Bringing Pets To China: Pet Import Regulations

Pets are a part of our lives and also a part of our family. Here are the steps to follow when bringing your pet to China to ensure a smooth entry. If you plan to bring your pet to China, We hope this guide will be helpful to you.

What Should I Prepare Before Bringing Pets to China?

Before bringing pets into China, the following documents and materials are required:

1.Quarantine certificate

Issued by the official animal quarantine agency of the exporting country or region, certifying that the pet is healthy and free of infectious and parasitic diseases.

2.Vaccination Certificate

Proof that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies and is within the validity period.

3.Microchip

The microchip should contain the unique identification of the pet for easy tracking and identification.

4.Rabies Antibody Test Report

Rabies antibody test report is only applicable to pets from non-designated countries or regions. This is not required for pets from designated countries or regions.

5.Designated Countries or Regions

Designated countries or regions: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii (USA), Guam (USA), Jamaica, Iceland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong (China) and Macau (China).

Bringing Pets That Do Not Meet China's Requirements

If you plan to bring your pet into China but the pet's situation does not comply with China's import regulations, you must follow specific procedures.

Pets that do not meet the requirements must enter China through designated ports and undergo a 30 day quarantine upon arrival. These designated ports include:

Beijing Capital Airport
Beijing West Railway Station
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center
Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport
Alashankou
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

At these ports, pets will be sent to quarantine sites designated by customs for inspection and observation.

Things You Need to Know Before Bringing Your Pet to China

There are a number of rules and requirements that you need to understand and comply with before bringing your pet to China. Here are some key points:

1.Export Requirements

Check the export regulations of your country, different countries have different requirements for pets to leave the country.

2.Airline and Shipping Company Policies

Different airlines and shipping companies have different policies and requirements for transporting pets.

3.Types of Pets Allowed into China

Currently, only dogs and cats are allowed into China.

4.Limit on The Number of Pets per Entry

Each carrier is allowed to carry only one pet per entry into China.

What to Do When Your Pet Needs to Be Quarantined

When your pet needs to be quarantined, understanding the entire process and relevant regulations is crucial for the safety and health of your pet.

Situations Where Pets Need to Be Isolated:

Pets without electronic chips.

Non designated countries or regions, pets without rabies antibody testing reports issued by institutions trusted by Chinese customs.

During on-site clinical examination, pets were found to have symptoms of zoonotic diseases or parasitic diseases.

Precautions During Quarantine:

Keep in touch: Maintain close contact with quarantine authorities to understand the health status and quarantine progress of pets.

Pay attention to pet welfare: Ensure that pets receive appropriate food, water, and exercise during quarantine to maintain their physical and mental health.

Cooperate with treatment: If the pet needs treatment, follow the instructions of the quarantine personnel to cooperate and ensure that the pet recovers as soon as possible.

Register Your Pet After Arriving in China

In China, the specific procedures and requirements for pet registration may vary from city to city. Before registering your pet, you should first check your city's pet registration policy.

Time limit: Pets need to be registered at your local police station within one month of arrival in China.

Get the certificate: After submitting the materials, the departments will review them. After approval, you will receive a pet registration certificate or relevant supporting documents.

Registering your pet is an important step in ensuring that your pet is legally resident and under the necessary management.

How to Bring Your Pet Out of China

Each country has different requirements for imported pets, including rabies antibody testing, vaccination, microchips, health certificates, etc. Before planning your itinerary, study the specific requirements of the destination country.

Before leaving China, you need to ensure that your pet has passed through China's customs and quarantine procedures.

Once you arrive in the destination country, you need to follow the entry procedures of that country to complete the relevant procedures.

Bringing pets out of China requires careful planning, adequate documentation, and adherence to relevant procedures. By understanding and preparing in advance, it can help your pets safely and smoothly complete their trip.

Need More Advice?

Different provinces and cities in China have different requirements for pet imports. Importing pets into China can be difficult if you are not familiar with local regulations.

Consider your costs, and in some cases it may be better to leave pets with friends and family. But if your budget allows, we recommend using the services of companies that specialize in immigration procedures.

We realize that your pets are probably a part of your family and the idea of leaving them is crazy. Looking for help bringing your pet to China? Contact us to discuss your options.