In November 2004 the European Community recognised Hong Kong's freedom from rabies by including Hong Kong in the list of third countries from which the non-commercial movement of pet animals to Europe is permitted on the basis of health certification. Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom require additional tests in advance of movement, but pets, if they meet the entry requirements, can now enter those countries without long quarantine periods.

The AFCD has commenced a review of the rabies status of countries which send animals to Hong Kong. The last review was undertaken in 1994. It is hoped that with the progress made in many countires in the control of rabies and the availability of proven tests, the movement of pets with reduced restrictions can be achieved in an increased number of countries.