Bringing your pets with you when you travel can add to the enjoyment of the trip but it’s not as easy as it might sound. You have to plan early and make sure you have all the right documents and take appropriate steps when you arrive in your new destination country, especially if that country happens to be China. Here’s what you need to know about how to bring your pet to China.
Step #1: Evidence of rabies vaccine
When your pet enters China, it must have received at least TWO rabies vaccines throughout the course of its lifespan and be up to date on both.
The health certificate must be accompanied by an original copy of the most recent rabies vaccination certificate, which must be given to the quarantine officials upon arrival in China and may be stored by them.
Please bring copies of your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate with you since they could be needed.
Step #2: Microchip identification
The first thing you’ll need to do is get your pet a microchip. There are different types of chips, so make sure that you research the type that is best for your pet and will be recognized in China. The chip should be implanted under their skin and the process is relatively quick.
Once they have the chip, it will be linked to a database where all their vaccinations and information can be stored. Next, you’ll want to make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all their shots.
They might need additional shots depending on where they’re going or what kind of animals live there but this might cost extra money and time if they’re not used to receiving these injections before.
Step #3: Rabies titer test evidence
The health certificate for your pet must be accompanied by an original rabies titer test laboratory report that certifies the animal has an antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/mL.
This record must also be given to the quarantine officials upon arrival in China, who may keep it. A licensed laboratory must be used for rabies testing. Testing must take place the day of or the day after the second rabies shot is administered.
Step #4: Get your pet’s health certificate
Before you can bring your pet to China, you’ll need a health certificate.
The following information about the animal must be included in the health certificate:
- Microchip serial number, implantation time, and place
- birth date or age
- Information on the rabies vaccine, including:
- Type (inactive, modified or recombinant) (inactive, modified or recombinant)
- Date of the vaccine shot
- When the vaccine’s shelf life runs out
- the brand of the vaccine that was given
- Name of the firm that produces vaccines
- Information about rabies antibody titer tests, including:
- Date of sample collection
- Laboratory’s name
- Results of a rabies titer test
- a declaration that the animal has undergone a clinical checkup and is healthy.
An authentic copy of the most recent rabies vaccination certificate and the rabies titer test result must be enclosed with health certificates.
Step #5: Arrival documentation Checklist
- A recent rabies vaccination certificate in original form, as well as the results of the rabies titer laboratory test, must be submitted with the pet’s health certificate.
- Each pet must have its own copy of the traveler’s passport.
- Additionally needed are one photocopy and a digital shot of the animal printed on plain paper.
- It is best to put something in the picture of a giant dog to assist the viewer to determine the size of the animal.
- Your pet, fees, and all necessary paperwork must be brought to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) office at the airport when you arrive. The Quarantine Officials may keep these papers.
Final Step: Pet registration upon arrival in China
Within a month of arriving in China, dogs must be registered with the local police in your area of residence.
For further information on registering your pet, get in touch with the neighborhood police department.
Keep in mind that there are some restrictions on which pets can be imported into China
If you’re considering bringing your pet with you when you move to China, there are some things you need to know first:
- What type of animal are you bringing in and where are they from? Are they a cat or a dog?
- Where did you purchase them? Did the country you purchased them from have any restrictions on importing animals into China?
- How much do they weigh and how long is their hair length? Is it an adult or a young pet?
Pets that enter China must meet certain health requirements, so if you plan on taking your pet with you to China, be sure they’re up-to-date with vaccinations and other necessary procedures. Certain pets may require additional steps before entering the country, such as having their blood tested for rabies.
