Importing Your Pet to China

China has some of the most detailed pet import requirements in Asia. The General Administration of Customs (GACC) and local CIQ (Customs and Inspection Quarantine) offices oversee pet imports. A health certificate from your origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority, is required. From most origins, a rabies titre test is also required.

All pets entering China must undergo quarantine in a government-approved facility. The standard quarantine period is 7 days (from approved countries with correct documentation) or up to 30 days depending on origin and health status. The quarantine cost is the owner’s responsibility and must be pre-booked.

The whole process, from starting vaccinations to China entry, typically takes at least 6 months for countries where a titre test is required. Start preparations early.

Quarantine and pre-booking process

All pets entering China must be quarantined, even with perfect documentation. Quarantine must be pre-booked at an approved government facility before your pet’s arrival. Do not assume a facility will have space - book well in advance.

The quarantine period is typically 7 days for pets arriving from approved countries with compliant documentation. Pets from non-approved origins or with documentation gaps may face 30 days. The cost varies by facility and is paid by the owner.

Approved entry points for live animal imports include Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun, and others. Not all airports can accept live animal imports. Always confirm your arrival airport has approved animal import facilities.

Rabies titre test and preparation timeline

For most origin countries, China requires a rabies titre test with a minimum result of 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at a GACC-approved laboratory. A waiting period applies after a successful titre test before China entry.

Typical timeline: microchip first, then primary rabies vaccination, then booster (if required), then titre test (at least 30 days after vaccination), then waiting period, then health certificate issued close to travel date.

Start this process at least 6-8 months before your planned travel date. China’s requirements are unforgiving of documentation errors and the timeline cannot be shortened once you have missed a step.