Comparison of ways to buy pets
Pet shops
Licence
Hong Kong law stipulates that licences can only be issued after approval by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (List of licensed pet shops). The AFCD also conducts regular inspections of licensed shops and premises.
Proof of legal origin
- Original import licence and health certificate, or;
- A copy of the dog breeder’s declaration (commonly known as the “yellow paper“), no relevant declaration for kittens or;
- Documentation from other licensed vendors.
Cat and dog microchip
Cats and dogs sold by licensed sellers must be implanted with a 9-digit microchip in AVID format and provide original copies and receipts of vaccination, deworming and treatment records.
Cat and dog vaccination card
Cats and dogs sold by licensed sellers must have a vaccination card issued and stamped by a registered veterinarian in Hong Kong.
Price: $$$
Personal contact with cats and dogs: โโโ
Note: There are still unscrupulous sellers operating pet shops/breeding farms without a licence, or selling dogs and cats of unknown origin.
Licensed dog breeders
Licence
Hong Kong law stipulates that licences can only be issued after approval by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (List of licensed dog breeders: Category A/ Category B). The AFCD also conducts regular inspections of licensed breeding sites.
Proof of legal origin
- A copy of the dog breeder’s declaration (commonly known as the “yellow paper“), no relevant declaration for kittens.
Cat and dog microchip
Cats and dogs sold by licensed sellers must be implanted with a 9-digit microchip in AVID format and provide original copies and receipts of vaccination, deworming and treatment records.
Cat and dog vaccination card
Cats and dogs sold by licensed sellers must have a vaccination card issued and stamped by a registered veterinarian in Hong Kong.
Price: $$
Personal contact with cats and dogs: โโ
(more common in breeding farms)
Note: Some unscrupulous sellers who claim to breed themselves may sell smuggled pets or sick cats and dogs from illegal breeding farms.
Online unlicensed backyard breeders and unknown online stores
Licence
Proof of legal origin
- No
Cat and dog microchip
Usually no. It is difficult for buyers to check and distinguish authenticity from fake.
Cat and dog vaccination card
Usually no. It is difficult for buyers to check and distinguish authenticity from fake.
Price: $
Personal contact with cats and dogs: โ
Buyers are often not allowed to interact with the pet in person, check its health, and verify the authenticity of the information provided by the seller.
Note: It is difficult for buyers to verify the authenticity of a petโs vaccination records or the health status of its parents.
Buying cats and dogs from licensed sellers may be more expensive, but these businesses are regulated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, making them traceable, more secure and reliable. In contrast, although the price may be lower when buying from unknown sellers online, they are likely to be unlicensed and illegal. In addition to the lack of assurances for animal health and welfare, it is also difficult to verify the authenticity of all online information, and the risk of being deceived is very high. Therefore, citizens are advised not to patronise unlicensed sellers to avoid various subsequent issues that are difficult to resolve.
The information presented in the chart above is only an observation of broad phenomena in general society and does not constitute a comprehensive data analysis. Therefore, the content is for reference only and is intended to help the public understand the general situation in society or the market. Members of the public should make informed decisions based on the specifics of each independent transaction and comprehensively consider multiple information sources.