The political situation in Hong Kong has changed rapidly in recent years, and some Hong Kong people have started to want to go. This has set off a new wave of immigration. However, many immigrant families have pets, and some owners are determined to take their beloved pets away.
Under the tide of immigration, the business of pet immigration companies has increased significantly. Some companies have handled immigration matters for more than 100 pets in the first half of this year, and it is estimated that the demand will remain strong in the next one or two years or after customs clearance.
According to industry insiders, there is a shortage of pet seats at the moment, and some pet owners spend a lot of money to book private jet seats in groups, just to reunite with their pets as soon as possible.
In the first seven months of this year, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has issued 6,985 animal health certificates, which is close to the total number of 7,254 in 2020.
+1
Liu Yuting, the head of Pet Movers who has been engaged in pet immigration services for 20 years, said that Hong Kong has been setting off a wave of immigration in the past two years, and the number of pet immigration has gradually increased.
According to Liu, the number of related inquiries received by the company has increased sharply since 2019, and the overall business volume has also increased by 40 to 50%, reflecting that many immigrant families want to bring their beloved pets to other places.
In the first half of this year, his company successfully handled immigration procedures for more than 100 pets and assisted their owners to reunite with their pets. It is expected that demand will remain strong in the next one or two years.
Liu Yuting said that at present, different countries have different restrictions on the entry of pets. Taking pet dog immigration as an example, they generally require a Hong Kong dog license and chip, and receive rabies vaccination.
Before departure, pet dogs should also go to the veterinary clinic for physical examination to obtain health certificates.
In some countries, such as Australia, Japan and Taiwan, the owner needs to submit a dog's blood test report.
Only 8 to 10 animals can be transported by one card board of a civil aircraft
However, Liu bluntly said that it is not easy to transport pets to other places now, because pets are hard to find.
He explained that this wave of immigration coincided with the new crown epidemic, which caused countries around the world to strengthen immigration controls.
As a result, global flights have dropped sharply, and seats have become tight.
He added that not all airlines are willing to pick up pets. Even airlines that are willing to transport animals can only carry one pallet pet per flight, that is, about 8 to 10 animals (depending on the size of the pet).
Each flight can only carry one pallet pet, that is, about 8 to 10 animals.
(Pet Movers facebook special picture)
With limited space for pets, the price of air tickets will naturally go up. However, there are many families who intend to immigrate, and it is still difficult to reserve seats.
As for popular immigrant countries such as Europe, America, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, etc., some pets need to be booked a few months to a year in advance. Liu suggested that the owner should plan as soon as possible.
Liu Yuting pointed out that the entire pet immigration program, in addition to obtaining entry and exit documents, health certificates, and booking seats in advance, sometimes it is necessary to find pet hotels or take care of pets for pets based on the owner's request.
In the past two years, under the raging epidemic, the immigration and quarantine procedures of various countries have changed from time to time. He also often communicates with members of the International Pet and Animal Transport Organization (IPATA) and the Animal Transport Association (ATA) to learn about the latest immigration information.
He reminded that in some countries during the epidemic, in response to epidemic prevention requirements, the procedures required longer than before, and pets may have to be arranged to stay in isolation centers. Therefore, the cost of pet immigration will inevitably increase, and owners must be psychologically prepared.
200,000 to 300,000 Hong Kong dollars to book private jet seats
However, some owners are willing to spend a lot of money in order to reunite with their pets as soon as possible.
Liu said: "(Guests) really will consider any way." He pointed out, for example, if there are few pet seats on direct flights in the United States, some people will choose to transfer to Europe and then fly to the United States, and some will even use both land and water.
To be more exaggerated, some customers even spend 200,000 to 300,000 Hong Kong dollars to book private jet seats in order to make their pets fly comfortably.
He bluntly said: "Qu Xu is really willing to pay." For two years, Liu Yi has organized private jets for guests to handle pet immigration from time to time.
Hong Kong people treat pets as family members and small animals also emigrate
Liu described that the reason for the increase in the number of pet immigration is that Hong Kong people have changed their perception of pets. They no longer treat pets as playthings, but treat pets as family members.
He said that in addition to pet cats and dogs, many people also arrange immigration for parrots, frogs, lizards, bunnies, etc. Although these small animals are not sold at high prices in pet shops, the immigration costs are often tens of thousands of yuan.
He said with a smile: "Many people like pets, so they don't want to abandon the shelf easily."
Nearly the total number of certificates issued by the AFCD in the first 7 months of this year
At present, pets must have an animal health certificate issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department before immigration or export. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department issued 7,488 and 7,254 certificates in 2019 and 2020 respectively; and in the first 7 months of 2021, The Fisheries and Conservation Department has issued 6,985 certificates, which is close to the annual total of the past two years, reflecting the increasing trend of pet immigration.
01News