Dogs over 5 months must be licensed: How to apply and renew
According to regulations, all dogs over five months old must be vaccinated against rabies, microchipped, and licensed at a veterinary clinic or through the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department. (AFCD)
This article outlines the procedures for applying for and renewing a dog license, helping dog owners comply timely with these requirements.
Paper License Suffices, No E-License Needed
Dog owners do not need to apply separately for this electronic license as it complements the physical license, which continues to be issued.
An additional "Electronic Dog License" is available, displayed via a mobile device browser, and accessed through the "iAM Smart" identity verification process.
Where to Apply for a Dog License?
In Hong Kong, dog licenses are issued by the AFCD as proof of rabies vaccination and ownership. All dogs aged five months must be vaccinated against rabies, and their owners are required to register for a license. Failure to do so can result in a fine of HK$10,000.
The license is valid for three years, necessitating rabies vaccination and license renewal every three years.
Applications can be processed when vaccinating the dog or implanting the microchip, or at the following locations:
- AFCD Animal Management Centres (AMCs)
- AFCD Dog Inoculation Centres
- Any authorised private veterinary clinics
- SPCA centres
Renewal and Initial Application Requirements
If there are changes in dog ownership or the owner's address, the owner must notify the AFCD within five days.
Owners can bring their dogs to the AFCD Animal Management Centers or Dog Inoculation Centers to apply for or renew their dog licenses, bringing the necessary documents.
You need to bring the following:
- Your dog
- Your HKID card
- Licence fee of HK$80.00 for each dog in cash
- Old dog license (for license renewal)
If the dog is registered under another family member's name, you can still renew the license on their behalf by providing an authorization letter, a copy of their ID, and a completed license application signed by the registered owner. If the registered owner has passed away, a death certificate and proof of relationship with the new owner are required.
Lost or Expired License Replacement
If a lost license has expired, you can renew it at any animal management center. If the license is still valid, contact the center that issued the original license for a replacement for a fee of HK$82. Proof of identity is required for replacement.
Transfer of Ownership
If the dog has never had a dog license, you can apply for a dog license through regular procedures.
If the dog has a valid license:
You are required to arrange for a change of keeper's information before the license can be renewed. To apply for a change of dog keeper's information, you need to provide one of the following documents:
- Original of the valid dog license, with the "Change of keeper" form on its back (columns 1 & 2) completed and signed, together with HKID copy of the new dog keeper and the completed Personal Information Collection Statement signed by the new dog keeper.
- Or, if the original license is lost, a letter signed by the previous keeper to apply for a change of keeper's information, with the dog's microchip number together with HKID copies of both previous and new dog keepers and the completed Personal Information Collection Statement signed by new dog keeper.
- If your dog has a valid dog license, you may apply in person or by mail for change of keeper information, please send the required documents in part (b) to 5/F, Animal Management Division, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
If the dog license has expired:
You are advised to bring your dog together with the following documents to any of the Animal Management Centers. Your dog has to be revaccinated against rabies in addition to the change of keeper.
- Original of the latest dog license, with the "Change of keeper" form on its back (columns 1 & 2) completed and signed, together with HKID copy of the new dog keeper and the completed Personal Information Collection Statement signed by the new dog keeper.
- Or, if the original license is lost, a letter signed by the previous keeper to apply for a change of keeper's information, with the dog's microchip number together with HKID copies of both previous and new dog keepers and the completed Personal Information Collection Statement signed by new dog keeper.
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