Pet Transport from South Africa to China
South Africa is not a designated origin for China, so a pet needs a rabies antibody report of at least 0.5 IU/ml from a GACC-accepted laboratory to avoid 30 days' quarantine. At home, pets generally need a Veterinary Health Certificate certified by a state veterinarian, and Cape Town wants appointments at least 2 days ahead.
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What does South Africa require for China before the flight?
- The Western Cape Department of Agriculture says pets travelling out of South Africa generally require a Veterinary Health Certificate certified by a state veterinarian.
Exporting pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), checked 8 October 2026 - The same page tells the owner that they are ultimately responsible for obtaining the import requirements from the country they are travelling to.
Exporting pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), checked 8 October 2026 - For the Cape Town state veterinary office, the page asks the owner to state the number and destination of pets when making an appointment by e-mail.
Exporting pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), checked 8 October 2026 - For the Cape Town state veterinary office, the page says an appointment must be made at least 2 days in advance.
Exporting pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), checked 8 October 2026 - For the Cape Town state veterinary office, the page says clients are assisted by appointment only, Monday to Friday between 08:30 am and 12:00 pm.
Exporting pets and products (Western Cape Department of Agriculture), checked 8 October 2026 - The same Q&A makes the answer depend on the required clinical examination having been conducted within 14 days before arrival in China.
Does transit affect the validity of a pet's veterinary health certificate? (Shanghai Municipal Government), checked 8 October 2026 - The Shanghai government's guide (page dated 12 December 2023) lists a rabies antibody test report among the documents to prepare only for pets from non-designated countries or regions.
How to bring pets to China (Shanghai Municipal Government), checked 8 October 2026
Where can the rabies blood test be done?
- Shanghai's copy of GACC Announcement No. 64 of 2019 (dated 17 April 2019) says the updated list of rabies serology testing laboratories designated by the General Administration of Customs is promulgated.
Announcement on Updating the List of Admissible Laboratories for Rabies Antibody Test for Pets Traveling to China (GACC Announcement No. 64, 2019), checked 8 October 2026
Which China rules depend on a pet coming from South Africa?
China sorts countries into 2 groups, and South Africa falls in “Non-designated countries or regions”.
Exempt from quarantine only with a valid microchip, a rabies antibody report of at least 0.5 IU/ml from a GACC-accepted laboratory and a satisfactory on-site inspection; otherwise 30 days at a customs-designated quarantine site, entering at a port with quarantine facilities Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: Exemption 2: pets from non-designated countries are exempt from quarantine if microchipped, with a rabies antibody report from a GACC-accepted laboratory showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, and passing on-site inspection. Applies to dogs and cats from non-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: For non-designated origins (Shanghai municipal government guide (sources: Shanghai Customs, Pudong Airport Customs, Huangpu Customs; updated 16 October 2025)): the rabies antibody report must come from a laboratory recognised by China Customs, the blood sample must be taken no earlier than the second rabies vaccination, the titre must be above 0.5 IU/ml, and the result is valid for one year from the date of blood collection. The same guide says a second vaccination is only needed when a new antibody test is needed. Applies to dogs and cats from non-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 South Africa require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of South Africa against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
Common questions
South Africa to China?
Sources
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