Bringing Pets to China

Microchip

An ISO-15 Digit Microchip is required for entry into China. An ISO-compatible microchip might also be required for your destination country if you are exporting from China, so be sure to check with your destination country prior to departure if you have another move planned in the future.

Rabies Vaccination and Certificate

All pets must have two rabies vaccines and original rabies certificates, and these certificates must contain all vaccine information. The first rabies vaccine must be administered more than 30 days from the day of departure but within the last year. This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine.

Please note: the second rabies vaccine and certificate is now required to enter China without quarantine. 

It is suggested that dogs and cats have full vaccinations, as well:

• Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis
• Feline Cat Flu-Feline Calicivirus
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
• Chlamydia Psittaci
• Cat Enteritis-Feline Panleukopaenia/Feline Parvo Virus

Rabies Titer (Rabies Antibody) Test

After the second rabies vaccination, your pet can receive a rabies antibody test by an accredited veterinarian to to ensure that the vaccination has provided adequate rabies antibody levels. The sample must be tested at a facility approved by the Government of China. Your vet will need to scan your pet’s microchip prior to the blood draw for the rabies antibody test.

The date the blood was drawn can be any date after the second rabies vaccination is administered.

Once these results have been returned to either yourself or the vet, you can move forward with planning your pet’s travel to China. Please contact your Relocation Coordinator at this time for further instruction.

Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs and Cats from The US to China

This China-specific USDA health certificate should be filled out by your USDA accredited veterinarian. This must be issued within 10 days of the flight.

USDA Endorsements

The following must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please ask your Relocation Cooordinator to find out more about the best way to manage this.

• Two Rabies Certificates
• Vaccination Records
• A Passing Rabies Antibody Test
• Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs/Cats from The US to China

Additional Details

If your pet does not meet the above requirements upon entry to China, you must complete 30 days of quarantine through an approved port. We know this can be difficult to navigate, so we encourage you to contact our experts to learn how you can provide the most comfortable travel experience for your pet!

Many major cities in China also require that dog owners obtain a dog license once the dog has arrived into the city. Beijing even requires this document prior to export, so if you’re planning on eventually leaving China with your dog it may be a good idea to look into obtaining a dog license upon arrival. This document can be obtained by paying a visit to the local police station with your dog along with your passport, visa, and local address in hand.

Furthermore, there is a strict one pet per passport rule that cannot be avoided if entering China directly.

Do You Need Help Planning?

If you’re ready to learn more about pricing, logistics, and other travel details, get started by completing our consultation form. Our team is ready to assist you!