Pet Transport from USA to China: GACC Rules, 180-Day Wait and Quarantine

Moving a pet from the USA to China is one of the longer preparation processes in international pet relocation. China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) enforces a strict pre-arrival protocol that begins 6 to 9 months before you plan to travel. Get the sequence right from the start and the process is manageable; skip a step or misjudge the timeline and the delays are significant.

Step 1: Microchip (First)

Your pet must have an ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before any rabies vaccination that will count toward the Chinese protocol. In the USA, many pets are chipped with 9-digit non-ISO chips – verify your pet’s chip is 15-digit ISO; if not, arrange a second ISO chip implantation.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccinations

Two rabies vaccinations are required, given at least 30 days apart. Both must be given after the microchip is recorded in the vet’s notes. Use a vaccine brand that is on the GACC approved list – your vet can confirm; most standard US-licensed rabies vaccines are accepted.

Step 3: Titre Test (180-Day Clock Starts Here)

After the second vaccination, wait at least 30 days before collecting a blood sample for the FAVN rabies antibody titre test. The lab must be on the GACC approved list. In the USA, the Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and a small number of other facilities are GACC approved – confirm the current list at the GACC or AQS website.

The result must show 0.5 IU/ml or above. After the test passes, the 180-day wait begins. Your pet cannot enter China for 180 days after the titre test date.

Step 4: USDA APHIS-Endorsed Health Certificate

Within 10 days of your travel date to China, your USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the health certificate. This must follow the Chinese government’s specific format – ask your vet to use the template available from USDA APHIS International. The certificate is then endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (your regional area office); book this appointment in advance as same-day endorsements are not always available.

Step 5: Import Permit and GACC Registration

China requires an import permit/registration through GACC. For personal pets, this is typically handled at the destination city’s customs office or by a GACC-registered import agent in China. It is strongly recommended to use a licensed Chinese import agent for this step – they will also handle the quarantine facility booking.

Step 6: Mandatory Quarantine

All pets entering China undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a GACC-approved facility near the arrival airport. Common quarantine facilities:

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – Pudong Free Trade Zone quarantine facility
Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) – Beijing facilities
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) – Guangzhou facility
Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX) – Shenzhen facility

Costs for 30-day quarantine range from approximately USD 800 to 2,000 depending on facility and animal size. You cannot take your pet home until the full 30 days has elapsed and the quarantine certificate is issued.

Airlines on This Route

Long-haul flights from USA to China with live animal cargo:

Air China – Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK) to Beijing (PEK); Shanghai (PVG); cargo pets accepted on selected routes
China Eastern – LAX, JFK to Shanghai PVG; confirm current cargo pet acceptance
China Southern – LAX to Guangzhou (CAN); cargo acceptance varies by aircraft type
United Airlines – SFO, LAX, JFK to Shanghai, Beijing; long-haul cargo pet acceptance; confirm route-specific availability

Total Timeline

For a pet with no prior titre test history, allow 9 months from start to finish:

Month 1: Chip + first vaccination
Month 2: Second vaccination (30+ days after first)
Month 2-3: Titre test (30+ days after second vaccination)
Months 3-9: 180-day wait
Month 9: Health certificate + travel (with quarantine on arrival)

Sources: General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) live animal import regulations; USDA APHIS international pet travel (aphis.usda.gov); Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; IATA LAR 50th Edition.