From Tokyo to Singapore or Hong Kong with a dog, which is easier? Today we have our first guest post, written by Dr Matthew Murdoch BVSc of Ferndale in Hong Kong. Relocating with your furry friend can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to know the requirements for different destinations. If you’re planning a one-way move from Tokyo to either Singapore or Hong Kong, here’s what you need to know.
Travelling to Singapore
Requirements:
- Residency: Your dog must have lived in Japan or any approved country for at least 6 months.
- Microchip: An ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted.
- Rabies Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination at least one month before departure.
- Rabies Antibody Blood Test: Conducted at least one month after rabies vaccination.
- Core Vaccinations: Dogs need vaccinations against Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, and Canine Parvovirus, given at least 14 days before departure.
- Health Examination: A government-approved vet must certify your dog is healthy and fit for travel.
- Parasite Treatment: Effective treatment against fleas, ticks, and internal parasites between 2 and 7 days before departure.
No Quarantine Needed: Pets arriving under Category B don’t need quarantine. Japan is Category B!
Attractions for dogs in Singapore:
- Marina Bay Sands: Enjoy stunning skyline views with your pup. While pets aren’t allowed inside the hotel, the surrounding area is picturesque and great for a walk.
- Sentosa Island: Relax on pet-friendly beaches like Tanjong Beach, where your dog can play in the sand and swim. Sentosa also boasts pet-friendly resorts and cafes, making it a great getaway for pet owners.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for leisurely strolls through lush greenery. Dogs are welcome in certain areas, and it’s an excellent spot for a peaceful day out, especially the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden which has pet-friendly areas.
- East Coast Park: This extensive park has pet-friendly areas where your dog can run and play off-leash. There are also barbecue pits, picnic spots, and cycling paths, making it a popular spot for families and their pets. You may recall this is where I used to live!
- HDB Dog Runs: Scattered throughout residential areas, these designated spaces allow for safe, off-leash fun. Some popular spots include Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and West Coast Park, which offer vast open spaces and water features for dogs to enjoy.
Travelling to Hong Kong
Requirements:
- Residency: Your dog must have lived in Japan or any approved country for at least 6 months.
- Health Certificate: Issued by a vet, certifying your dog’s good health, valid 14 days before arrival.
- Rabies Vaccination: Not needed to enter, but will be administered at the airport upon arrival.
- Rabies Antibody Blood Test: Not needed.
- Core Vaccinations: Dogs need vaccinations against Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, and Canine Parvovirus, given at least 14 days before departure.
- Import Permit : A Special Permit must be obtained in advance. This can only be paid for in cash or bank draft so has to really be done by someone in Hong Kong already
- Microchip: An AVID (9 digit) compliant microchip must be implanted at the HK airport on arrival if not already done.
- Parasite Treatment: Not needed to enter HK.
No Quarantine Needed: For pets from Group 1 countries. Japan is Group 1! However, dogs can only arrive via cargo, they are not allowed to travel in cabin or as excess baggage. This can drastically increase the cost as well as having to go under the plane.
Attractions for dogs in Hong Kong:
- Victoria Peak: Take your dog on the Peak Circle Walk for panoramic views of the city and harbor. The cool breeze and scenic trails are perfect for a refreshing outing. The nearby Lugard Road also offers a pet-friendly walk with breathtaking views.
- Stanley Market: This vibrant market area offers pet-friendly cafes and shops. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade with your dog and enjoy the seaside view. The Stanley Plaza often hosts pet-friendly events and has several dog-friendly restaurants.
- Sai Kung: Known for its nature trails and dog-friendly beaches, Sai Kung is ideal for adventurous pups. Activities include hiking trails like the MacLehose Trail and relaxing on the beaches. Tai Long Wan beach is particularly popular among dog owners.
- Cyberport Waterfront Park: A spacious park with stunning sea views, perfect for picnics and playtime. The large open spaces are great for running and socializing with other dogs, and there are shaded areas for relaxing.
- Dog-Friendly Hikes: Trails like Dragon’s Back offer scenic views and great exercise for both you and your dog. These trails are well-marked and vary in difficulty, making them suitable for all fitness levels. The Bowen Road Trail is another favorite, offering a gentle walk with beautiful city views.
Comparison: Singapore vs. Hong Kong
Ease of Travel:
- Hong Kong: Easier, requiring fewer vaccines and no rabies antibody test. However, an AVID chip is required upon arrival unless arranged beforehand in Japan, a Special Permit can only be paid for by someone in Hong Kong already which can be troublesome. Can only arrive by cargo
- Singapore: More stringent with additional requirements for rabies testing and detailed health checks.
For a round trip or holiday, remember that Japan requires a valid rabies blood test to re-enter from both Hong Kong and Singapore, along with up-to-date rabies vaccinations. So they’re not much different requirements for a trip. Re-entry from Singapore might be slightly easier given it’s rabies free status.
Conclusion
Both destinations offer fantastic attractions for pet owners moving to a new country. Whether you choose the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong or the lush, green environments of Singapore, both will offer unforgettable experiences for you and your furry companion. Happy travels!
So what do you think? If you were to move from Tokyo with a dog would it be to Singapore or Hong Kong? For me, the fact that you can only fly in via cargo makes Hong Kong a no go for us. It’s a shame as we love Hong Kong. Also the fact that the import permit can only be paid for by someone in Hong Kong makes it quite archaic. Why can’t they let you pay by credit card? Doesn’t make sense to me. Let us know in the comments below. If you need any help or advice on travelling to either country, or wish to contact Dr Matthew Murdoch, please reach out to him via his website. You can also see my experience of importing and exporting from various countries on the relevant pages.
Woof woof, Wylie x
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