Bringing a pet to China is genuinely possible but involves one of the most bureaucratically complex pet import processes in Asia. The requirements are strict, the documentation is specific, and small errors can result in your pet being quarantined on arrival. If you’re planning to move to China long-term and want to bring your dog or cat, this guide covers the full process.
If you’re visiting China as a tourist with a pet — this is extremely unusual and most visitors who try it find the process not worth it for a short stay.
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The Honest Assessment First
For temporary visitors (under 6 months): Bringing a pet to China for a holiday is not practical. The import requirements involve weeks of preparation, health certificates that expire within 10 days of travel, and the risk of quarantine on arrival. Almost every travel vet and pet relocation specialist advises against bringing pets to China for short visits. Consider pet boarding or a pet sitter at home.
For long-term moves (expats relocating to China): The import process is legitimate and completed successfully by thousands of expats every year. It requires approximately 4-6 months of preparation and meticulous documentation. Start early.
Import Requirements for Dogs and Cats
China’s pet import requirements are set by the General Administration of Customs (GACC) and are updated periodically. As of 2026, the core requirements are:
Step 1: Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO 15-digit microchip (11784/11785 standard). The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If your pet has an older 10-digit chip, it needs to be updated.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
- Must be given after the microchip implantation
- Must be given at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months before
- A booster may be required if the original vaccination was more than 12 months ago
Step 3: Origin-Country Health Certificate
The specific form required varies by country. This is where most problems occur:
The critical detail: China’s GACC approves specific health certificate formats for different countries. Your vet must use the exact approved format for your nationality. Using the wrong form, even with the correct information, can result in rejection.
Where to find the correct form: GACC’s official website lists approved formats by country (in Chinese — you’ll need translation assistance or to work with a pet relocation specialist). For US citizens, the USDA APHIS health certificate; for EU citizens, the EU TRACES format adapted to China’s requirements; for UK citizens, the APHA Form — all with specific additional Chinese-language additions.
Endorsement: The health certificate must be endorsed by the relevant government authority in your home country (USDA APHIS for the US, APHA for the UK, the national vet authority for EU countries). This adds 5-10 business days processing time.
Step 4: Chinese Embassy Endorsement
After your home government endorses the health certificate, you (in some countries) need to get the document endorsed at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Requirements vary by country — check with the Chinese Embassy in your nation for current requirements.
Step 5: China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) Declaration
On arrival in China, you declare your pet at the CIQ counter and present all documentation. If the documentation is complete, your pet is cleared. If there are issues, your pet goes into quarantine (at the port of entry quarantine facility, at your expense) while issues are resolved.
Quarantine Risk
China technically requires imported pets to go through quarantine, but the quarantine requirement for dogs and cats from most countries has been replaced by a “home quarantine” system: if your documentation is correct, your pet is cleared with a quarantine certificate that may require a follow-up health check in China within 30 days of arrival.
However, if your documentation has any errors or omissions, your pet can be held at the port quarantine facility (at significant daily cost, often ¥200-500/day) while documentation is rectified. This can take days to weeks.
The practical advice: Use a professional pet relocation service if this is a long-term move. Companies like Airpets International, VetFly, and local China pet import specialists handle the paperwork, ensure the forms are current, and manage the arrival logistics. The cost (US$500-2,000+ depending on service level) is worth it against the risk of quarantine.
Flying with Pets on Chinese Domestic Flights
If your pet has cleared customs at the international port of entry and you have a Quarantine/Health Certificate for China, you can then fly domestically within China.
In-cabin travel: Dogs under 6-8kg and cats are typically permitted in-cabin on Chinese domestic airlines (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern). The specific weight limits and carrier size requirements vary by airline. Book the in-cabin pet place when purchasing your flight ticket — it’s a separate booking and costs ¥100-200.
Cargo hold travel: Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold. This is temperature-controlled on modern aircraft but is stressful for many animals. All Chinese major airlines accept pets in cargo with advance booking.
High-speed trains: Chinese high-speed (G and D) trains do not permit pets in the passenger carriages except in enclosed, opaque carriers under 20cm in each dimension (essentially only for very small animals). The rules are inconsistently enforced.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in China
This is the good news: pet-friendly accommodation in major Chinese cities is surprisingly common and growing. The domestic pet ownership boom (China’s pet market has grown dramatically since 2018) has driven hotels to accommodate owners.
International hotel chains: Most Marriott, Hilton, and Intercontinental properties in major cities accept pets (typically dogs under 15-20kg with a fee of ¥100-300/night). Specify when booking.
Pet-friendly apartments: For longer stays, serviced apartments and short-term rentals on platforms like Xiaozhu (小猪短租) allow filtering for pet-friendly listings.
Where not to take pets: Scenic areas and national parks typically prohibit pets on trails and in attractions.
Practical Daily Life with a Pet in China
Veterinary care: International standard veterinary clinics exist in Beijing and Shanghai — IDH Vets (Shanghai) and Beijing Animal Hospital are well-regarded with English-speaking vets. Costs are comparable to Western countries.
Pet food: International brands (Royal Canin, Hills, Purina) are widely available in city supermarkets and on Taobao/JD.com. Premium pet food quality in Chinese cities is comparable to what you’d find in the US or Europe.
Parks and walking areas: Most city parks in China have rules against dogs, though enforcement is variable. The designated pet-walking areas in residential compounds and some parks are clearly marked. Keeping your dog on a leash and being considerate of the mixed feelings about dogs in public spaces is essential.