US
CN
Pet Transport from the United States to China: GACC Rules and the Titre Test
40-48
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Very High
Route complexity
5
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Step by step
The United States to China import process
01
At least 9-10 months before planned China arrival date
Implant ISO microchip. Administer first rabies vaccination on the same vet visit.
Responsible: owner/vet
02
3-4 weeks after first vaccination, per vaccine schedule
Administer second rabies vaccination to complete the two-lifetime-dose history
Responsible: vet
03
Month 2-3
FAVN titre test blood draw at a GACC-approved laboratory. Blood draw at least 30 days after the second vaccination.
Responsible: vet/owner
04
Within 14 days of China arrival date
USDA-accredited vet issues health certificate in GACC format; USDA APHIS endorses the certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet/USDA APHIS
05
4-6 weeks before travel
Book cargo space with chosen airline and confirm documentation requirements and entry port
Responsible: owner/agent
Which China rules depend on a pet coming from the United States?
China sorts countries into 2 groups, and the United States 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: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): the titre sample must be taken on or after the day of the second rabies vaccination, and results are valid up to one year from sampling; five US laboratories are listed. Applies to dogs and cats travelling from the US.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, 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 - Health certificate: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): the health certificate is issued by a USDA-accredited vet within 14 days of arrival in China and electronically endorsed by USDA APHIS. Applies to dogs and cats travelling from the US.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, checked 3 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): the pet must have had at least two rabies vaccinations in its lifetime and be current on rabies vaccination on arrival in China. Applies to dogs and cats travelling from the US.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, checked 3 October 2026 - Arrival points and notice: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): pets not meeting the quarantine exemptions must enter at a designated port with quarantine facilities: Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong airports, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Urumqi Diwopu Airport, Alashankou and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, and serve 30 days of quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats travelling from the US that need quarantine.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, checked 3 October 2026 - Arrival points and notice: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): Chinese Customs must be notified of the pet's arrival in advance, and the pet, fees and certificates are taken to the GACC office at the airport on arrival. Applies to dogs and cats travelling from the US.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, checked 3 October 2026 - Microchip: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip should be implanted. Applies to dogs and cats travelling from the US.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, checked 3 October 2026 - Other conditions: Per USDA APHIS guidance for exports from the US (page updated 11 February 2026): dogs must be registered with the local police where the owner lives within one month of arrival in China. Applies to dogs travelling from the US.
Pet Travel From the United States to China, 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 the United States require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: All pet export health certificates must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (page updated 18 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The accredited vet can submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement on the owner's behalf (through VEHCS); alternatively the vet gives the paperwork to the owner to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel: U.S. to Another Country, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: VEHCS is APHIS's online system for issuing, submitting and endorsing export health certificates (page updated 9 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Endorsement windows after the vet signs are limited and vary by destination (e.g. 30 days). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: APHIS endorsement fee (page updated 18 June 2026): USD 101 per certificate with no lab tests; USD 160, 206 or 275 for 1 to 2, 3 to 6 or 7+ tests, plus small per-extra-pet amounts. Paid before endorsement; none for ADA service dogs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Cost To Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate, checked 2 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
Microchip implant in US: USD 25-75
Rabies vaccinations (x2): USD 30-80 per dose at a USDA-accredited vet
FAVN titre test at GACC-approved laboratory: USD 150-300 including blood draw and lab fee
USDA APHIS health certificate endorsement: USD 100-200 per endorsement
Air cargo fees (Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco to Beijing or Shanghai): USD 1,000-3,000 depending on pet size, crate, and airline
Critical points
Only one pet per traveller is allowed into China. Two pets require two travellers, each with their own complete documentation set.
The microchip must be implanted before the first vaccination. Any vaccination administered before microchip implant does not count in China's system. The vaccination record must be restarted.
Air China, American Airlines, and Delta all restrict or ban brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats) from cargo. Confirm breed eligibility with your chosen carrier before beginning the 9-month preparation.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Air China | Main carrier for US-China pet cargo. Direct services from Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG). Pets as manifested cargo. Advance booking essential. | Cargo Only |
| American Airlines | Cargo only on US-China routes via American Airlines Cargo. Operates from multiple US hubs. No cabin pets on international routes. | Cargo Only |
| Delta | Cargo only on US-China routes via Delta Cargo. Services from Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), and Seattle (SEA) to Chinese gateways. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Cargo only via Hong Kong (HKG). AFCD transit rules apply at HKG. Connects to multiple mainland China destinations. Seasonal breed restrictions apply. | Cargo Only |
| United Airlines | Pet cargo availability on international routes has been subject to periodic suspensions. Verify current status directly with United Cargo before relying on this option. | Cargo Only |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
GACC quarantine facilities at major entry ports are professionally run and inspected by GACC. Dogs are housed individually, fed on a set schedule, and given regular veterinary checks. Standards vary between facilities and cities. Beijing and Shanghai facilities near PEK and PVG are generally considered the most established. You can usually arrange supervised visits during the 30-day period. The facility will charge daily for accommodation and feeding.
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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.
- USDA APHIS · United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service