your pup's vaccination, microchip but most important, kennel cab training. my dog had never been in a kennel cab so it took awhile for him to be comfortable in one to prepare him for 2-hr check-in + 14-hr actual flight + 4-hr clearing customs.

the very best of luck to you & let us know if you require any additional information!

[Katanga]

PDLM

I would consider myself a westerner and trust me, I do pick up my dog's shit.

Watch out for me scrapping the crap off the pavement on Robinson Road next time you are around......

I agree that the DH does this but its my job on her day off....

[Donmer]

We oved here 9 months ago and brought our small dog with us.
Getting a dog through all the rted tape of importing into Hong Kong can be a great nightmare, so I highly recommend the use of a pet exporter. We used "Export a Pet" and their service was exemplary.
Dogs are prevalent here, and everyone is expected to clean up after their pets.
Shama has serviced apts in Soho that will accept dogs. Otherwise, you might want to get an unfurnished place as your dog will likely be allowed.
As for transporting your dog around - I believe it is unlawful on the MTR and buses, but if it was in a bag, and quiet - who would know?
Taxis, will take dogs, and they are cheap here.
good luck