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Bringing a Dog or Cat to China
Each traveller can bring one dog or cat into mainland China. It needs an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination certificate and an official health inspection within 14 days before arrival. Pets from countries not on China's designated list, including the mainland US and most EU countries, also need a rabies antibody test of 0.5 IU/ml or more from an accepted lab, taken on or after the second rabies shot. Pets that miss a requirement face 30 days of quarantine at a designated port, or are returned.
Requirements at a glance
| Limit | 1 dog or cat per traveller per entry, 1 pet per certificate |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785, 15 digits; otherwise bring your own reader |
| Rabies vaccine | Inactivated or recombinant vaccine, valid on arrival; from the US, at least 2 lifetime shots |
| Rabies antibody test | From non-designated countries (mainland US, most of the EU): 0.5 IU/ml or more at an accepted lab, sample on or after the 2nd shot, valid 1 year |
| Designated countries | UK, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hawaii, Guam and others: no antibody test |
| Health certificate | Official inspection within 14 days before arrival |
| Quarantine | None if compliant; otherwise 30 days at a designated port, or the pet is returned |
| Plan ahead | 2+ months from non-designated countries |
Step-by-step timeline
- 2+ months beforeMicrochip, then check the rabies history. Pets from non-designated countries need at least 2 rabies vaccinations with inactivated or recombinant vaccines.
- On or after the 2nd shotBlood sample for the rabies antibody test at a lab China accepts (USDA lists 5 US labs, including Kansas State University). The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or more and is valid for 1 year from the sample date.
- 14 days beforeOfficial health inspection and certificate. In the US an accredited vet issues it through VEHCS for USDA endorsement, 1 pet per certificate, with the traveller's name on it.
- ArrivalFill in the pet registration form at the port. Compliant pets can enter at any port; a pet that needs quarantine must arrive at a port with a quarantine facility.
Dogs vs cats
Dogs and cats follow the same national rules. China's national rules list no banned breeds or minimum age, but cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have their own dog rules, so check your city. Old, frail, pregnant or nursing pets may not be suitable for transport or quarantine.
Common mistakes
- Travelling with two pets. Only 1 pet per traveller is allowed; an extra pet is returned or destroyed.
- Taking the antibody blood sample before the second rabies shot.
- Landing at a port without a quarantine facility when your pet needs quarantine. The pet is returned or destroyed.
- Getting the health inspection more than 14 days before arrival, or changing the certificate after it is issued.
Official source: China Customs (GACC): Announcement 2019 No. 5 on pets (Chinese)
Other destinations
🇪🇺 EU🇬🇧 UK🇺🇸 US🇨🇦 Canada🇯🇵 Japan🇦🇺 Australia🌺 Hawaii🇳🇿 New Zealand🇸🇬 Singapore🇹🇭 Thailand🇵🇭 Philippines🇮🇩 Indonesia & Bali🇲🇽 Mexico🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇮🇪 Ireland🇰🇷 South Korea🇭🇰 Hong Kong🇦🇪 UAE🇮🇳 India
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring two dogs to China?
Not as one traveller. Each traveller can bring 1 dog or cat per entry, and each pet needs its own certificate.
Does my dog need a rabies titer test for China?
From the mainland US and most EU countries, yes: 0.5 IU/ml or more at an accepted lab. From designated places such as the UK, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Hawaii and Guam, no.
Is there quarantine for pets entering China?
Not if every requirement is met. A pet without a valid microchip or a required antibody test is quarantined for 30 days at a designated port, or returned.
Is China's designated country list up to date?
The list here comes from China's customs rules published in 2019, the latest we could confirm. Check with China Customs or your government vet service before you travel.
Sources
- China Customs (GACC): Announcement 2019 No. 5 on pets (Chinese)
- USDA APHIS: pet travel from the US to China
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.