Lead time needed
26-32 weeks
Quarantine
30 days
Route complexity
Very High
Airlines
9 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport from Spain to China

Bringing your dog or cat from Spain to China takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Budget around 26-32 weeks and start early, because the mandatory waits on this route stack up quickly. Factor in 30 days of quarantine at the …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Spain to China typically takes around 26-32 weeks. Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Spain to China import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from China

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days)

Responsible: China quarantine authority

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter China

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required (ISO 15 digit). Must be implanted before vaccinations
Rabies vaccination
Required. Must be administered at least 30 days before travel but within 12 …
Rabies titre test
Required for: All dogs and cats from most countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day …
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved …
Import permit
Required. Import permit must be obtained before travel. Very limited entry …
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government …
Export permit
No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as …
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and …
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (China)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for …
Cabin and Cargo
Air China
Small pets allowed in cabin on domestic China routes. International: cargo only via Air …
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa …
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to …
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM …
Cabin and Cargo
Korean Air
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets in hold as checked baggage or Korean Air …
Cabin and Cargo

Meeting China's entry requirements

Getting a pet into China means meeting a demanding set of rules with no shortcuts. Start from the earliest deadline and work forward from there.

Advice worth following

Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in China. Your pet will stay for 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days at GACC-approved quarantine facility on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter China. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from the China veterinary authority. Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Spain. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check China’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
  • Air France
  • Air China
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • KLM
  • Korean Air
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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ES CNSpain to China
International pet transport route
Lead time26-32 weeks
Quarantine30 days
ComplexityVery High
Airlines9
ServiceDoor to door
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