Moving to China with a dog requires careful planning, specific veterinary paperwork, and coordination with airlines and Chinese customs.
Only dogs and cats are permitted as personal imports in most cases, and there are strict rules about microchips, rabies vaccination and testing, health certificates, and quarantine that vary by origin country and arrival port.
Quick checklist (what you must prepare)
- Microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 (or a reader available at departure/arrival).
- Up-to-date rabies vaccinations and, where required, rabies neutralizing antibody test (RNAT) from an approved lab.
- Veterinary clinical inspection and endorsed health certificate within the required time window before travel.
- Customs/import documents or import permit if bringing more than the allowed number or shipping as cargo.
- Airline reservations and approved pet travel container; prepare for either cabin or cargo depending on airline rules and pet size.
- Contingency funds and time for possible quarantine on arrival if paperwork or tests are missing or nonconforming.
Legal and regulatory essentials
China’s import rules focus on public health risk control and therefore tightly regulate pet entry.
Only dogs and cats are normally allowed without a formal import permit when arriving with their owner as accompanied baggage; other species or multiple animals may require additional permits or travel as cargo.
An animal health clinical inspection by official agencies in the departure country within 14 days of arrival is a mandatory part of the process in many jurisdictions.
If pets lack required documentation, do not have microchips, or test results are missing or invalid, they can be quarantined, returned to origin, or in extreme cases euthanized under local law.
Timeline and milestone plan (start at least 3 months before travel)
- 3–6 months before travel: confirm destination city rules and airline pet policy; book flights and arrange veterinary timeline.
- 2–3 months before travel: ensure microchip implantation and rabies vaccination series completed; check if your origin country requires RNAT and which labs are accepted by Chinese customs.
- 2–4 weeks before travel: obtain official clinical inspection and export health certificate; secure USDA (or relevant authority) endorsement when required; schedule travel crate acceptance checks with airline.
- 14 days before arrival: final clinical inspection window commonly required; ensure certificates use required wording and signatures.
- Day of travel: bring originals of all documents, proof of airline booking for pet, and a comfortable, IATA-compliant crate.
Microchip, vaccines, and blood tests
Microchip: China typically requires pets to be implanted with an ISO-compatible microchip. If your chip is not ISO standard, you must bring your own scanner or arrange for re-chipping before departure.
Rabies vaccine: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies and the timing of the vaccine relative to the RNAT matters for eligibility; some countries and pathways are eligible for exemptions but most require proof of a valid rabies vaccination prior to testing or travel.
Rabies neutralizing antibody test (RNAT): Depending on your departure country and China’s current list of designated countries or regions, an RNAT issued by a China-trusted laboratory may be required to demonstrate adequate rabies antibody levels; pets without acceptable RNATs risk quarantine on arrival.
Health certificates and endorsements
Most exporters must present an official health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA endorsement for U.S. exports).
China accepts certain formats and often requires original ink signatures and embossing; electronic signatures may be accepted for some steps but final endorsed originals are usually required by Chinese customs.
Airline rules and travel modes
Airlines differ widely on whether they allow small dogs in cabin or require transport as manifest cargo or checked baggage.
In recent years several Chinese carriers have expanded in-cabin pet services on specific routes and introduced dedicated pet seats or improved pet-cargo modules, but policies vary by airline, route, and aircraft type.
International carriers may permit small dogs in-cabin under strict size/weight and container rules; check the airline’s pet policy and reserve pet spots early because capacity is limited.
Ports of entry, quarantine facilities, and inspections
China inspects incoming pets at customs ports and may require quarantine under specific cases: pets without chips, pets lacking an acceptable RNAT when required, or those showing clinical signs of disease during inspection can be isolated or quarantined.
Quarantine length and location depend on findings and documentation; some cities maintain on-site quarantine facilities or designated animal quarantine stations.
Confirm the designated inspection/quarantine facility for your arrival airport in advance.
Practical steps for booking and travel day
- Reserve flights and inform the airline you’re traveling with a dog; ask whether the pet will travel in-cabin, as checked baggage, or manifest cargo and what documentation they require at check-in.
- Choose an IATA-compliant crate sized so your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably; label crate with contact and destination details.
- Pack originals of the endorsed health certificate, vaccination card, RNAT report (if required), microchip documentation, and import permit (if applicable) in your carry documents.
- Arrive early at the airport to allow time for additional checks; make sure the dog has had a calm pre-flight routine and limited feeding to reduce stress.
- At arrival, present documents to Chinese customs and the inspection point; expect a clinical inspection and possible follow-up questions from quarantine officers.
Costs to budget
- Veterinary visit and microchip: varies by country.
- Rabies vaccination and RNAT laboratory fees: moderate to high depending on lab and country.
- Official health certificate and endorsement (e.g., USDA fees and postage): fees apply.
- Airline pet fees: cabin or cargo fees vary widely; some Chinese airlines now charge extra for dedicated pet seats or in-cabin pet reservations.
- Quarantine fees if required: variable based on length and facility.
- Pet relocation or customs broker fees if you choose professional help.
Airlines and pet-friendly options (summary table)
| Airline or service | In-cabin option; notes | Cargo/manifest option |
|---|---|---|
| Hainan Airlines | Some routes allow pets in cabin; dedicated services offered | Pet cargo in specialized compartments; resumed services after pandemic停 |
| China Southern Airlines | Pilot in-cabin pet seats on select routes; pet cargo available | Pet cargo on many international routes |
| China Eastern Air China Juneyao | Limited in-cabin on select flights; check specific aircraft/routes | Cargo and checked options depending on destination |
| International carriers (varies) | Many allow small dogs in cabin subject to size and crate rules | Cargo or manifest options with advance arrangements |
Sources: rustourismnews.com Travelnuity 上海市政府.
When things go wrong: common problems and remedies
- Missing or non-endorsed health certificate: your pet may be denied entry or quarantined; remedy by contacting origin veterinary authority for corrective endorsement if time permits.
- RNAT missing or from non-recognized lab: possible quarantine or return; check accepted lab lists ahead of testing.
- Airline refusal at check-in due to crate or paperwork mismatch: keep digital and hard copies and broker contact numbers; arrive early to resolve issues with carrier staff.
Local rules inside China: registration and pet ownership
After arrival and customs clearance, many Chinese cities require pet registration and local licensing, plus compliance with leash and public vaccination rules.
Municipal policies vary: some cities have pet limits in apartments, breed restrictions, or mandatory registration that includes microchip data and owner contact information.
Always register your dog locally where required and follow municipal rules for public spaces.
Importing multiple pets or shipping as cargo
China’s permissive “1 pet per carrier per entry” rule for accompanied personal imports often means transporting more than one dog will require separate accompanying travelers or an import permit and cargo arrangements; pets traveling as cargo require different documentation and customs procedures and may be subject to stricter inspection and quarantine protocols.
Exiting China with a pet
Exiting China also demands planning: many countries require pre-export health certificates and tests from the Chinese authorities or local veterinarians with endorsement.
Start exit paperwork months before departure, particularly if your destination country has strict re-entry rules; plan for variable processing times and check the latest exit requirements from Chinese animal health authorities or export points.
Hiring professional help: when it’s worth it
If you’re unsure, relocating multiple animals, or shipping as cargo, using a pet relocation specialist, customs broker, or experienced international vet can reduce risk and paperwork mistakes.
Professionals can arrange endorsements, coordinate RNAT timing, book cargo or in-cabin slots, and liaise with airline and customs officials to reduce surprises and potential quarantine—especially valuable for complex routes or tight timelines.
Practical tips for pet comfort and safety
- Accustom your dog to the travel crate weeks before travel with positive reinforcement.
- Avoid sedatives unless prescribed; many airlines prohibit sedated animals.
- Use absorbent bedding, attach an ID card inside the crate, and include a small familiar item with scent.
- Ensure water access via an attached bottle or bowl that won’t spill; consider pre-flight hydration and light feeding schedule.
- Monitor climate conditions for hold travel; extreme heat or cold seasons may restrict travel for safety reasons.
Decision matrix: bring your dog or rehome temporarily?
Consider the following attributes when deciding whether to bring your dog: stress to the animal, cost, paperwork complexity, quarantine risk, and availability of veterinary follow-up in destination city.
If the move is short-term, or the dog has medical or behavioral vulnerabilities, temporary rehoming with a trusted caregiver may be less traumatic and cheaper than international relocation.
If you choose relocation, plan early and use professional assistance for smoother outcomes.
Final checklist before departure
- Confirm microchip and scan results.
- Verify rabies vaccine validity and RNAT status if required.
- Obtain official clinical inspection and endorsed health certificate within accepted time window.
- Reserve and confirm pet booking with airline, confirm crate specifications and in-cabin/cargo method.
- Pack originals of all documents and local contact info for arrival port quarantine or inspection station.
- Prepare pet comfort items and emergency funds for unexpected quarantine or delays.
Table of common document types and typical timing
| Document | Typical provider | Typical timing before arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip record | Accredited vet | At least 3 months before travel |
| Rabies vaccination record | Accredited vet | Completed prior to RNAT and travel |
| Rabies neutralizing antibody test | Accredited lab accepted by China | Weeks to months before travel depending on timing |
| Veterinary export health certificate | Accredited veterinarian | Within clinical inspection window (often 14 days) |
| National authority endorsement (e.g., USDA) | National veterinary authority | After certificate issuance; allow postage/processing time |
| Import permit (if needed) | Chinese authorities | Varies; apply well in advance |
Sources: aphis.usda.gov 上海市政府 China Highlights.
Sources and further reading
- Shanghai municipal guide: How to bring pets to China 上海市政府.
- China Highlights: Bringing a Pet to China (explanatory guide) China Highlights.
- TravelChinaWith.me: AIO Guide to Bring Pet to China (2025 requirements) travelchinawith.me.
- RustourismNews: Pets in Cabins? China’s Airlines Are Saying Yes rustourismnews.com.
- Travelnuity: Which Asian Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin in 2025 Travelnuity.
- Shanghai municipal article on airline pet services and expansion 上海市政府.
- ICVS Asia: Exiting from China with Pets (practical exit planning) icvsasia.com.
- USDA APHIS: Pet Travel From the United States to China (endorsement and certificate rules) aphis.usda.gov.
Next steps I recommend
- Confirm your departure country’s list of labs and China’s current designated countries list for RNAT exemptions or requirements; book tests early.
- Contact your chosen airline now to reserve the pet spot and confirm documentation requirements for your specific flight.
- Consider hiring a pet relocation broker if you have multiple animals, complex routing, or limited time to coordinate endorsements and cargo logistics.
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