How to Move My Pet to China: A Guide for Pet Parents
China's One Pet Per Passport Rule
It’s important to know that China follows a “one pet per passport” rule. Your pet can only be cleared through customs using the original passport of the person they are assigned to, and you must arrive before your pet so your passport is available for customs clearance.
If you’re relocating multiple pets, you’ll need multiple passports (one for each pet) to complete the import and customs process smoothly.
Understanding Quarantine Requirements for Pets Entering China
No Quarantine Required
Cats and dogs arriving from designated countries and meeting all import requirements (including a microchip) do not need quarantine.
Designated countries include:
New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Guam, Jamaica, Iceland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR.
Quarantine May Be Required If
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Your pet does not have a microchip.
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Your pet is from a non-designated country and cannot provide a rabies antibody (titer) test from a China Customs–approved lab.
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Your pet shows symptoms of illness or parasites during inspection.
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If your pet does not meet the requirements, a 30-day quarantine will apply, and entry must be through one of the official ports.
Are There Banned Dog Breeds in China?
China does not ban any dog breeds, but there are breed restrictions for dog registration in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing. Larger breed owners should be aware of these restrictions.
These breeds include:
Shanghai: Any Mastiff descendant or mixed mastiff breed, Beauceron Wolfdog, Kunming Wolfdog, German Shepard dog, English Bulldog, Old English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Japanese Tosa, Bull Terrier, or Doberman.
Chengdu: Mastiff, Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire (Bull) Terrier, Akita, Dogo Argentino, German Shepard, Chinese Chongqing, Borzoi, Irish Newfoundland, Can Corso, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Great Dane, Dog de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Irish Wolfhound, Caucasian, Sheperd, Kunming Wolfdog, Chinese Dog.
Beijing: Mastiff, German Pinscher, St. Bernard, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Setters, Afghan Hound, Foxhound, Bloodhound, Irish Wolfhound, Saluki, Greyhound, Borzoi, Basenji, Australian Sheperd, Old English Sheepdog, British Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Keeshond, Japanese Akita, Newfoundland Sled Dog, Bedlington Terrier, Bull Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier.
Should I Keep My Pet’s Original Health Documents When Moving to China?
Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!
Minimum Age for Pets
For dogs and cats entering China, your pet must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of import. Pets younger than 3 months are not eligible to enter China, so pet parents should plan their move around this minimum age requirement.
Health Requirements For Pets to Enter China
Microchip
Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.
ISO-Compliant Microchip: Ensure your pet is identified with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.
Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.
Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.
What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?
Rabies Vaccine
If your pet is traveling to China from a non-designated country, China requires at least two rabies vaccinations before you can move forward with any other steps in the process.
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The first rabies vaccine must be given more than 30 days before the second rabies vaccine.
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The second rabies vaccine must be given at least 30 days after the first.
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At the time of travel to China, the second rabies vaccination must be at least 30 days old and still valid.
If your pet is coming from a “listed” (designated) country, only one rabies vaccination is required. This vaccine must be more than 30 days old and valid within 12 months on the date your pet enters China.
Additional Vaccines
Even if they aren’t always required for entry into China, the following core vaccines are strongly recommended to help protect your pet’s health during international travel. Your veterinarian can confirm the best protocol and timing for your pet.
Recommended vaccines for dogs traveling to China
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DHPP+L – Helps protect against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
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Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – Commonly required by boarding facilities and strongly recommended for air travel. This vaccine should typically be given within 6 months prior to travel (or as directed by your vet).
Recommended vaccines for cats traveling to China
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FVRCP – Helps protect against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia, which are highly contagious feline diseases.
Keeping your pet up to date on these vaccines adds an extra layer of protection when traveling internationally.
FAVN-OIE Rabies Titer Test
If your pet is traveling to China from a non-designated country, a rabies titre (titer) test is required after the rabies vaccination series is complete.
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A blood sample must be taken after the second rabies vaccination is administered.
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It can be drawn the same day, but only after the second vaccine has been given.
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The blood sample must be collected by a Government Accredited Veterinarian in your country of origin and sent to an approved laboratory for testing.
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There is no additional waiting period after the blood test for entry into China, but your pet must receive a passing result to be allowed into the country without quarantine.
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Completing this process correctly helps your pet avoid a 30-day quarantine on arrival in China.
Note: Rabies titre test results can take 4–6+ weeks to come back from the lab, so it’s important to plan ahead when preparing your pet’s move to China.
Document Requirements For Pets to Enter China
Health Certificate & Department of Agriculture Endorsement
Your pet must be examined by a government-accredited veterinarian and issued a Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs and Cats to China. This official certificate confirms that your dog or cat meets all health and vaccination requirements for entry into China.
The government-accredited veterinarian in your country of origin must examine your pet and complete and endorse the health certificate.
This must be done within 14 days before your pet’s arrival in China.
For pet parents planning a move, this step is essential to ensure your pet is cleared for safe, compliant entry into China.
Chinese Customs Declaration Form
Your pets will need to arrive in China after you. When you land in China, you must obtain a Customs Declaration Form in your own name. Be sure to keep the original form safe, as it will be required for customs clearance when your dog or cat arrives in China.
Note: Your pet(s) must arrive in China within 6 months of your arrival for customs and import to be processed smoothly.
Import Permit
No import permit is required for pets entering Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu.
For Beijing, pets arriving as manifest cargo may require an import permit after arrival, depending on the owner's Chinese visa type:
- An import permit is required if the pet owner holds a long-term residence permit or a diplomatic visa.
- An import permit is not required if the pet owner holds a short-term visa.
FAQ: Moving Your Pet to China
PawPrint City Guides For Popular Cities in China
Planning pet transport to China? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!
Beijing, China
Shanghai, China
Moving Your Pet From China? We Can Help!
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