Pet Transport from UK to China: Permits, Quarantine and Airline Options

Moving a pet from the UK to China is one of the more complex international relocations available. China has detailed import protocols, a mandatory quarantine period and requires government-to-government endorsed documentation. The process works – tens of thousands of pets make this journey each year – but it needs careful planning starting at least 4 to 6 months before your intended travel date.

Who Controls Pet Imports into China?

The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), working alongside the animal quarantine arm of customs (previously known as AQSIQ), regulates all live animal imports. Your pet will be examined at the Customs veterinary inspection post at the arrival airport.

Core Requirements for UK-Origin Pets

To bring a dog or cat from the UK to China, you need:

ISO microchip – 15-digit, implanted before all vaccinations
Rabies vaccination – primary course completed and a booster given between 30 days and 12 months before travel
FAVN rabies titre test – conducted at a GACC-approved OIE laboratory (the UK has several approved labs); the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml; the test must be done no earlier than 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination and the result must have been valid for at least 6 months (i.e., you must wait 180 days from the titre test before the animal can enter China)
Distemper and parvovirus vaccinations (dogs)
Feline distemper (panleukopenia) vaccination (cats)
Internal and external parasite treatment within 30 days of travel
Official UK health certificate – issued by a UK government-authorised official veterinarian (OV) and endorsed by APHA; the certificate must follow China’s specific template and be issued within 14 days of travel
Import permit – issued by the GACC at the port of entry; often arranged by the receiving party in China or by a licensed Chinese import agent

The 180-Day Waiting Period

The most critical timeline element is the 180-day wait after the titre test. This is not the same as the 21-day post-vaccination wait used in many EU countries. You need to plan at least 6 months in advance to accommodate this requirement.

For example: if your dog’s titre test is conducted in January, the earliest the animal can enter China is July of that year.

Quarantine on Arrival

All dogs and cats entering China undergo a mandatory quarantine period at a GACC-approved quarantine facility near the arrival airport. The standard duration is 30 days for dogs and cats from recognised countries, including the UK.

Quarantine facilities are typically located in bonded zones near major airports (Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun). You cannot visit your pet during the quarantine period except at designated times where available. Costs vary by facility and duration but typically run to several hundred pounds sterling.

After satisfactory quarantine, a quarantine certificate is issued and your pet is released to you.

Approved Entry Points

Only designated ports of entry can accept live animal imports. The main approved airports for pet arrivals from the UK are:

Beijing Capital International (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX)
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN)
Shenzhen Bao’an International (SZX)

Pets cannot enter through non-approved ports. Route your pet’s flight accordingly.

Which Airlines Fly Pets from the UK to China?

Direct flights from London to China with pet cargo are operated by a limited number of carriers. At the time of writing, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) are the main options. Check cargo acceptance rules carefully – some routes only accept pets on specific aircraft types.

Working with a Local China Agent

Given the complexity of the documentation and quarantine logistics on the Chinese end, most people use a licensed Chinese pet import agent to handle the GACC permit, quarantine bookings and post-quarantine collection. This is not strictly required but is strongly recommended for first-time importers.

Sources: General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), 2025 live animal import regulations; UK APHA official veterinarian guidance; OIE/WOAH approved laboratory list; Air China cargo policies.