Hong Kong dog licences are issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). All dogs aged 3 months can be vaccinated, microchipped and licensed, and the first application must be completed before they turn 5 months old; the licence is valid for 3 years.
Dog Licence Application Process
From 3 months of age a dog can be given the rabies vaccination, implanted with a microchip and licensed, and this must be done before it turns 5 months old. No appointment is needed — you can attend an AFCD district Animal Management Centre, a vaccination and licensing station, a private veterinary clinic or an SPCA centre.
Steps at a glance:
- Bring your dog and the required documents to the service location in person.
- Have the vaccination given on-site (first-time or renewal) and the microchip implanted (first-time).
- After paying the $80 fee (AFCD service), collect the dog licence on the spot or by post.
- If you apply online, bring your dog to a centre for verification within 14 days, providing the application reference number.
Service locations (Animal Management Centres across Hong Kong, open on Sundays and public holidays):
- New Territories North：上水石湖墟馬會道13號（2672 4563）
- New Territories South：沙田多石徑11號（2691 2269）
- Kowloon：啟德承佑街16號（2362 6988）
- Hong Kong Island：域多利道688號（2550 9211）
Required Documents Checklist
Bring the following documents and your dog when applying for the first time or renewing:
| Document Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dog owner’s HKID card | Original and photocopy | Agents require an authorisation letter and the agent’s HKID card |
| $80 cash | Fee per dog licence | AFCD service; private vets charged separately |
| Old dog licence | Bring when renewing | A replacement is required if lost |
| Authorisation letter | Used when applying via an agent | Signed by the dog owner, with a copy of the HKID card attached |
| Transfer documents | When a dog changes ownership | Form A/B or a letter stating the microchip number |
Form downloads:
Renewal Timeline and Fees
A dog licence is valid for 3 years; renew it by re-vaccinating before it expires. If the dog is already microchipped, no re-implantation is needed for renewal. You must notify the AFCD in writing within 5 days of moving home or transferring ownership.
Fee schedule:
| Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AFCD service (includes vaccination + microchip + licence) | $80/dog | First-time or renewal; private vets charged separately |
| Replacing a valid dog licence | $82 | Apply with your original HKID card |
| Late-renewal fine | Up to $10,000 | Not licensed after 5 months of age |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old must a dog be to apply for a dog licence?
A: At 3 months old it can be vaccinated and licensed, and this must be completed before it turns 5 months old, otherwise there is a $10,000 fine.
Q2: Can a sick dog be vaccinated?
A: It is advisable to consult a registered vet first; if the dog is pregnant or on medication, its health condition needs to be assessed.
Q3: How do I replace a lost dog licence?
A: For a valid licence, bring your HKID card to the original licensing centre to obtain a replacement for $82; if it has expired, you renew it (vaccination included).
Q4: What do I do if my dog changes ownership or I move home?
A: Notify in writing within 5 days, providing the microchip number and a copy of your HKID card; for a transfer, both the old and new keepers must sign the back of the dog licence.
Q5: Can a licence be jointly registered or held in a company’s name?
A: No — it is limited to one individual holding an HKID card.
Q6: How do I use the electronic dog licence?
A: Log in via iAM Smart to view it on the AFCD Animal Management webpage; no extra application is needed, and it can replace the paper copy.
Official Resources and Downloads
- AFCD dog licence page：https://www.pets.gov.hk/tc_chi/proper_care_of_pets/dogs/dog_licence.html
- Animal Management Centre addresses：Details of all centres
- Chatbot Genie: answers common dog-licence questions and supports both English and Traditional/Simplified Chinese
- Enquiry hotline: 1823 or the phone number of each centre
