To bring a dog to China, pet owners must follow specific requirements set forth by Chinese authorities. Giving yourself plenty of time to research and prepare can help streamline the process as much as possible.

China mandates that pets entering the country have an up-to-date rabies vaccination and certificate as well as a health certificate filled out by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel. It is also recommended, though not required, that each pet have a microchip and full vaccinations before arrival.

When bringing pets to China, you will also need to provide USDA endorsements for several documents, including vaccination records and the health certificate.

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Relocation Info According to Species

Dogs

Cats

Other Animals

Regulations for Bringing Pets to China

Attention: This information is to be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before you travel, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

Microchip

Though strongly recommended for all international travel, a microchip is not required for entry into China. An ISO-compatible microchip might 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 an original rabies certificate, and this certificate must state the date of inoculation and the validity of the vaccination. The 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.

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

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 7 days of the flight.

USDA Endorsements

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

  • Rabies Certificate
  • Vaccination Records
  • Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs/Cats from The US to China

Additional Details

One pet per passport/visa is allowed to enter the country with their owner in most Chinese cities.

Quarantine depends on the port of entry. Please contact us or the local authorities for the most current quarantine rules for Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Nanjing, Dalian, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Harbin or any other city to which you're planning to move.

Note that dogs must be registered with the local police in your place of residence within 30 days of arrival into China.

Pet Travel Stories

“From our preparation vet visits to every step of our dogs' journey, the PetRelocation team kept us informed and made the mind-boggling process worry-free.”

Dog Travel to Shanghai: Luca and Polo’s Relocation

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