Moving to China: Traveling with Pets

Published on April 23, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to China is an exciting adventure, but when you want to bring your four-legged companion along, the process can quickly become a real headache. Between the strict regulations on animal importation, the required health documents, and the complex customs procedures, it’s crucial to be well-informed to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Whether you have a dog, cat, or even a bird, this article will guide you through the essential steps and provide practical tips to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your pet, while complying with local requirements.

Administrative and Health Procedures for Importing Animals to China

Administrative and Health Procedures for Importing Pets to China

Required Documents for Importation

• Pet passport, under the accompanying owner’s name
• International health certificate, issued by a licensed veterinarian and authenticated by the health authority of the country of origin
• Up-to-date vaccination record, including proof of rabies vaccination
• Proof of electronic identification (ISO 11784/11785 microchip)
• Proof of rabies vaccination and rabies certificate
• Depending on the destination city, invitation letter or proof of residence in China (hotel address acceptable)
• Pet’s measurements and weight for transport crate compliance

Summary Table of Required Documents

Document	Detail / Condition
Pet Passport	Mandatory, under owner’s name
International Health Certificate	Issued by veterinarian, valid 7-10 days
Vaccination Record	Up-to-date rabies, other vaccines recommended
Electronic Identification	Mandatory ISO microchip
Rabies Certificate	Issued after vaccination
Address in China	Hotel accepted if permanent housing not secured
Invitation Letter (varies by city)	Often required

Required Vaccinations and Schedule

• Rabies: Required vaccination, administered at least 30 days before arrival, but less than 12 months before entry.
• Serum Titer Test (rabies antibodies): Sometimes required, depending on country of origin.
• Other recommended vaccines: Distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis for dogs; feline panleukopenia, calicivirus for cats.

Customs Procedure and Airport Clearance

• Present all documents to customs authorities at arrival airport.
• Systematic check of microchip, vaccines, and health certificates.
• Only one animal per passport allowed for import. For multiple animals, use a specialized agent.
• Provide IATA-compliant crate (ventilation, appropriate size).

Tips for Smooth Clearance

• Prepare copies of all documents, including English or Chinese translations.
• Verify vaccine and health certificate validity (often 7-10 days before departure).
• Arrive early at the airport to anticipate checks.
• If possible, use services of a specialized pet relocation company (possible quarantine reduction and procedure management).

Quarantine Periods

Arrival City	Standard Quarantine Duration	Possible Reduction via Relocation Company
Shanghai	7 days	24 hours with approved company
Other Major Cities	7-30 days depending on case	Variable depending on conditions

Quarantine takes place in a center approved by Chinese health authorities.

Animals free from disease, properly vaccinated and documented may sometimes qualify for reduced quarantine (or even exemption depending on bilateral agreements and use of specialized intermediaries).

Quarantine Preparation

• Ensure the animal is healthy and fit to travel (recent veterinary certificate).
• Bring the animal’s regular food (sufficient quantity for quarantine period).
• Provide familiar items (bed, toy) to reduce animal stress.

Specialized Relocation Organizations and Services

• International and local pet relocation companies (e.g., PetRelocation, Asian Tigers Mobility, Crown Relocations).
• Services specialized in pet import/export, handling document management, quarantine booking, and home delivery.
• Advice and assistance for administrative procedure preparation and health compliance.

Pet Import Checklist for China

• Pet passport and electronic identification
• Recent international health certificate
• Up-to-date vaccination record (rabies mandatory)
• Rabies certificate and titer test if necessary
• Quarantine reservation and contact with relocation company if needed
• Copies and translations of all essential documents
• Logistical preparation (crate, transport, accessories, food)

Strictly complying with health and administrative requirements is essential to avoid any complications upon arrival in China.

Tips for Safe Pet Transportation

Regulations and Legal Requirements

To import a pet to China, several strict requirements must be met:

• Only one animal per traveler and one dog per family allowed.
• The animal must arrive within 6 months of its owner’s arrival.
• Mandatory identification by electronic microchip or legible tattoo performed before July 3, 2011.
• The animal must be accompanied by a European passport (or equivalent) in its name.
• Health certificate issued by a veterinarian, endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin, dated less than 10 days before departure.
• 2 rabies vaccinations dated less than one year old, with a valid rabies titer test (usually performed right after the second injection).
• Import certificate validated by the veterinary authority of the country of origin.
• For Shanghai, provide an invitation letter and address of residence (hotel accepted if no permanent accommodation).

Summary Table of Required Documents

Document	Detail and Validity
Pet Passport	Up-to-date, under owner’s name
Health Certificate	Less than 10 days, endorsed by official veterinarian
Rabies Vaccinations (x2)	Less than 1 year
Rabies Titer Test	Valid, to be performed after 2nd vaccination
Identification (microchip/tattoo)	Mandatory, prior to 07/03/2011
Import Certificate	Authenticated by competent authority
Invitation Letter (Shanghai)	If required, obtain before departure
Address in China	Hotel temporarily accepted

Airline Selection and Transport Mode Choice

• Choose an airline with recognized experience in animal transport offering dedicated assistance service.
• Cabin: possible for small animals

Understanding Pet Adaptation to the New Chinese Environment

Pets in China face growing challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation, including temperature variations, increased humidity, and declining air quality. These factors directly impact their health and wellbeing, making adaptation necessary on multiple levels.

Main Environmental Challenges:

• Temperature Variations: Heatwaves and harsher winters cause thermal stress, leading to suffering, dehydration, and in extreme cases, serious physiological disorders.
• High Humidity: Promotes parasites (ticks, fleas, skin fungi) and can worsen respiratory diseases.
• Air Quality: Urban pollution in China exposes pets to fine particles, irritating airways and increasing chronic disease risk.

Health and Wellbeing Consequences:

• Thermal stress (difficulty maintaining body homeostasis)
• Dehydration and digestive disorders
• Increased risk of infectious diseases (viruses, bacteria, parasites)
• Respiratory problems and allergies

Practical Measures for Owners:

Adapt Feeding:

• Choose water-rich food during heatwaves
• Provide appropriate nutritional supplements (antioxidants, vitamins)

Appropriate Exercise Routine:

• Walks early morning or late evening to avoid heat peaks
• Moderate physical activities indoors during pollution or heatwave peaks

Improve Indoor Environment:

• Install cool, well-ventilated areas (cooling mats, fans)
• Purify indoor air with HEPA filters to limit particle exposure
• Provide humid shelters to limit dehydration

Health Monitoring:

• Regularly check hydration and general condition
• Consult a veterinarian at first signs of stress or illness

Summary Table of Recommended Adaptations:

Environmental Challenge	Risks for Animal	Recommended Adaptations
Excessive Heat	Thermal stress, dehydration	Cool space, available water, shaded walks
High Humidity	Parasites, fungal diseases	Regular grooming, antiparasitics
Air Pollution	Respiratory problems	Purified air, limited outings during peaks
Climate Variability	Digestive disorders, immunity	Adapted feeding, veterinary follow-up

Veterinary Services and Precautions in China:

Major cities have modern veterinary clinics with access to vaccination, sterilization, and specialized care.

Comply with legal vaccination requirements (especially rabies), which are strictly controlled in many provinces.

Some vaccines and antiparasitic treatments are mandatory for animal registration.

Cultural Aspects Influencing Adaptation:

The perception of pets has evolved significantly in China: once considered primarily utilitarian, they’re now seen as family members in urban areas.

This transformation promotes the spread of good practices (grooming, specialized food, pet health insurance), but disparities persist between cities and rural areas.

The rise of social media and influence of the urban middle class contribute to better awareness of animals’ specific needs in a changing environment.

Practical Tips:

To facilitate your pet’s adaptation in China:

• Choose food adapted to the season and animal’s physical condition
• Provide a healthy, temperate indoor environment
• Regularly consult a veterinarian for prevention and mandatory vaccination follow-up
• Stay attentive to signs of stress or discomfort related to heat, humidity, or pollution

Pet Services and Cultural Interactions in China

Pet services in China are diverse and rapidly developing, especially in major cities. You’ll find:

• Veterinary clinics (diagnosis, surgery, preventive care)
• Pet grooming (aesthetic care and hygiene)
• Pet boarding (temporary care, specialized hotels)
• Shelters and animal protection organizations

Table of Main Available Services

Service	Description
Veterinarians	Medical care, surgery, vaccination
Grooming	Bath, hair/nail trimming
Boarding/Hotels	Short or long-term accommodation
Shelters/Adoptions	Animal rescue and adoption

Local Regulations

Local regulations concerning animal care and keeping typically include:

• Mandatory rabies vaccination
• Mandatory dog registration in certain cities
• Restrictions on number or size of animals based on urban housing
• Strict health controls for pet import/export

Animal Transportation

In China, several options exist:

• Trains: Small animals sometimes accepted but must be in appropriate crates; national rail transport has its own rules varying by company
• Planes: Airlines often offer dedicated service with approved crates; health certificate required for international travel

Generally Required Documents

• Official health certificate
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Pet passport if available

Cultural Importance of Pets

The cultural importance of pets has significantly increased since the 2000s. They’re integrated into urban daily life: cat/dog cafes, specialized shops, and numerous dedicated events are emerging. Some regional festivals traditionally include dogs or birds in their celebrations; for example during Chinese New Year when some families dress their pets in lucky costumes.

Cultural Differences for Expatriates

Attitudes toward animals vary by region

• In modern urban areas: great attention to animal welfare
• In some rural areas: more functional view (animal = utility)

Tips for Expatriates

• Research local laws before any veterinary procedure or adoption
• Respect use of official health certificate when traveling with your pet
• Adopt discreet approach regarding “Western” expectations for animal comfort; prioritize exchange with locals and dedicated associations

In contemporary urban China, pet ownership has become synonymous with social status but also strong emotional commitment. The animal protection movement is growing rapidly thanks to youth mobilized around animal welfare.

In this dynamic but sometimes contrasting context depending on regions or generations, it’s essential for newcomers to demonstrate cultural openness so their integration occurs with mutual respect regarding the relationship with animals.