Moving to China with pets requires careful planning, paperwork, and timing.
This guide covers a complete relocation checklist, the pet import process by country, quarantine rules, timeline, cost estimates, and sample forms you’ll need.
Quick checklist (high-level)
- Research: Local regulations, city of arrival, housing rules, airline policies.
- Vet visits: Microchip, vaccinations (especially rabies), blood tests if required, health certificate.
- Paperwork: Export health certificate, import permit (if required), vaccination records, passport ID page copies.
- Transport: Approved crate, direct flights when possible, airline booking and pet reservation.
- Quarantine booking: If destination requires quarantine, book in advance.
- Arrival logistics: Customs clearance, local vet appointment within 7–30 days.
- Housing & care: Arrange temporary boarding or pet-friendly rental; register pet with local authorities if required.
Pet import process by country (how origin affects requirements)
Moving pets to China is handled differently depending on the origin country.
Some countries enjoy streamlined procedures; others require more testing and documentation.
Key steps that vary by origin country
- Microchip implantation prior to vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination timing and booster rules.
- Rabies antibody titer test (FAVN) requirement for certain countries.
- Waiting period after titer test for countries that need it.
- Import permit requirement depending on city/port and origin.
- Quarantine duration (if any) based on origin and completeness of documentation.
Table: Typical import pathway by origin category
| Origin Category | Typical Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Countries with low rabies incidence (e.g., Japan, Australia, New Zealand) | Microchip; rabies vaccine; FAVN titer test; export health certificate; often shorter or no quarantine | Many require a waiting period after FAVN test |
| Countries with controlled rabies (EU, UK) | Microchip; two rabies vaccines; FAVN titer test if required; export certificate | Procedures similar across many EU states |
| High-risk rabies countries | Microchip; rabies vaccine; often quarantine on arrival; additional vet checks | Expect longer lead times and higher costs |
| Transit-only countries | Follow origin country’s export rules and China’s import rules; documentation continuity is critical | Avoid vaccine lapses during transit |
Quarantine rules and entry points
China’s quarantine rules depend on the port of entry and completeness of documents.
Some major international airports and border ports have animal inspection and quarantine stations able to process arrivals.
If paperwork or health status doesn’t meet Chinese requirements, pets may be subject to quarantine at government-run facilities for a specified period or returned to origin.
What triggers quarantine
- Missing or inconsistent paperwork.
- No microchip or wrong microchip standard.
- Rabies vaccination out of date or outside required window.
- Lack of valid health certificate issued within required time frame.
- Country-specific restrictions or temporary bans.
What to expect during quarantine
- Veterinary inspection on arrival.
- Isolation at a government facility or approved establishment.
- Daily health checks and documentation of feeding and care.
- Release only after paperwork and health criteria are satisfied or after completion of the mandated period.
Timeline — planning calendar (recommended)
Moving a pet to China requires backward planning from your intended arrival date.
4–6 months before departure
- Confirm destination city’s specific rules and whether an import permit is needed.
- Consult both your local vet and an export agent experienced with China.
- Arrange microchip implantation if not already done.
2–4 months before departure
- Complete rabies vaccinations and record dates.
- If your origin requires a rabies antibody titer (FAVN), draw blood after the primary rabies vaccine; allow a minimum of 3–4 weeks for lab results.
- Start gathering vaccination records, registration documents, and pet passport (if applicable).
4–8 weeks before departure
- Obtain export health certificate from an accredited veterinarian and the relevant government endorsement (e.g., USDA APHIS endorsement for US pets).
- Book flights and confirm airline-specific pet policies.
- If quarantine is required at destination, secure quarantine bookings.
1–2 weeks before departure
- Re-check all documents; ensure health certificate is within the acceptable issuance window (often within 7–10 days of travel).
- Prepare an IATA-compliant travel crate with familiar bedding and comfort items.
- Prepare a day-of-travel kit: food, water, leash, copies of documents.
Arrival day and first month
- Present documents to customs/inspection authorities on arrival.
- If released, schedule a local vet visit to establish care and register the pet if required.
- Update pet’s microchip registration with local contact details.
Costs — estimated breakdown
Costs vary widely by country, city, animal size, and whether quarantine is needed.
Below are typical cost components and ballpark ranges.
Table: Typical cost components and estimates
| Cost Item | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exams and vaccinations | $50–$300 | Depends on vaccines and local vet pricing |
| Microchip implantation | $25–$75 | One-time cost if not already implanted |
| Rabies antibody titer test (FAVN) | $100–$300 | Shipping & lab fees can vary |
| Export health certificate / government endorsement | $50–$200 | Additional courier or notary fees may apply |
| Airline pet fee (in-cabin or cargo) | $50–$1,000+ | Based on airline and whether pet is cabin/cargo; large dogs higher |
| IATA-compliant crate | $50–$400 | Size and quality determine price |
| Quarantine fees (if applicable) | $100–$2,000+ | Facility, duration, and city determine cost |
| Customs clearance or agent fees | $100–$500 | Helpful for complex cases |
| Temporary boarding on arrival | $20–$70/day | Varies by city and service level |
Sample forms and documentation checklist
- Microchip certificate — microchip number and implantation date.
- Rabies vaccination record — vaccine brand, batch number, dates.
- Rabies antibody titer (FAVN) report — lab name, titer value, sample date.
- Export Health Certificate — completed by accredited vet and, if required, government endorsement.
- Import permit — if required by Chinese authorities for your country of origin.
- Owner identification — passport copy and visa/residence permit (if available).
- Flight booking confirmation — with pet reservation number and airline policy acknowledgement.
- Crate dimensions and certification — showing IATA compliance.
How to fill the health certificate (practical tips)
- Ensure veterinary dates match supporting records exactly.
- Use consistent pet name and microchip number on all documents.
- Do not backdate or alter medical records; authorities verify originals.
- Keep both digital scans and multiple hard copies in carry-on luggage.
City-specific considerations
- Shanghai: Large expat community and multiple accredited international vets; some districts require local registration.
- Beijing: Extensive quarantine and inspection facilities; higher demand for appointment-based services.
- Guangzhou: Southern port with busy import traffic and specific requirements for pets from neighboring regions.
Transport and airline rules
Airline policies vary by carrier and may restrict certain breeds, sizes, or in-cabin vs cargo travel.
Always confirm the following with the airline:
- Maximum weight and crate size for in-cabin pets.
- Approved crates and documentation required at check-in.
- Breed restrictions (some airlines disallow snub-nosed breeds in cargo).
- Seasonal embargoes and heat restrictions.
- Fees and advance reservations required for each flight.
See the article: “Airline-specific rules for flying pets to China” for airline-by-airline details and booking tips.
Housing, boarding, and temporary care
Finding pet-friendly rentals and temporary boarding can be challenging in major Chinese cities.
Your strategy should include:
- Searching rental platforms and working with relocation agents who list pet-friendly buildings.
- Preparing a pet resume (vaccination records, reference from previous landlord, temperament note) to persuade landlords.
- Identifying reputable short-term boarding or pet sitters for arrival overlap or quarantine transition.
The articles: “Pet-friendly rentals” and “Temporary boarding options” provide listings, negotiation scripts, and sample pet resumes.
Registration and local laws after arrival
Some cities may require pet registration, microchip re-registration, or annual vaccination proof.
Common elements:
- Local pet registration with municipal authorities or community office.
- Annual or periodic rabies booster records kept updated.
- Leash and public behavior laws enforced in many districts.
- Breed-specific local restrictions may apply in certain neighborhoods.
Sample timeline example (case study)
- Day -180: Confirm rules with destination city and choose arrival airport.
- Day -150: Microchip and primary rabies vaccination.
- Day -120: Blood draw for FAVN test (if required by origin/destination).
- Day -90: Book quarantine if mandatory; arrange flight and crate.
- Day -14: Obtain export health certificate and government endorsement.
- Day -7 to 0: Travel; carry all original documents; clear customs and arrange local vet visit within 7 days.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Missing paperwork at arrival: Expect quarantine or return to origin; keep immediate contact with your export agent and airline.
- Failing FAVN test: Re-vaccination and repeat testing required; delays occur.
- Airline refusal at check-in: Have printed airline policies and vet letters; if refused, escalate to customer service immediately.
- Housing rejections: Use pet resume and offer refundable pet deposit or short-term trial to landlord.
Tables and quick references
Table: Documents to carry in hand luggage
| Document | Format | Why carry |
|---|---|---|
| Export health certificate | Original hard copy and scan | Required at customs |
| Vaccination record | Original and copy | Proof of valid vaccinations |
| FAVN titer report | Lab report | Required for certain origins |
| Microchip certificate | Original | Identity verification |
| Owner passport/visa copy | Printed | Match owner identity |
Table: Recommended local vet check timeline after arrival
| Time after arrival | Action |
|---|---|
| Within 7 days | Local vet visit to establish care and confirm health |
| 30 days | Confirm registration with local authority if required |
| Annual | Rabies booster and check-up |
Sources and external links
- https://www.aphis.usda.gov
- https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/
- https://www.china-embassy.org (use the embassy pages for consular guidance)
Final practical tips
- Start early and allow buffer time — bureaucracy and labs can cause unexpected delays.
- Keep multiple sets of originals and scans stored securely online.
- Use an experienced pet relocation agent for complex cases, high-value animals, or if travelling from high-risk origins.
- Maintain calm and patience during customs/inspection — officials may have discrete requirements depending on port and local rules.
Next steps and resources
- Read the airline-specific cluster article before booking flights.
- Check the city-specific vet lists (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou) and contact clinics to confirm acceptance of newly arrived pets.
- Prepare your paperwork folder with all required certificates and traveler-friendly copies.
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