Bringing Pets to China: Passports & Vaccinations

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Bringing a pet into China involves a series of rigorous procedures that every owner should know before beginning their journey. Due to strict animal health regulations, travelers must ensure their four-legged companions have a valid passport and that all necessary vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date.

Understanding these requirements in advance is essential to avoid any inconvenience during the entry process into the country. This article explores the various steps owners must follow to ensure a smooth transition for their pets, from complying with health rules to preparing the necessary documents, allowing them to travel with peace of mind alongside their faithful companions.

Administrative Procedures for Importing Pets into China

Steps for Importing a Pet into China:

1. Obtaining an Import Permit

Apply for an import permit from the relevant Chinese authorities (Agriculture Bureau or Animal Quarantine Bureau depending on the destination city).

2. Verification and Preparation of Required Documents

• Pet passport (under the accompanying owner’s name).
• International health certificate, issued by an accredited veterinarian and authenticated by the health authority of the country of origin (generally valid 7 to 10 days before departure).
• Up-to-date vaccination record, including mandatory rabies vaccination.
• Electronic identification (ISO 11784/11785 microchip).
• Official rabies certificate.
• Residential address in China (hotel address accepted if permanent housing is not yet secured).
• Invitation letter (may be required depending on the destination city).
• Animal’s measurements and weight for transport crate compliance.

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

3. Specific Vaccination Proof

Mandatory rabies vaccination, administered at least 30 days before entry into the territory.

Other vaccines may be recommended depending on the species (e.g., distemper, parvovirus for dogs).

4. Health Checks Upon Entry into China

• Systematic veterinary check upon arrival at the airport or border post.
• Verification of all documents and the animal’s health status.
• Issuance of an entry certificate by Chinese health authorities.

5. Mandatory Quarantine Period

• Mandatory 7-day quarantine in an approved center (e.g., Shanghai).
• Possibility of reduction to 24 hours if all conditions are met and using an approved relocation company.
• During quarantine, the animal undergoes additional veterinary examinations.

6. Requirements by Species

• Dogs and cats: identical procedures, but be aware of prohibited breeds (some dog breeds considered dangerous may be refused).
• Rodents, birds, reptiles: varying regulations, sometimes prohibition or need for specific permits and certificates.
• Exotic animals: must contact Chinese authorities before any procedure.

7. Useful Contacts

• Animal Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) of the arrival city
• Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin
• Specialized relocation companies for logistical and administrative assistance
• Accredited Veterinarian for document preparation and vaccination

For every step, it is recommended to directly contact the animal quarantine services of the arrival city or a specialized relocation company to obtain up-to-date information and personalized support.

Important Note:
Importing a pet into China is limited to one animal per traveler. Any non-compliance may result in entry refusal or extended quarantine for the animal.

Pet Passport: An Essential Document

The pet passport is an essential document for importing pets into China, ensuring both the animal’s identification, health traceability, and strict compliance with international regulatory requirements.

Role and Importance of the Pet Passport for China:

• It serves as official proof of the animal’s identity and good health.
• It is mandatory for entry into Chinese territory; only one animal per passport is allowed.
• It facilitates border checks and helps avoid extended quarantine or entry refusal if all conditions are met.
• It ensures compliance with international health standards (rabies control, traceability).

Information Contained in the Pet Passport:

Section	Detail/Specific Requirement for China
Animal Identification	Species, breed, sex, color, date of birth
Electronic Identification	ISO 11784/11785 microchip number (mandatory)
Owner Information	Full name + contact details
Mandatory Vaccinations	Valid double rabies vaccination

Important: Any absence or error in these documents may result in up to 30 days of mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Always verify local specifics with the Chinese consulate or through a specialized pet relocation company.

Mandatory Vaccines for Entering China

List of Mandatory Vaccines for Pet Entry into China:

• Rabies (anti-rabies)
  Protection against rabies, a fatal viral disease mainly transmitted through bites.
  This vaccine is strictly mandatory for all dogs and cats entering China.

Disease	Mandatory Vaccine	Timing Before Entry	Supporting Documents	Specific Observations
Rabies	Yes	At least 30 days after vaccination, but no more than one year depending on the vaccine used. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of initial vaccination.	Official rabies vaccination certificate Health record International animal health certificate Serological titer if from a non-low-risk country	Serological tests required depending on the country of origin Mandatory electronic identification (ISO microchip)

Other Diseases Covered by Local or International Recommendations:

• Yellow fever: only required for humans coming from an endemic area or having transited for more than 12 hours in an airport located in such an area.
• Leptospirosis, parvovirus, canine viral hepatitis, distemper (for dogs) and feline panleukopenia (for cats): these vaccinations are strongly recommended but not mandatory for import into China.
• Depending on the region or planned stay, additional vaccinations may be advised (e.g., Japanese encephalitis).

Conditions and Administrative Procedures Before Entry into China:

• The rabies vaccination must be performed after electronic identification with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
• The official veterinary certificate from the country of origin must specify the date of the last rabies vaccine and its validity.
• A serological titer may be required if the animal comes from a country not recognized as “low-risk”; this test must be conducted at least 30 days after vaccination and up to three months before arrival.
• All documents must be officially translated into Chinese or English.

Procedure to Follow at Chinese Customs:

1. Present:
   • Pet passport
   • Health record with proof of rabies vaccination
   • International veterinary certificate
   • Serological certificate/titer if necessary
2. The animal will be electronically identified on-site via a universal ISO reader; provide your own reader if needed.
3. An official quarantine lasting up to 30 days is imposed in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities.

Possible Exceptions and Exemptions:

• Guide dogs for disabled persons sometimes benefit from simplified procedures but must still meet main health requirements.
• Animals from “low-risk countries” may benefit from relaxed rabies titer conditions.

Practical Recommendations for Obtaining These Vaccines Before Travel:

• Schedule an appointment with an accredited veterinarian familiar with international standards for animal transport to China.
• Always request all necessary official certificates upon rabies vaccination and their certified translation.
• Check with local Chinese embassies for any regulatory updates applicable to your specific case before departure.

Scrupulously following these steps is essential to avoid refusal or extended quarantine upon arrival in Chinese territory!

Tips to Facilitate Your Pet’s Relocation

For a successful relocation to China with your pet, it is essential to anticipate administrative and health procedures, as well as the journey itself.

Documents and Preparation of the Pet’s File:

• Pet passport, under the accompanying owner’s name
• Up-to-date vaccination record, indicating the mandatory rabies vaccination
• Proof of electronic identification via ISO 11784/11785 microchip (implantation must be done at least four months before departure)
• Rabies certificate issued after the rabies vaccination
• International health certificate established by an accredited veterinarian and validated by the health authorities of the country of origin (valid between 7 and 10 days before departure)
• Invitation letter or proof of residence in China (hotel address accepted if housing not secured)

Document	Detail / Condition
Pet Passport	Mandatory, under owner’s name
Vaccination Record	Rabies up to date + other recommended vaccines
Electronic Identification	Mandatory ISO microchip
International Health Certificate	Issued by accredited veterinarian
Rabies Certificate	To be obtained after vaccination
Address in China	Hotel accepted if housing not secured

Preliminary Administrative Procedures:

• Schedule an appointment with an authorized veterinarian to implant the electronic microchip and update all mandatory vaccinations.
• Obtain the international health certificate within the week preceding departure.
• Gather all original documents required for import at Chinese borders.

Transport Organization:

Before Booking:

Check with airlines for their specific requirements regarding animal transport (IATA-approved crate, dimensions according to size/weight).

Quarantine Upon Arrival:

Depending on the arrival city (e.g., Shanghai), expect a quarantine of up to seven days. Some specialized companies can reduce this duration to twenty-four hours based on local conditions.

Practical Tips to Reduce Pet Stress During the Move:

List of Recommended Actions:

• Gradually introduce the transport crate or carrier several weeks before the journey.
• Place familiar objects in the crate during test trips.
• Maintain feeding routines and schedules as much as possible.
• Consult your veterinarian a few weeks before departure for advice on potential anxiety treatments or to propose a suitable anti-stress kit.

Additional Suggestions:

• Use a light blanket or clothing with your scent in the crate throughout the flight.
• Ensure sufficient fresh water is accessible during all stages of the journey.

Note: It is strongly advised to contact the Embassy in France as well as the one in China to confirm each required health procedure locally. This also allows for quick adaptation to any local regulatory changes.