Thinking of moving to China with your furry companion? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not wrong to feel overwhelmed. Bringing pets to China requires planning, paperwork, and precise veterinary timelines. But don’t worry—with the right guidance, the process can be smooth and stress-free.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the China pet import process, from microchips and vaccinations to titer tests, documentation, and avoiding quarantine.
✈️ Why Does Pet Travel to China Require So Much Planning?
Like many countries, China has strict biosecurity regulations to prevent the spread of diseases—especially rabies. To protect both pets and public health, China mandates vaccinations, blood tests, and USDA-certified documentation before your pet can enter without quarantine.
📋 Step-by-Step: Importing Dogs & Cats to China
Let’s break it down into manageable steps with required timelines and expert tips.
🐶 Step 1: Microchip & Rabies Vaccinations
Timeline: Begin at least 30 days before your flight
Your pet must have:
- A 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip
- Two inactivated rabies vaccinations
- Original rabies certificates with full vaccine information
✅ The first rabies shot must be administered over 30 days before departure and within the past 12 months.
✅ The second rabies vaccine is now required to enter without quarantine.
Recommended Vaccines (Not Required, But Advised):
For Dogs:
- Canine Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
For Cats:
- Feline Calicivirus
- Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Chlamydia Psittaci
- Feline Panleukopenia (Parvo Virus)
Need help organizing records from multiple clinics? We can gather your pet’s vaccine history and coordinate 3–4 vet visits, ensuring everything is accurate and aligned with China’s import standards.
🧪 Step 2: Rabies Titer Test (Antibody Test)
Timeline: At least 30 days after the first rabies vaccine
To bypass quarantine, your pet must pass a Rabies Antibody Titer Test performed after the second rabies vaccination. The test must:
- Be drawn by a USDA-accredited veterinarian
- Be processed by a lab approved by the Chinese government
- Include a scan of your pet’s microchip at the time of blood draw
🗓️ The blood sample must be taken after the second rabies vaccine. Plan your vet visits carefully so the titer results return in time for travel.
Once your titer results are back, you’re ready to proceed with import documentation.
🩺 Step 3: Veterinary Credentials
Timeline: 30 days or more before travel
Any licensed veterinarian can administer rabies vaccines, but only a USDA-accredited vet can perform the titer test and issue the required export documents.
What If Your Vet Isn’t Accredited?
No worries! We work with USDA-accredited veterinarians nationwide and can:
- Recommend one in your area
- Help your current vet become accredited
- Provide all necessary document templates and walkthroughs
💡 We specialize in coordinating final vet visits with certified professionals to avoid delays.
📄 Step 4: Import Documentation & USDA Endorsement
Timeline: Within 7 days of your pet’s departure
This step is time-sensitive. You must schedule a visit with your USDA-accredited vet within one week of your travel date to issue the final documents.
Required Documents:
- Two rabies vaccine certificates (originals)
- Vaccination records
- Passing rabies antibody test results
- Veterinary Health Certificate (China-specific form)
- USDA Endorsement from your local USDA office
We handle:
- Health certificate completion
- Endorsement appointment scheduling
- Submitting and reviewing documents
- Couriering paperwork as needed
✍️ Mistakes on this step could result in denied entry or quarantine. Let our experienced team manage the paperwork while you prepare for your move.
🚫 Step 5: Quarantine Rules in China
Can Pets Avoid Quarantine in China?
Yes—if you follow all requirements precisely.
To avoid quarantine:
- Your pet must have 2 rabies vaccines
- A valid rabies antibody test
- USDA-endorsed documents
- Arrival through an approved entry port
⚠️ If any requirement is missed, your pet must complete a 30-day quarantine at an official facility.
What’s Quarantine Like in China?
- Mandatory stay: 30 days
- Supervised by government staff
- Additional fees may apply
- No visitation allowed
We highly recommend starting the relocation process early to prevent any missteps that could lead to quarantine.
📑 Extra Requirements for Expats Moving to China
🐕 Dog Licensing (Important!)
In many Chinese cities (especially Beijing), dog owners must obtain a dog license shortly after arrival.
💡 In Beijing, this license is even required before export if you plan to leave China with your pet in the future.
To obtain a dog license:
- Visit the local police station
- Bring your dog in person
- Show your passport, visa, and local address
🧍♂️ One Pet Per Passport Rule
China enforces a strict “one pet per passport” regulation when entering directly.
Bringing More Than One Pet?
Each additional pet must be listed under a different person’s passport—such as a spouse, roommate, or family member also entering China.
📅 Pet Relocation Timeline: US to China
| Step | Timeline | Task |
| Day 0 | 30+ days before travel | First rabies vaccine + microchip |
| Day 30 | 1 month later | Second rabies vaccine |
| Day 45+ | After second rabies shot | Rabies antibody test |
| Day 60–90 | After test results | Import document preparation |
| 7 days before flight | Final vet visit + USDA endorsement | |
| Travel day | Departure to China |
❓ China Pet Import FAQ
Q: Do pets need to quarantine when arriving in China?
A: Not if all vaccine, titer, and document requirements are met. Missing any of these may lead to a mandatory 30-day quarantine.
Q: Can I bring more than one pet with me?
A: Only one pet per passport is allowed. You’ll need a travel partner to bring an additional pet.
Q: How long does the rabies titer test take?
A: Results usually return within 2–4 weeks, but timing may vary depending on the lab.
Q: What is the cost of moving a pet to China?
A: Total costs vary but often range between $3,000 to $7,000 USD, including vet visits, documentation, flights, and travel crates.
Q: Can I bring a pet other than a dog or cat?
A: Currently, China only allows the import of dogs and cats. Other species (birds, rabbits, etc.) are typically not permitted.
✈️ Ready to Move to China with Your Pet?
We’ve helped hundreds of pets make the journey safely and stress-free. From Chloe the cat to Jake the golden retriever, every relocation is planned with care and expertise.
Our relocation specialists manage:
- Veterinary appointments
- Blood testing timelines
- USDA paperwork
- Flight booking
- Customs clearance
- Home delivery (where available)
🐾 Get Started Today
📞 Schedule a free consultation
📋 Receive a personalized relocation checklist
📦 Let us handle the paperwork and logistics
Moving to China is a big step—but with the right support, your pet will arrive happy, healthy, and ready to explore their new home with you.
Helpful searches to get started:
- “China pet import 2025”
- “USDA accredited vets near me”
- “China dog license rules”
- “Pet relocation services for expats in China”