JP
CN
Pet Transport from Japan to China
26-32
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Very High
Route complexity
10
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Which China rules depend on a pet coming from Japan?
China sorts countries into 2 groups, and Japan falls in “Designated countries or regions”.
Exempt from quarantine with a valid microchip and a satisfactory on-site inspection; no rabies antibody report needed Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Quarantine: Exemption 1: pets from designated countries or regions with a valid microchip that pass on-site inspection are exempt from quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from GACC designated countries or regions.
海关总署公告2019年第5号（关于进一步规范携带宠物入境检疫监管工作的公告）, checked 3 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: Not required: pets from GACC designated countries or regions do not need a rabies antibody (titre) test and may enter through any port with the correct health and vaccination certificates (Shanghai municipal government guide (sources: Shanghai Customs, Pudong Airport Customs, Huangpu Customs; updated 16 October 2025)). Applies to dogs and cats from GACC designated countries or regions.
How to bring a pet to Shanghai, checked 3 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering China, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our China guide.
What does Japan require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: No separate export permit: apply for export inspection through NACCS (or by email) at least 14 days before the desired inspection date, then book a slot. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
Export dogs and cats from Japan, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Dogs and cats leaving Japan must undergo AQS export quarantine: the exporter applies to AQS in advance and the animal is inspected at the date and hour the AQS officer directs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
Import and export quarantine of dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Export inspection within 10 days before departure unless the destination sets otherwise; certificate usually issued in 30 to 60 minutes. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
Export dogs and cats from Japan, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Export inspection is free; the exporter pays for vaccinations, tests and vet checks the destination requires. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
FAQ: Taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Japan itself does not require rabies vaccination for export (the destination may). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
FAQ: Taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Pets that may return to Japan should complete microchip, two vaccinations and the antibody test before leaving so re-entry quarantine stays within 12 hours. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan and returning.
FAQ: Taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Counterfeit supporting certificates mean no export certificate and the animal cannot be exported. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Japan.
Export dogs and cats from Japan, checked 1 October 2026
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Cargo Only | |
| Air China | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Emirates | Cargo Only | |
| Lufthansa | Cabin and Cargo | |
| British Airways | Cargo Only | |
| Singapore Airlines | Cargo Only | |
| Cathay Pacific | Cargo Only | |
| Air France | Cabin and Cargo | |
| KLM | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Korean Air | Cabin and Cargo |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. Japan is on China’s designated list, so no rabies antibody test is required for this route. The test applies to pets from non-designated countries, and it must be run by a laboratory China itself approves: a result accepted in Europe can be refused at the Chinese border.
Move your pet
to China.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations