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Pet travel route

Dog or cat from Hong Kong SAR China to Ecuador: the rules

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least 2 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: rabies vaccination valid on arrival (a first vaccination at least 14 days before), dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus vaccinations valid on arrival and vet examination within 10 days before the trip and 2 more.

Rules checked up to 12 October 2026From 5 official pages

In short

At a glance

How early to start (dogs)

2 weeks

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: Rabies vaccination valid on arrival (a first vaccination at least 14 days before) (a first vaccination at least 14 days before arrival)

No official wait

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (dogs)

  • No rabies blood test
  • No import permit
  • No quarantine
  • Parasite treatment before travel

How early to start (cats)

2 weeks

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: Rabies vaccination valid on arrival (a first vaccination at least 14 days before) (a first vaccination at least 14 days before arrival)

No official wait

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (cats)

  • No rabies blood test
  • No import permit
  • No quarantine
  • Parasite treatment before travel

Prefer a feed reader? Hong Kong SAR China rule changes · Ecuador rule changes

Hong Kong SAR China → Ecuador

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether Hong Kong SAR China (leaving) or Ecuador (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

  1. Get ready

    1. Age ruleEntering Ecuador

      Older than 4 months, identified by name, tattoo or microchip

      Your dog or cat must be older than 4 months when it enters Ecuador and be identified by its name, a tattoo or a microchip.

      Details and the official words

      “Los animales de compañía convencionales deberán tener una edad mayor a 4 meses y estar identificados mediante nombre, tatuaje o un microchip.”

    2. VaccinationEntering Ecuador

      Rabies vaccination valid on arrival (a first vaccination at least 14 days before)

      Your pet's rabies vaccination must be valid when it arrives in Ecuador. If it is your pet's first rabies vaccination, at least 14 days must have passed since it was given.

      Details and the official words

      “Las siguientes vacunas tienen que encontrarse vigentes al arribo de los animales al país bajo las siguientes consideraciones:”

      “Rabia. - Únicamente para esta enfermedad, en caso de ser la primera vacunación del animal para su ingreso al país, al menos deberá haber pasado catorce (14) días desde el día de la aplicación de la vacuna.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Ecuador

      Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus vaccinations valid on arrival

      Your dog's vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus must be valid when it arrives in Ecuador.

      Details and the official words
  2. In the days before you travel

    1. Vet examEntering Ecuador

      Vet examination within 10 days before the trip

      A vet recognised by your country's official veterinary service examines your pet within the 10 days before the trip and finds it free of signs of infectious or parasitic disease and of healing wounds. The certificate gives the species, age, breed, sex and coat colour.

      Details and the official words

      “El animal fue sometido a un examen clínico por parte de un médico veterinario reconocido por el Servicio veterinario oficial del país de origen dentro de los 10 días previos al viaje y que al momento de realizar el mismo, éste se encontró libre de signos clínicos de enfermedades infectocontagiosas, parasitarias, así como, de la presencia de heridas en procesos de cicatrización”

    2. TreatmentEntering Ecuador

      Internal and external parasite treatment within 21 days before boarding

      Your pet is treated against internal and external parasites within the 21 days before boarding, with products authorised in your country. The certificate gives the product name, active ingredient and date.

      Details and the official words

      “El animal recibió un tratamiento antiparasitario interno y externo dentro de los veintiún (21) días previos al embarque con productos autorizados para su uso en el país de origen, detallando nombre del producto, principio activo, y la fecha de aplicación.”

    3. PaperworkHong Kong SAR China and Ecuador

      Official export health certificate, issued at most 10 days before arrival

      The official veterinary service of your pet's country issues (or endorses) an export health certificate, in Spanish or English, stating that your pet meets Ecuador's requirements. It must be issued no more than 10 calendar days before your pet enters Ecuador. Show it on arrival: for a pet in the cabin, with your checked luggage or crossing a land border, it is the only document needed.

      Details and the official words

      AFCD endorsement or certification of the health certificate: If the destination needs an official stamp: take the completed health certificate from a registered vet (normally issued within 10 days before departure, or as the destination specifies), vaccination records, dog licence (dogs only), any import permit and other original documents to AFCD in person. Endorsement or certification is ready the next working day (same session: morning applications the next morning, afternoon the next afternoon).

      AFCD's certificate is valid for 10 days from issue in general, but the destination's rules decide.

      “El animal estará amparado por un Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación expedido o avalado por el Servicio Veterinario Oficial del país de origen con fecha de emisión no mayor a diez (10) días calendario previos al ingreso de los animales al Ecuador, mismo que deberá presentarse en idioma español o inglés.”

      “Para ingresar a Ecuador debe presentar el Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación de su perro y/o gato otorgado por el Servicio Veterinario Oficial del país de origen, el mismo deberá presentarse en idioma español o inglés, detallando el cumpliendo de los requisitos sanitarios exigidos por Ecuador.”

      “Cuando el perro o gato arribe al país en la cabina del avión junto al pasajero o por un paso fronterizo terrestre, no necesitará obtener el Permiso Zoosanitario de Importación, pero obligatoriamente deberá presentar el Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación emitido en el país de origen.”

      “normally issued within 10 days prior to departure, or as specified by the destination country/place”

      “Official Endorsement/Official Certification of Information on an Animal Health Certificate: one working day.”

Only in some cases

  1. Vet exam · only in some casesLeaving Hong Kong SAR China

    AFCD official veterinary examination (only if the destination requires it)

    If the destination specifically requires an Official Veterinary Examination, apply for an Official Animal Health Certificate instead: bring your pet to AFCD, where a Government Veterinary Officer inspects it before issuing the certificate (ready in two working days). Book an appointment on 2150 7062 at least 10 working days before the inspection.

    Details and the official words

    “You must make an appointment at least 10 working days prior to the expected date of inspection.”

Good to know

  • These are Agrocalidad's rules for entering mainland Ecuador. The Galápagos Islands have their own biosecurity agency (ABG), which controls what animals may be brought to the islands: ask ABG before planning to take a dog or cat there. We don't cover the Galápagos.
  • A pet in the cabin, delivered with your checked luggage, or crossing a land border only needs the export health certificate. If your pet flies in the cargo hold, it also needs an import permit: see the permit step (email the arrival airport 72 hours before arrival).
  • If one of the required vaccines isn't approved for use in your pet's country, the export certificate must say so and you must have your pet vaccinated during your stay in Ecuador.
  • If your pet will go back to a country that asks for a rabies antibody blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml, at a lab approved by that country) or a microchip, check this before you travel to Ecuador.
  • AFCD tells you to contact the destination's government authority and your airline or shipping company for the import requirements; you may also need an import permit or licence from the destination.
  • Will your pet come back to Hong Kong? Certain steps must be completed before export, so check AFCD's guidance for returning pets first.
  • AFCD applications are made in person at the Certification Desk (Counter No. 9), 5th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, Monday to Friday (closed weekends and public holidays). Fees are paid when you apply.

Cats

  1. Get ready

    1. Age ruleEntering Ecuador

      Older than 4 months, identified by name, tattoo or microchip

      Your dog or cat must be older than 4 months when it enters Ecuador and be identified by its name, a tattoo or a microchip.

      Details and the official words

      “Los animales de compañía convencionales deberán tener una edad mayor a 4 meses y estar identificados mediante nombre, tatuaje o un microchip.”

    2. VaccinationEntering Ecuador

      Rabies vaccination valid on arrival (a first vaccination at least 14 days before)

      Your pet's rabies vaccination must be valid when it arrives in Ecuador. If it is your pet's first rabies vaccination, at least 14 days must have passed since it was given.

      Details and the official words

      “Las siguientes vacunas tienen que encontrarse vigentes al arribo de los animales al país bajo las siguientes consideraciones:”

      “Rabia. - Únicamente para esta enfermedad, en caso de ser la primera vacunación del animal para su ingreso al país, al menos deberá haber pasado catorce (14) días desde el día de la aplicación de la vacuna.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Ecuador

      Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus vaccinations valid on arrival

      Your cat's vaccinations against feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus must be valid when it arrives in Ecuador.

      Details and the official words
  2. In the days before you travel

    1. Vet examEntering Ecuador

      Vet examination within 10 days before the trip

      A vet recognised by your country's official veterinary service examines your pet within the 10 days before the trip and finds it free of signs of infectious or parasitic disease and of healing wounds. The certificate gives the species, age, breed, sex and coat colour.

      Details and the official words

      “El animal fue sometido a un examen clínico por parte de un médico veterinario reconocido por el Servicio veterinario oficial del país de origen dentro de los 10 días previos al viaje y que al momento de realizar el mismo, éste se encontró libre de signos clínicos de enfermedades infectocontagiosas, parasitarias, así como, de la presencia de heridas en procesos de cicatrización”

    2. TreatmentEntering Ecuador

      Internal and external parasite treatment within 21 days before boarding

      Your pet is treated against internal and external parasites within the 21 days before boarding, with products authorised in your country. The certificate gives the product name, active ingredient and date.

      Details and the official words

      “El animal recibió un tratamiento antiparasitario interno y externo dentro de los veintiún (21) días previos al embarque con productos autorizados para su uso en el país de origen, detallando nombre del producto, principio activo, y la fecha de aplicación.”

    3. PaperworkHong Kong SAR China and Ecuador

      Official export health certificate, issued at most 10 days before arrival

      The official veterinary service of your pet's country issues (or endorses) an export health certificate, in Spanish or English, stating that your pet meets Ecuador's requirements. It must be issued no more than 10 calendar days before your pet enters Ecuador. Show it on arrival: for a pet in the cabin, with your checked luggage or crossing a land border, it is the only document needed.

      Details and the official words

      AFCD endorsement or certification of the health certificate: If the destination needs an official stamp: take the completed health certificate from a registered vet (normally issued within 10 days before departure, or as the destination specifies), vaccination records, dog licence (dogs only), any import permit and other original documents to AFCD in person. Endorsement or certification is ready the next working day (same session: morning applications the next morning, afternoon the next afternoon).

      AFCD's certificate is valid for 10 days from issue in general, but the destination's rules decide.

      “El animal estará amparado por un Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación expedido o avalado por el Servicio Veterinario Oficial del país de origen con fecha de emisión no mayor a diez (10) días calendario previos al ingreso de los animales al Ecuador, mismo que deberá presentarse en idioma español o inglés.”

      “Para ingresar a Ecuador debe presentar el Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación de su perro y/o gato otorgado por el Servicio Veterinario Oficial del país de origen, el mismo deberá presentarse en idioma español o inglés, detallando el cumpliendo de los requisitos sanitarios exigidos por Ecuador.”

      “Cuando el perro o gato arribe al país en la cabina del avión junto al pasajero o por un paso fronterizo terrestre, no necesitará obtener el Permiso Zoosanitario de Importación, pero obligatoriamente deberá presentar el Certificado Zoosanitario de Exportación emitido en el país de origen.”

      “normally issued within 10 days prior to departure, or as specified by the destination country/place”

      “Official Endorsement/Official Certification of Information on an Animal Health Certificate: one working day.”

Only in some cases

  1. Vet exam · only in some casesLeaving Hong Kong SAR China

    AFCD official veterinary examination (only if the destination requires it)

    If the destination specifically requires an Official Veterinary Examination, apply for an Official Animal Health Certificate instead: bring your pet to AFCD, where a Government Veterinary Officer inspects it before issuing the certificate (ready in two working days). Book an appointment on 2150 7062 at least 10 working days before the inspection.

    Details and the official words

    “You must make an appointment at least 10 working days prior to the expected date of inspection.”

Good to know

  • These are Agrocalidad's rules for entering mainland Ecuador. The Galápagos Islands have their own biosecurity agency (ABG), which controls what animals may be brought to the islands: ask ABG before planning to take a dog or cat there. We don't cover the Galápagos.
  • A pet in the cabin, delivered with your checked luggage, or crossing a land border only needs the export health certificate. If your pet flies in the cargo hold, it also needs an import permit: see the permit step (email the arrival airport 72 hours before arrival).
  • If one of the required vaccines isn't approved for use in your pet's country, the export certificate must say so and you must have your pet vaccinated during your stay in Ecuador.
  • If your pet will go back to a country that asks for a rabies antibody blood test (at least 0.5 IU/ml, at a lab approved by that country) or a microchip, check this before you travel to Ecuador.
  • AFCD tells you to contact the destination's government authority and your airline or shipping company for the import requirements; you may also need an import permit or licence from the destination.
  • Will your pet come back to Hong Kong? Certain steps must be completed before export, so check AFCD's guidance for returning pets first.
  • Bengal and Savannah cats (and crosses) need documents showing they are 5th generation or later of domestic ancestry and not controlled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586.
  • AFCD applications are made in person at the Certification Desk (Counter No. 9), 5th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, Monday to Friday (closed weekends and public holidays). Fees are paid when you apply.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Hong Kong SAR China publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

No fee applies to every trip; these may, depending on your case

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

No published prices yet for Hong Kong SAR China: parasite treatment, rabies vaccination.

Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices

Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.

Round trip

Coming back to Hong Kong SAR China

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Hong Kong SAR China (dogs).

The trip back asks for 9 steps: AFCD Special Permit, microchip (ISO or AVID), core vaccinations (within the last year) and book quarantine and more.

Do before your pet leaves Hong Kong SAR China (cats)

  • Book quarantine

Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.

The trip back asks for 8 steps: AFCD Special Permit, microchip (ISO or AVID), core vaccinations (within the last year) and book quarantine and more.

Every step from Ecuador to Hong Kong SAR China

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Hong Kong SAR China to Ecuador?

No. The official rules we have verified for this route don't ask for a rabies blood test.

Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Ecuador?

No. The official rules we have verified for this route don't ask for an import permit.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Ecuador?

Not on the routes we have verified: the official rules list no quarantine for a pet that meets the requirements.

How early should I start preparing my pet for Hong Kong SAR China to Ecuador?

With nothing done yet, start at least 2 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: rabies vaccination valid on arrival (a first vaccination at least 14 days before), dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus vaccinations valid on arrival and vet examination within 10 days before the trip and 2 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

Read next

Turn this into dates for your pet

Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.

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