Pet Transport from Spain to China
Which China rules depend on a pet coming from Spain?
China sorts countries into 2 groups, and Spain 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 Spain require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Endorsement: pet export certificates are issued by inspectors of the Servicios de Control Oficial en Frontera; for countries that require it they must first be legalised by MAPA's Subdirección General de Acuerdos Sanitarios y Control en Frontera (Calle Almagro 33, 28010 Madrid), by appointment requested by email (sgacuerdos@mapa.es) at least 24 working hours ahead. The appointment form mentions a fee only for phytosanitary certificates. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain where the destination requires legalisation.
Solicitud cita previa para certificados de exportación y mascotas, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: For a pet export certificate the owner's veterinarian must request it through MAPA's CEXGAN application. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain for a non-EU country.
Viajar con la mascota. Perros, gatos, hurones, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Travellers must meet the destination country's requirements; the necessary certificates are issued by the Áreas de Agricultura of the Government Delegations and Subdelegations (page dated 28 September 2026). Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain for a non-EU country.
Viajar con animales de compañía, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Who issues: the Áreas de Agricultura of the Government Delegations and Subdelegations are the offices in charge of issuing pet export certificates. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain for a non-EU country.
Viajar con la mascota. Perros, gatos, hurones, checked 1 October 2026
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
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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