How to apply for the exemption examination for large dogs held by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department?

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

A dog owner should hold his/her large dog (weighted over 20kg) on a leash not more than 2 metres in length when in public places. This requirement does not apply to dogs in any country parks or while swimming at sea.

If a dog owner wants to exercise his/her dog off leash, he/she may participate in "Exemption Examination for Large Dogs" held by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). If the dog demonstrates that it can be controlled off leash in the exemption examination, exemption will be offered to the dog owner. Please note that participation in the examination is voluntary. Owners of large dogs who are content to exercise their dogs on leash in public places and outdoor areas need not apply to sit for this examination.

Please refer to www.pets.gov.hk for

Protocol and content of the examination
Registration quota and schedule of the examination

Application Details

Document

Completed Application form for exemption examination for large dogs (available for download on the AFCD's website at the start of the application period)
Copy of valid dog licence
Copy of valid vaccination certificate of major infectious diseases (i.e. Canine distemper virus, Canine parvovirus and Canine contagious hepatitis virus)
Written proof to certify that the dog's body weight is equal to or over 20kg
1. A written proof issued by a private veterinary clinic (including medical records issued within 6 months prior to the application date) showing the AVID microchip number and the dog's body weight; or
2. AFCD staff will issue a "Confirmation of Dog Body Weight" form after weighing the dog at the AFCD's Animal Management Centre

If the applicant cannot provide the above proof of the dog's weight, the dog can be weighed on-site on the day of the Large Dog Exemption Examination. However, if the dog's weight is less than 20kg on the examination date, AFCD may refuse the dog from taking the exam on the spot.

Application Procedures

Please go to AFCD's website to check the schedules of exemption examination for larger dogs and download application form (available for download on the AFCD's website at the start of the application period)
Send the completed application form and required documents to AFCD New Territories South Animal Management Centre within the application period. You may submit the documents by fax, by mail or in person -

NT South Animal Management Centre
Address: 11 To Shek Path, Shatin, N.T.
Fax: 2609 4642

Fee

Free of Charge

Please Note:

To avoid possible conflict with ongoing legal proceedings, any application involving a dog currently under investigation in a biter case will be declined until the case has been concluded.
Even if a dog has passed the Large Dog Exemption Examination, if the keeper of the dog contravenes any condition specified in Cap. 167F section 1(1), AFCD reserves the right to consider cessation of exemption for the dog concerned.

Last Revision Date: 26 Nov 2025

Want to learn more?

Visit

GovHK

Ask 1823

Web Form

1823 Mobile App