Relocating internationally with your beloved pet can be one of the most stressful aspects of moving abroad.
As someone who successfully navigated this complex process when leaving Shanghai with my Golden Retriever, Max, I understand the anxiety and confusion many pet owners face.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of relocating your pet from China, from understanding regulations to ensuring their comfort during travel and adjustment to their new home.
Understanding Pet Relocation Regulations
China has specific export requirements that must be followed precisely to avoid delays or complications.
These regulations are designed to ensure animal welfare and prevent the spread of diseases.
Key Requirements for Exporting Pets from China
1. Microchipping
All pets must be implanted with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip before leaving China.
This microchip serves as your pet’s permanent identification and is essential for tracking their vaccination history.
- Cost: ¥300-600 ($45-90)
- Learn more about ISO-standard microchips
2. Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before departure.
The vaccination must be administered after microchipping.
- Cost: ¥150-300 ($23-45)
3. Health Certificate
An official health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in China is required.
This certificate confirms your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
- Cost: ¥500-1,000 ($75-150)
4. Export Permit
You must obtain an export permit from China’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Service (CIQ).
This process typically takes 7-10 business days.
- Cost: ¥400-800 ($60-120)
- China Customs Official Website
Personal Experience: When I was preparing Max’s documentation, I discovered that his microchip wasn’t ISO-compliant. This meant getting him re-microchipped and restarting the 30-day waiting period for his rabies vaccination. Plan for these potential setbacks by starting the process at least 3-4 months before your departure date.
Country-Specific Requirements
Different countries have varying requirements for pet imports.
Here are details for some common destinations:
United States
- Rabies vaccination required for dogs (not required for cats, but recommended)
- No quarantine for healthy pets
- CDC import permit required for certain animals
- USDA APHIS Pet Travel Information
- Estimated processing time: 2-4 weeks
European Union
- ISO microchip required
- Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
- EU Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel
- European Commission Pet Travel Rules
- Estimated processing time: 3-5 weeks
United Kingdom
- ISO microchip required
- Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs 24-120 hours before arrival
- UK Government Pet Travel Guidelines
- Estimated processing time: 3-5 weeks
Australia
- One of the strictest import regulations
- Rabies antibody titer test required
- Import permit application mandatory
- Minimum 10-day quarantine upon arrival
- Australian Department of Agriculture Pet Import
- Estimated processing time: 6-8 months
Singapore
- Import license required
- Rabies vaccination and serology test
- Quarantine period of 10-30 days depending on country of origin
- Singapore AVA Pet Import Requirements
- Estimated processing time: 2-3 months
Documentation Needed
Proper documentation is critical for international pet travel.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist:
- Pet Passport/Health Book: Contains your pet’s identification details, vaccination records, and health information.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and include:
- Pet’s microchip number
- Date of vaccination
- Vaccine manufacturer and batch number
- Vaccination expiration date
- Export Health Certificate: Issued by the Chinese Quarantine Bureau within 7-10 days of travel. This document confirms your pet is free from infectious diseases.
- Import Permit: Required by many countries before your pet can enter. Apply well in advance as processing times vary.
- Rabies Antibody Titer Test Results: Required by rabies-free countries like Australia, Japan, and Singapore. This blood test must be conducted at an approved laboratory.
- Proof of Microchipping: Documentation showing when the microchip was implanted and the microchip number.
Pro Tip: Create a digital folder with scanned copies of all documents and share it with family members or store it in cloud storage. Also, carry multiple physical copies of all documents during travel.
Preparing Your Pet
Choosing the Right Travel Crate
An IATA-approved travel crate is essential for safe pet transport.
The crate must:
- Allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
- Have secure, spring-loaded locks
- Include water and food containers
- Have adequate ventilation on all sides
- Be labeled with “Live Animal” stickers and your contact information
Cost: ¥500-2,500 ($75-375) depending on size and quality
Crate Training
Start crate training at least 8 weeks before departure:
- Place treats and familiar bedding inside the crate
- Gradually increase the time your pet spends in the crate
- Practice closing the door for short periods
- Take short car rides with your pet in the crate
Personal Experience: Max was initially anxious about his crate, so I started feeding him all his meals inside it. Within three weeks, he was voluntarily entering the crate for naps, which made the actual travel day much less stressful.
Health Checkups and Pre-Travel Care
Schedule a comprehensive veterinary checkup at least 6-8 weeks before travel:
- Update all vaccinations
- Discuss any travel-related health concerns
- Consider preventative treatments for parasites
- Ask about natural calming supplements if your pet is anxious
Cost: ¥500-1,000 ($75-150) for a comprehensive checkup
Diet and Hydration
- Maintain your pet’s regular diet leading up to travel
- Freeze a small water dish that can be attached to the crate door (it will melt slowly during travel)
- Avoid feeding your pet 4-6 hours before the flight to prevent motion sickness
- Attach a small bag of food to the outside of the crate with feeding instructions
Travel Arrangements
Selecting Pet-Friendly Airlines
Not all airlines offer pet transport services, and policies vary significantly.
Airlines known for good pet handling include:
- Lufthansa: Excellent reputation for pet care with climate-controlled cargo holds
- KLM: Offers a special pet lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Air France: Known for good pet handling procedures
- Emirates: Provides specialized pet transport services
- Qatar Airways: Offers climate-controlled cargo holds for pets
Note: As of 2025, many Chinese airlines have restricted pet travel policies, so international carriers are often the better choice.
Lufthansa Pet Travel Information
KLM Pet Travel Policy
Cabin vs. Cargo
- Cabin Travel: Limited to small pets (usually under 8kg including carrier) and not available on all routes
- Cargo Travel: Required for larger pets and on many international routes
Personal Experience: When flying with Max from Shanghai to Frankfurt, I chose Lufthansa specifically because of their pet-friendly reputation. They provided updates about his well-being during our layover, which gave me tremendous peace of mind.
Professional Pet Relocation Services
Consider hiring a professional pet relocation company, especially for complex routes or if you’re relocating to countries with strict import requirements.
Reputable services include:
These services typically handle:
- Documentation preparation
- Flight booking
- Customs clearance
- Door-to-door transport
- Quarantine arrangements
Cost: ¥8,000-30,000 ($1,200-4,500) depending on destination and services
Cost Breakdown
Pet relocation can be expensive.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you budget:
| Service | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchipping | ¥300-600 | $45-90 |
| Vaccinations | ¥500-1,200 | $75-180 |
| Health Certificate | ¥500-1,000 | $75-150 |
| Export Permit | ¥400-800 | $60-120 |
| Rabies Titer Test (if required) | ¥1,500-2,500 | $225-375 |
| IATA-Approved Travel Crate | ¥500-2,500 | $75-375 |
| Airline Pet Fee (varies by route) | ¥2,000-10,000 | $300-1,500 |
| Import Permit (destination country) | ¥500-2,000 | $75-300 |
| Quarantine Fees (if applicable) | ¥3,000-15,000 | $450-2,250 |
| Professional Relocation Service | ¥8,000-30,000 | $1,200-4,500 |
| Total Range | ¥17,200-65,600 | $2,580-9,840 |
Note: These costs are estimates as of March 2025 and may vary based on your specific circumstances, pet size, and destination.
Special Considerations for Different Pet Types
Cats
- Generally find travel more stressful than dogs
- May benefit from pheromone sprays like Feliway
- Usually don’t require walks during layovers
- Consider a smaller carrier with a privacy cover
Small Dogs
- May qualify for cabin travel on some airlines
- Require less space in travel crates
- May need anxiety management during travel
Large Dogs
- Always travel in cargo hold
- Higher transportation costs
- May need special arrangements for layovers
- Consider splitting very long journeys
Birds
- Subject to additional regulations under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Require specialized travel containers with perches
- More sensitive to temperature changes
- CITES Permit Information
Reptiles and Exotic Pets
- Many countries restrict or prohibit import
- Require specialized temperature-controlled shipping
- Often need specific import permits
- Consider consulting an exotic pet veterinarian
Conclusion
Relocating your pet from China is undoubtedly a complex process that requires meticulous planning, patience, and attention to detail.
However, with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it’s entirely manageable. The key takeaways from this guide include:
- Start early: Begin preparations at least 3-4 months before your departure date to account for unexpected delays.
- Research thoroughly: Each destination country has unique requirements; ensure you understand them completely.
- Budget appropriately: Pet relocation can be expensive, with costs potentially ranging from ¥17,200-65,600 ($2,580-9,840).
- Prioritize your pet’s comfort: Invest time in crate training and consider your pet’s emotional needs throughout the process.
- Consider professional help: For complex relocations, professional pet relocation services can provide invaluable assistance.
Remember that while the process may seem overwhelming at times, the joy of having your beloved companion with you in your new home makes every effort worthwhile.
Thousands of pets successfully relocate internationally each year, and with proper planning, your furry family member can be among them.
The bond we share with our pets transcends borders and bureaucracy.
As challenging as the relocation process may be, it’s a testament to the depth of our commitment to these special members of our families.
After all, a house only truly becomes a home when it contains the pitter-patter of paws.
This guide was last updated on March 6, 2025. Regulations and costs may change, so always verify current requirements with official sources.
