Our clients are often surprised to learn that bringing a pet to China requires significant time and preparation. Our team of experts can provide an explanation of what this looks like, in addition to coordinating your pet's entire move, so you don't have to navigate it alone!
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What to Know Before Bringing Dogs and Cats to China
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Microchip and Vaccinations
Make sure your pet meets these basic requirements so you can begin the import process.
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Blood Tests and Other Treatments
The timeline for travel starts with your pet's first rabies vaccine, at least 30 days before travel.
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Veterinary Credentials
Any veterinarian may administer the rabies vaccines, but the titer blood draw must be performed by a USDA accredited veterinarian.
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Import Documentation
Once your pet's blood test is completed, the documentation process begins!
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Quarantine and other information
If you follow our guidelines, your pet should not need quarantine in China.
China Pet Import Requirements and Timeline
Microchip and Vaccinations
Time frame: at least 30 days before departure date
Preparing your pet for transportation to China can be overwhelming, especially if your pet has health records in multiple locations and your veterinarian is not properly accredited. Ensuring that all required vaccinations are in line with import and export regulations is crucial. But don't worry; we are here to help!
Our experienced team will manage the entire process, including scheduling and coordinating the necessary 3-4 vet visits for vaccinations and blood tests. We provide sample documents to help ensure that everything is properly filled out and signed the first time, saving you time and avoiding potential delays.
We understand the importance of staying up-to-date on regulatory changes, and our relocation coordinators manage an average of 190 vet visits per month. Your pet's health and safety are our top priority, so all pets entering China must be microchipped and vaccinated. Keep reading below for more specific details and requirements.
How to start the process of moving your pet to China
Microchip
- An ISO-15 Digit Microchip is required for entry into China.
Rabies Vaccination and Certificate
- All pets must have two rabies vaccines and original rabies certificates. These certificates must contain all vaccine information. The first rabies vaccine must be administered more than 30 days from the day of departure but within the last year. This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine.
- Please note: the second rabies vaccine and certificate are now required to enter China without quarantine.
It is suggested that dogs and cats have the following vaccinations as well:
- Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis
- Feline Cat Flu-Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Chlamydia Psittaci
- Cat Enteritis-Feline Panleukopaenia/Feline Parvo Virus
Jake: US to China
Blood Tests and Other Treatments
Making sure testing and treatments are done on time
To avoid quarantine, your pet will need two rabies vaccines and a passing titer blood test.
Make sure strict timelines are met
Rabies Titer (Rabies Antibody) Test
- Your pet will need a valid rabies vaccine and is under one year old at travel time. Once that vaccine is 30 days old, your pet can get their second rabies vaccine.
- After the second rabies vaccination, your pet can receive a rabies antibody test by an accredited veterinarian to ensure that the vaccination has provided adequate rabies antibody levels. The sample must be tested at a facility approved by the Government of China. Your vet will need to scan your pet’s microchip prior to the blood draw for the rabies antibody test.
- The date the blood was drawn can be any date after the second rabies vaccination is administered.
- The rabies vaccine must be valid and under one year old at the time of travel, and the second vaccine must be administered at least 30 days after the first. The date the blood was drawn for the rabies titer test can be any date after the second rabies vaccination is administered, but it's recommended to plan and schedule the blood draw as soon as possible to ensure timely results.
- Once these results have been returned to either yourself or the vet, you can move forward with planning your pet’s travel to China. Please contact your Relocation Coordinator at this time for further instruction.
Mylo: US to China
Veterinary Credentials
Time frame: at least 30 days after your pet's first rabies vaccine
Your veterinarian must issue two signed rabies vaccine certificates and submit a passing rabies titer test.
What happens if your veterinarian isn't accredited?
- We can recommend an accredited veterinarian in your area, or work with your current vet to obtain the necessary credentials for your pet's import to China.
- Our team provides detailed templates and answers any questions your veterinarian may have to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed correctly.
- If your veterinarian does not have the required credentials, we can guide them through becoming accredited to avoid delays in your pet's relocation.
- We understand the importance of timing and can coordinate a final vet visit with an accredited veterinarian specializing in international travel preparation to ensure a smooth transition for your pet.
Chloe: US to China
Import Documentation
Time frame:within 7 days of departure
Once you have your test results back, you must make an appointment with a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 7 days of your planned travel date.
Avoid paperwork headaches by hiring experienced pet movers
China requires specific documentation for importing pets from the US.
Here are the key requirements:
China-specific USDA Health Certificate:
- Your USDA-accredited veterinarian should fill out this certificate, which must be issued within 10 days of your pet's flight.
USDA Endorsements:
Your local USDA office must approve the following documents:
- Two rabies certificates
- Vaccination records
- Passing rabies antibody test
- Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Dogs/Cats from the US to China
Don't worry about the details - your relocation coordinator can guide you through this process and ensure that all documents are properly completed and submitted on time before your pet transportation to China.
Chico: US to China
Quarantine and other information
Your pet should be able to avoid quarantine in China.
If your pet does not meet the above requirements upon entry to China, you must complete 30 days of quarantine through an approved port.
Additional Information
Quarantine
- If your pet does not meet the above requirements upon entry to China, you must complete 30 days of quarantine through an approved port. We know this can be difficult to navigate, so we encourage you to contact our experts to learn how you can provide the most comfortable travel experience for your pet!
- Start the process early to ensure all necessary requirements are met and to allow for any unexpected delays.
Dog License
- Many major cities in China also require that dog owners obtain a dog license once the dog has arrived into the city. Beijing even requires this document prior to export, so if you’re planning on eventually leaving China with your dog it may be a good idea to look into obtaining a dog license upon arrival. This document can be obtained by visiting the local police station with your dog along with your passport, visa, and local address in hand.
One Pet Per Passport
- There is a strict one pet per passport rule that cannot be avoided if entering China directly. If you have more than one pet, your second pet's information must all be under of a friend or family member's name who is also moving to China.
