Pet Transport from South Korea to China
The import process, step by step
Every step must be completed in sequence. Starting early is critical: a missed deadline can add months.
Responsible: Your vet
Responsible: Your vet + GACC-approved lab
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: Official vet + APQA
Which China rules depend on a pet coming from South Korea?
China sorts countries into 2 groups, and South Korea 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 Korea require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: Some destination countries require separate prior permission before a pet travels; MAFRA names the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan among them. MAFRA says each country's quarantine conditions can be checked in the 'quarantine conditions by exporting country' section of the agency's website. The MAFRA release describes no Korean export permit beyond APQA's animal quarantine certificate. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Korea.
반려동물과 함께하는 해외여행, 출국·입국할 때 '검역'은 필수! (posted 26 June 2025, embargo 27 June 2025 morning edition), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: For pets leaving Korea, the owner gets a health certificate (with the vaccinations the destination requires) from a local veterinary clinic, books a date in APQA's export pet quarantine booking system, and visits the APQA office with the pet and documents to receive the animal quarantine certificate (MAFRA press release posted 26 June 2025, embargoed for the 27 June 2025 morning papers). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Korea.
반려동물과 함께하는 해외여행, 출국·입국할 때 '검역'은 필수! (posted 26 June 2025, embargo 27 June 2025 morning edition), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The pet must be brought in person, as the microchip number is checked against the documents. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Korea.
반려동물과 함께하는 해외여행, 출국·입국할 때 '검역'은 필수! (posted 26 June 2025, embargo 27 June 2025 morning edition), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: An APQA quarantine officer at the airport or seaport office issues the export quarantine certificate after a document check and clinical examination; the owner brings the pet and the documents (vaccination and health certificates) the destination requires. The fee is KRW 10,000 per case. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Korea.
입·출국 시 (dogs and cats on departure and arrival), checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: Preparation for travel abroad with a pet starts with checking the quarantine conditions set by the destination country (MAFRA press release posted 26 June 2025, embargoed for the 27 June 2025 morning papers); some destinations require prior permission (see export_permit). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Korea.
반려동물과 함께하는 해외여행, 출국·입국할 때 '검역'은 필수! (posted 26 June 2025, embargo 27 June 2025 morning edition), checked 2 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
One dog or one cat per person per entry, in force since 1 May 2019. A couple travelling together can bring two animals between them; one person alone cannot.
GACC requirements change frequently. Always verify current rules with an agent or GACC directly before making arrangements.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book live animal cargo correctly.
Common questions
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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