Anyone wishing to import a pet to China must first have obtained their residence permit.

To import a pet you need to provide quarantine officers with:

- A vaccination certificate (or several, depending on the animal), confirming that all vaccinations are up to date and that the pet has received these within 30 days of departure.
- An international Health Certificate, issued by a veterinarian in your country of origin within 30 days of departure.

For cats, certificates are required for Feline Panleucopania and Feline Respiratory Disease, and the pet must be vaccinated against Enteritis (E3) within 12 months of arrival into China.

The fee for importing a cat or small dog into China is 600 RMB (roughly US$70), more for large dogs.

On arrival in China the pet should be taken along with its certificates to the Plant and Quarantine office at the airport of arrival. Pets are required to be kept in quarantine for 30 days, but in most cases this can be at your home, with regular inspections being conducted by quarantine officers.

It is possible to obtain some pet food, medicines and equipment in China, but availability is limited, so it is best to bring or order a supply from home. Veterinarian services are available in the cities.