Bringing Cats and Dogs to China: Entry and Pet Care

Pet entry requirements

China Customs' current rules for travelers bringing pets into the country mainly apply to dogs and cats. Each inbound traveler is generally limited to one pet per trip and should enter through a port that handles pet quarantine. Do not apply the accompanied-pet process to other animals, unaccompanied cargo or multiple pets carried by one person; check separately with Customs, the airline and a specialist animal transport provider.

The animal is a dog or cat and is accompanied by the traveler.
The port of entry can handle pet quarantine.
The airline accepts the breed, weight and proposed transport method.
Pets are allowed in the accommodation at the destination.
The pet is fit for long-distance travel.
Requirements for the return journey or the next country are also included in the plan.

Start preparing entry documents with the microchip

Implant a compliant, readable electronic microchip.
Complete the rabies vaccination while it remains within its validity period.
Obtain a quarantine certificate issued by the competent authority in the exporting country or region.
Complete rabies antibody testing as required for the place of origin.
Check the microchip number, breed, date of birth and owner's details on the certificate.
Confirm that the testing laboratory is on the list recognized by China Customs.
Reserve space for the pet with the airline and confirm the crate standards.

The same microchip number should appear throughout the vaccination record, antibody report and official quarantine certificate. A mistake in even one digit may prevent the documents from being matched. Do not bring only a health statement issued independently by a veterinary clinic; the official quarantine certificate required by Customs must be issued by the official animal quarantine authority in the exporting country or region.

The difference between designated and non-designated countries and regions

Pets from a country or region designated by Customs may be released under the rules if they have a valid microchip, official quarantine certificate and rabies vaccination certificate, and pass on-site quarantine inspection. Pets from a non-designated country or region generally also need a compliant rabies antibody test report from a laboratory recognized by China Customs. The lists and laboratories may change, so check the Customs website before booking.

Which group the country or region of origin belongs to.
Whether the timing of antibody sampling and entry meets the requirements.
Whether the test report refers to the same microchip.
Whether the vaccination will still be valid on the date of entry.
Whether the official quarantine certificate was issued within the required period.
Whether the port of entry has quarantine facilities.

Declare the pet on arrival

Take the pet and all original documents through the Customs declaration channel.
Submit the quarantine certificate, vaccination record and any required antibody report.
Cooperate with microchip scanning and the clinical examination.
Answer questions about the pet's origin, journey and health.
If quarantine is required, confirm the location, duration, cost and transport arrangements.
After release, keep the Customs documents and transport records.
Contact the airline immediately if entry is refused or the pet must be returned.

A missing compliant microchip, incomplete documents, signs of infectious disease found on arrival, or the absence of a compliant antibody report for a pet from a non-designated country or region may lead to quarantine, return within a specified period or destruction. Quarantine is generally not completed at home. If the pet is vomiting, struggling to breathe or in extreme distress, tell Customs and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Housing, registration and veterinary care after entry

Obtain written confirmation from the landlord and property management that pets are allowed.
Check dog registration requirements for the city and district or county.
Complete dog registration, annual inspection or immunization within the required period.
Make a list of regular veterinarians and 24-hour emergency clinics.
Maintain continuous records for vaccinations, parasite treatment and regular medication.
Use a leash, muzzle or other equipment required locally when outside.
Add local contact details to the collar and microchip record.

Cities set their own rules on dog registration, prohibited breeds, size limits, dog-walking areas and access to public transport. Cats generally do not go through dog registration, but housing, transport and public-place rules still apply. A lease that permits pets does not mean a dog prohibited under local rules can be registered.

Connections, invalid documents and emergencies

When connecting through a third country, determine whether the pet crosses that country's border, whether a transit permit is required and whether baggage can be checked through. A flight cancellation or change in pet space may cause the quarantine certificate to expire. If plans change, have the airline confirm the pet's actual route, then ask the quarantine authority at the place of export and China Customs at the port of entry whether a new certificate is required.

Brachycephalic dogs and cats, young, pregnant or sick animals, and animals given sedatives face additional risks, and some airlines will refuse to carry them. Do not sedate a pet without veterinary guidance. If Customs finds the documents non-compliant, follow the written disposal instructions and retain evidence of testing, quarantine and transport.

Differences between ports and cities

Ports differ in operating hours, quarantine sites, appointment requirements and on-site procedures. Airlines also set their own conditions for crates, temperature, breed and connecting transport. Check the destination city's dog registration documents, fees, prohibited-breed list and annual inspection process separately before arrival.

To take the pet out of China later, you must meet the destination country or region's requirements for microchips, vaccinations, antibody tests and export quarantine. Some procedures must begin several months in advance. Keep every original record after entry so that the continuity between vaccinations and the microchip can be proved when the pet next leaves China.

Official basis and verification date

The one-dog-or-cat limit for each traveler and the requirements for a microchip, official quarantine certificate, rabies vaccination and antibody testing for non-designated countries and regions are based on General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 5 of 2019 and Customs scenario-based service information, verified through 2026-8-4. Designated countries and regions, recognized laboratories, eligible ports of entry and destination dog rules may all change; check them again before departure.

Bringing Cats and Dogs to China and Keeping Pets There: Quarantine, Registration and Veterinary Care