China – Importing a Pet

Does China allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Under Chinese law, only dogs and cats qualify as pets for the purposes of standard import procedures. Animals such as rabbits, birds, and reptiles fall under separate agricultural or exotic animal import frameworks and require specialist permits. This restriction is enshrined in legislation and applies to every traveller regardless of origin country.

The number of animals a person may bring into China is strictly limited to one dog or one cat per adult passport holder per trip. Attempting to import more than one pet under a single traveller’s passport is treated as a commercial import, attracting far stricter controls.

Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats are barred from entry under ordinary pet import rules unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestor in the documented pedigree. Because their genetic heritage places them close enough to wild species, they fall under China’s wildlife protection framework rather than standard pet import regulations.

Several large cities — among them Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu — impose additional local restrictions on certain large or so-called “aggressive” breeds, including Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls. Beijing, for instance, prohibits dogs taller than 35 cm (roughly 14 inches) in central urban districts. Expats should research both the national import rules and the municipal by-laws of their specific destination city before making any decisions.

Animals other than dogs and cats — including birds, reptiles, rodents, and exotic species — fall entirely outside the standard pet import framework. Entry for such animals may be subject to outright prohibition. Anyone wishing to bring a non-canine, non-feline animal to China should contact GACC and the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country directly before making any travel arrangements.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering China?

All pets entering China must have received at least two rabies vaccinations during their lifetime and must have a currently valid vaccination at the time of arrival. This two-vaccination lifetime requirement is among the most critical elements of the entire process and must be factored into your planning well before the intended travel date.

The first rabies vaccine must be an inactivated preparation and must be given more than 30 days before departure but no more than one year prior to arrival. The second vaccine, also inactivated, must be administered at least 30 days after the first and must likewise remain valid — i.e., under one year old — at the time of travel.

Once resident in China, all dogs are legally required to receive rabies vaccinations on an annual basis. Cats should follow the same annual schedule. Importantly, China does not recognise the two- or three-year rabies vaccines that are commonplace in many other countries, so owners need to adapt their veterinary routine accordingly after arrival.

For pets originating from countries not included on China’s “designated” list (discussed further in the quarantine section), a rabies antibody titer test is also obligatory. The certificate produced by this test must specify the animal’s RFID chip number, the date the blood was drawn, the name of the testing establishment, and a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. The titer test may be carried out on the same day as the second rabies vaccination or at any point thereafter. Results are valid for 12 months from the date of the blood draw.

Beyond the mandatory rabies requirements, additional vaccinations are strongly recommended. For dogs, these include canine distemper, parvovirus, and coronavirus; for cats, feline distemper, feline peritonitis, and feline leucopenia. If quarantine appears likely, a kennel cough vaccine given at least two weeks before travel is also advisable. While these are not required at the border, they support the animal’s welfare and may be assessed by Chinese veterinarians once the pet is in-country.

As of 2025, owners should always verify current vaccination timelines and approved titer test laboratories directly with GACC or their nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, as requirements can change without prior notice.

What is the application process for importing a pet into China, and what paperwork is required?

Relocating a pet to China is achievable but involves more stages than most other destinations. The most important thing to grasp at the outset is that China operates two distinct entry pathways for dogs and cats, and which route your pet follows depends entirely on decisions made before you board the plane — not on arrival. Choose the wrong route, or arrive missing a document, and your pet will spend 30 days in a government quarantine facility.

The steps below describe the standard procedure for owners travelling from a non-designated country with a dog or cat. Owners from designated countries (listed in the quarantine section) follow a shorter version of this process. All preparatory steps must be completed in your country of origin and in the order set out below.

1. Implant an ISO-compliant microchip. Your pet must be fitted with a 15-digit, ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip by a licensed veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse. If your pet already carries a microchip that does not meet this standard, you will need to bring a compatible reader with you. The chip must be implanted before any vaccinations are recorded against the animal’s identity.
2. Administer the first rabies vaccination. The countdown to travel begins when your pet receives their first rabies vaccine, which must be given at least 30 days before the intended departure date. An accredited veterinarian must record the vaccination and link it to the microchip number.
3. Administer the second rabies vaccination. Once the first vaccine is at least 30 days old, your pet may receive their second inactivated rabies vaccine. This must also be valid at the time of travel.
4. Obtain a rabies antibody titer test (non-designated countries). Following the second rabies vaccination, an accredited veterinarian draws blood to test the animal’s antibody levels. The sample must be analysed at a laboratory approved by the Chinese government. The result must demonstrate a level of at least 0.5 IU/mL and is valid for 12 months from the blood draw date (as of 2025).
5. Obtain a government-endorsed health certificate. A licensed veterinarian must conduct a health examination and issue a certificate within 14 days of the pet’s arrival in China. The certificate must state the date of examination, the animal’s species, taxonomy, sex, coat colour, date of birth or estimated age, RFID chip location, chip code and implantation date, and the findings of the health examination. Once issued by the veterinarian, the certificate must be officially endorsed by the relevant national authority in your country — for example, a government veterinary agency — before departure. This is a mandatory step that cannot be skipped.
6. Notify Chinese Customs before travel. GACC must be informed of your pet’s impending arrival before you depart, regardless of which entry pathway applies. Check with GACC or your airline for the specific advance notification requirements applicable to your chosen port of arrival.
7. Complete a Pet Information Registration Form. Fill in the bilingual “Carrier’s Immigration Pet (Dog, Cat) Information Registration Form,” selecting the version applicable to your country’s classification (designated or non-designated). These forms are also available at the port, but completing them in advance is recommended to ensure all information is to hand.
8. Present documents to GACC on arrival. Upon landing, take your pet, all original documents, a printed photograph of the pet on plain paper, and a photocopy of your passport to the GACC office at the airport. Note that customs officials will retain the original rabies vaccination certificate and titer report — carry photocopies of these documents for your own records.

An import permit is generally not required for pet owners travelling on a short-term visa who are accompanying their animal. However, a permit may be necessary for other visa categories. If you are travelling on a long-stay or work visa, confirm current permit requirements with GACC before beginning any part of the process.

Does China require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

China divides all origin countries into two categories: “designated” and “non-designated.” Your pet’s entry pathway — and whether quarantine applies — is determined by this classification together with the completeness of your documentation. Understanding this distinction is the single most consequential piece of knowledge for anyone planning to bring a pet to China.

The countries currently classified as designated are: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Guam, Jamaica, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Macao. Every other country is classified as non-designated.

Pets from designated countries may enter China at any authorised port provided they are accompanied by proof of microchipping, a valid rabies vaccination, and an endorsed health certificate. A titer test is not required for these animals, making the overall process considerably more straightforward.

Pets from non-designated countries can still avoid quarantine, but only by producing a satisfactory rabies titer test result alongside the other mandatory documents. Any animal that arrives without the full set of required paperwork must be processed through one of a designated list of ports and will be placed in a 30-day quarantine facility.

The quarantine period runs for 30 days in an isolation area authorised by Chinese Customs. GACC staff supervise the facilities throughout; dogs receive regular exercise during their stay, and any animal displaying clinical signs will be examined and tested before being released. All quarantine costs are the owner’s responsibility — consult the official GACC website for current fee schedules, as rates differ between facilities and ports.

China’s 30-day quarantine is broadly comparable in length to Australia’s biosecurity quarantine, which also mandates facility-based isolation for arriving pets. The key difference is that Australia’s regime applies universally regardless of origin, while China’s system allows quarantine to be bypassed entirely when documentation is complete and correct. Pets that land at a non-designated port without meeting the full requirements face being returned to their country of origin or, in the worst case, euthanised. This is not a situation where a missing certificate can be resolved at the border.

Certified service animals — including guide dogs, hearing dogs, and search and rescue dogs — that carry valid electronic chips and are accompanied by relevant user certificates and professional training certificates may be exempt from the standard quarantine requirement, subject to satisfactory on-site inspection.

Is China part of any international pet travel scheme?

China is not a participant in any international pet passport programme. The term “pet passport” is sometimes used informally in the context of China, but it refers simply to the assembled set of documents required to satisfy Chinese import rules for dogs and cats. This should not be mistaken for an official EU Pet Passport as issued within the European Union to EU-resident animals.

The EU Pet Travel Scheme uses a standardised passport booklet that is mutually recognised across all EU member states and a number of affiliated nations, enabling relatively straightforward cross-border movement for participating pets. China has no comparable bilateral or multilateral arrangement with any country or trading bloc. Every animal entering China must go through the full national documentation process set out by GACC, irrespective of whether the owner is travelling from an EU country, an ASEAN state, or anywhere else in the world.

China’s “designated country” classification does offer a partial analogy to the tiered entry systems found in some other jurisdictions, in that it lightens the documentation burden for pets coming from countries considered to carry lower rabies risk. However, this is a unilateral determination made by China alone — it is not a reciprocal international agreement, and it does not involve any shared travel document or standardised passport format.

Owners relocating from countries that issue formal pet passports — such as EU member states — should be clear that their animal’s EU passport carries no weight at Chinese customs and cannot replace the China-specific documentation package. A complete set of GACC-compliant paperwork must be assembled for every pet entering China, regardless of what travel credentials the animal already holds.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in China?

Dog owners are required by law to register their animal with their local police authority within one month of arriving in China. This obligation applies to all dog owners, including foreign nationals, and is a legal requirement rather than an administrative recommendation. For specific guidance on the registration procedure, contact the police office in your area of residence.

The relevant authority for dog registration is the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). Whether you are a Chinese or foreign national, registering your dog is the only way to make your ownership legally recognised in China. In practice, enforcement is more rigorous in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai than in smaller towns and rural areas, but the legal obligation exists regardless of location.

Within 30 days of acquiring a dog, the owner must visit the appropriate local PSB with valid identity documents and the dog, and sign a “Commitment Letter for Individual Keeping Dogs.” After completing the registration formalities, the PSB will issue a certificate confirming legal ownership.

The registration certificate must then be taken to the local public security organ for an annual check, and an administration service fee is payable at that time. The exact amount of this fee varies by municipality, so owners should confirm the current figure directly with their local PSB rather than relying on third-party sources.

Many major cities require dog owners to obtain a dog licence once the animal has arrived and been registered. Beijing in particular may require this document even before exporting the animal, so obtaining a licence upon arrival is advisable for owners who anticipate eventually leaving China with their dog. The licence can be obtained by visiting the local police station with the dog, your passport, visa, and proof of local address.

Most urban areas enforce a one-dog-per-household rule. Cats are not subject to mandatory national-level registration in the way dogs are, but local municipal rules may impose additional requirements — always check the regulations specific to your destination city.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to China?

China enforces a strict one-pet-per-traveller rule. If you own more than one dog or cat, the two main options are to have a second adult traveller bring the additional pet using their own passport, or to route the extra animal via Hong Kong, which operates under its own distinct import framework and may offer different arrangements.

Most airlines serving China, including Air China, permit one pet per passenger as checked baggage (up to 32 kg including the carrier) or as cargo, but do not allow pets to travel in the cabin on international routes. Owners should confirm whether the specific aircraft operating their flight has oxygen-equipped cargo holds and should book well in advance — at least 48 hours before departure is recommended. Unlike some European carriers that permit small pets in the passenger cabin, most airlines on long-haul routes to China require animals to travel below deck. Confirm all policies directly with your carrier before purchasing tickets.

For the smoothest customs experience, use a major hub airport such as Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, or Guangzhou Baiyun. Smaller regional ports may not have the facilities to process non-compliant pets or may lack the quarantine infrastructure required if isolation becomes necessary. Any pet that needs to undergo quarantine must arrive at a port that has designated isolation and quarantine facilities.

If your onward destination after landing in China is a city in a different province, you should check inter-province animal transport certificate requirements with the health and hygiene authority in the relevant area before travel. China’s domestic animal transport regulations form a separate layer on top of the international import requirements, and owners must comply with both.

It is prudent to begin the full preparation process six to eight months before your intended travel date to allow adequate time for the vaccination sequence and titer testing; delays in any step can result in mandatory quarantine. Overall costs — including veterinary fees, laboratory testing, air transport, and potential quarantine — may range from approximately USD 1,500 to USD 5,000. These are indicative estimates only (as of 2025); obtain itemised quotes from your vet, airline, and any relocation service you engage, as actual costs vary considerably depending on your origin country, the size of your pet, and your chosen carrier.

The most frequent problems encountered at the Chinese border relate to an unreadable microchip, a health certificate that is missing or has expired, a mismatch between the dates recorded in the rabies documentation and those on the health certificate, or a titer test conducted by a laboratory that China has not approved. Every one of these issues is entirely preventable with methodical advance preparation.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into China?

The principal authority responsible for governing pet imports into China is the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC). GACC administers the rules as established in Announcement No. 5 [2019], which came into force on 1 May 2019, with subsequent adjustments reflected in current practice. GACC’s English-language website is available at english.customs.gov.cn and is the most authoritative source for the designated country list, approved titer test laboratories, ports equipped with quarantine facilities, and official registration forms.

The full English text of GACC Announcement No. 5 [2019] — the core regulation underpinning pet import requirements — has been published on the Beijing municipal government’s website and provides a useful reference for the legal basis of the rules. It is accessible at english.beijing.gov.cn.

Your country’s national veterinary or agriculture authority is equally important, as it oversees the export health certificate process on the outbound side. This body is responsible for officially endorsing the health certificate issued by your veterinarian and for confirming that it meets China’s import specifications. Relevant examples include USDA-APHIS in the United States, CFIA in Canada, DEFRA in the United Kingdom, and equivalent agencies in other countries. Consult the official website of your country’s agriculture or food safety ministry for pet export guidance specific to China.

The Chinese embassy or consulate in your country of residence can provide up-to-date guidance on import permit requirements based on your visa type and individual circumstances. This is especially relevant for those travelling on a visa category other than a standard short-term tourist or visitor visa.

For dog registration after arrival, the relevant authority is your local Public Security Bureau (PSB). Requirements and fees differ from one municipality to the next, so it is worth contacting your local PSB directly once you know where you will be living. For Beijing-specific guidance, the official portal is english.beijing.gov.cn. For Shanghai, the city’s government portal at english.shanghai.gov.cn publishes relevant guidance for pet owners moving to the city.

Requirements in this area are subject to change, and the consequences of arriving with incorrect or incomplete documentation are serious. Always verify all requirements directly with GACC and your country’s veterinary authority before making any bookings or beginning any part of the documentation process.

Frequently asked questions about importing a pet into China

What happens if my pet arrives in China without the correct paperwork?

Under Chinese customs regulations, animals whose owners cannot produce valid quarantine and vaccination certificates issued by the official animal quarantine authorities of the exporting country or region will be returned or disposed of within a specified period. If you are unable to provide adequate certification or have exceeded the permitted type or number of animals, customs will notify the port’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Office to take temporary custody of your pet. You will then be consulted about repatriation options. If repatriation cannot be arranged, euthanasia may follow. There is no mechanism to supply missing documents at the airport — everything must be in order before you leave your home country.

How long does the full import process take from start to finish?

Starting the process six to eight months before your planned travel date is strongly advisable. The minimum timeline is dictated by the two-vaccination sequence: the first rabies jab must be given at least 30 days before departure, the second must follow at least 30 days after the first, and the titer test can only be carried out after the second vaccination. The health certificate must be issued within 14 days of the pet’s arrival in China. Building in extra time provides a buffer for any delays in laboratory results or government endorsements.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The core import requirements — microchipping, two lifetime rabies vaccinations, a titer test for pets from non-designated countries, and a government-endorsed health certificate — apply in equal measure to both dogs and cats. The principal difference arises after arrival: dogs must be registered with the local police within one month of reaching China, while cats are not subject to the same national-level registration obligation, although individual cities may impose their own local requirements. Breed-specific restrictions in urban areas also apply exclusively to dogs.

Can I bring a rescue or adopted animal into China?

No specific rule bars the import of rescue animals, as long as they satisfy all standard requirements: microchip, documented vaccination history, titer test, and health certificate. The practical difficulty with rescue animals is frequently the absence of reliable vaccination records. If an animal cannot demonstrate two lifetime rabies vaccinations through official documentation, the vaccination sequence will need to restart from scratch, meaning the full minimum timeline must elapse before travel is possible. Alternatively, such an animal would face mandatory quarantine on arrival.

Does China accept the EU Pet Passport for animals entering from EU member states?

What is sometimes loosely called a “pet passport” in the China context refers only to the collection of documents assembled to satisfy Chinese import rules — it is not the official EU Pet Passport. China does not participate in the EU Pet Travel Scheme and does not recognise the EU Pet Passport as a standalone or substitute document. Owners travelling from EU countries must compile a complete China-specific documentation package, including a veterinary health certificate that has been endorsed by their country’s national veterinary authority.

Can I bring more than one pet when I move to China?

Each adult traveller is permitted to bring only one cat or dog per trip. Where more than one pet accompanies a single passenger, or where two pets are travelling in total, the import is classified as commercial and subject to considerably stricter rules. If you have multiple pets, you can arrange for a second adult to travel with the additional animal using their own passport, or consider routing the extra pet through Hong Kong, which operates under separate import regulations. Engaging a licensed pet relocation agent is highly recommended when importing more than one animal.

What are the airline options for flying a pet to China, and can pets travel in the cabin?

Most airlines operating flights to China, including Air China, permit one pet per passenger as checked baggage or cargo, but do not allow animals in the passenger cabin on international routes. Check whether the aircraft assigned to your flight has oxygen-equipped cargo holds and make your booking at least 48 hours before departure. Airline policies differ between carriers and aircraft types, so always confirm the current rules directly with your airline before booking. Some connecting itineraries may not permit live animal transport, making route selection an important consideration.

Do I need to do anything differently if I plan to travel onward to another Chinese city after arriving?

Yes. If your final destination is a city in a different province from your point of entry, you must check the inter-province animal transport certificate requirements with the health and hygiene authority in the relevant area and ensure you meet all applicable conditions before travelling onward. China’s domestic animal movement regulations operate as a separate layer on top of the international import rules, and compliance with both is required for the lawful inter-province transport of pets.