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

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

 Application procedures for the Large Dog Exemption Examination

  • Under Hong Kong law, all large dogs must be securely held on a leash not longer than 2 metres when in public places.  In country parks, large dogs may be exercised without a leash, provided they are still under effective control.
  • If a large dog is considered well trained and the owner wishes to allow it to exercise off leash, the dog may participate in the Large Dog Exemption Examination. If the dog demonstrates that it can be controlled off leash in the exemption examination, exemption will be offered to the dog owner.
  • 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
Documents 
  1. Completed Application form for exemption examination for large dogs (available for download on the AFCD's website at the start of the application period)
  2. Copy of valid dog licence

  3. Copy of valid vaccination certificate of major infectious diseases (i.e. Canine distemper virus, Canine parvovirus and Canine contagious hepatitis virus)
  4. Written proof to certify that the dog's body weight is equal to or over 20kg
  • 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
  • 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
  1. 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)
  2. 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.

 

  • Controls for different types of dogs, please click here

  • How to apply for or renew a dog licence, please click here

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Last Revision Date: 26 Aug 2026
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