China
The People's Republic of China is the world's most populous country, located in East Asia and bordered by 14 nations. Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are the primary international entry points for pets, and the pathway your pet follows depends entirely on the classification of the origin country.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into China requires a microchip, two lifetime rabies vaccinations, and a government-endorsed health certificate — pets from "non-designated" countries also need a valid RNATT blood test to avoid a 30-day quarantine, while pets from the 19 "designated" countries can skip the blood test entirely.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test (RNATT)
Required*
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Import Permit
Not Required*
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Min. Age
3 months
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Min. Prep Time
Weeks to months*
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Difficulty
Complex
China classifies all countries as either designated (19 rabies-controlled countries, including Portugal, UK, Japan, Australia, and Singapore — no RNATT required, faster process) or non-designated (all others — RNATT required to avoid 30-day quarantine). The origin country's classification determines your pet's entire pathway. A certified specialist must confirm your country's status before starting.
Key Requirements
Microchip
An ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip with a 15-digit numeric code is required. The chip must be readable by a standard RFID reader at the port of entry. If the implanted chip does not meet ISO standards, the owner must bring a compatible reader — without one, the pet may be sent to quarantine or returned. Microchip identification is the foundation of all other documentation; any mismatch between the chip and the paperwork will block entry.
Rabies Vaccination
All pets must have received at least two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime, and the current vaccination must be valid on arrival. The vaccination must use an inactivated, improved, or recombinant vaccine — live-virus vaccines are not accepted. The vaccination certificate must clearly show the manufacturer, batch number, and expiration date. Pets must be over 3 months of age at the time of vaccination.
Rabies Blood Test (RNATT) — Non-Designated Countries Only
Required for pets arriving from any country not on China's designated list (which covers most of the world, including the USA and most of continental Europe). The blood sample must be taken at the same time as or after the second rabies vaccination and processed at a GACC-approved laboratory. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Unlike many other destinations, China does not impose a waiting period after the RNATT result — the pet can travel as soon as the laboratory confirms a passing result. The titer result is valid for up to one year from the sampling date.
Health Certificate
Required for all pets, issued within 14 days of arrival in China. The certificate must be completed and endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the exporting country. It must confirm the pet's identity, vaccination status, clinical health, and — for non-designated countries — the RNATT result. Original documents will be collected by GACC customs officials on arrival; travel with photocopies of all documents.
Export Certificate
The health certificate must be endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country before departure. This endorsement is a strict requirement — a certificate signed only by a private veterinarian is not valid for entry into China.
Quarantine — 30 Days if Requirements Not Met
Pets that arrive without meeting all documentation requirements — most commonly a missing or invalid RNATT, non-readable microchip, or incomplete health certificate — are subject to 30 days of quarantine at a GACC-designated facility. Quarantine is only available at Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Urumqi airports. A pet arriving at any other port without complete documentation will be returned to the origin country or euthanised. This is enforced without exception. Quarantine costs are entirely at the owner's expense.
One Pet Per Traveller
China strictly enforces a limit of one dog or cat per adult traveller. Each pet must have its own health certificate, and the traveller's name must appear on all documents matching the passport. Importing more than one pet requires additional adult travellers, each with their own set of documentation, or routing through Hong Kong, which operates under separate import rules.
City-Level Breed Restrictions
China has no national breed ban for import purposes, but individual cities impose their own registration restrictions. Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu each maintain extensive lists of prohibited breeds for local registration — including many Mastiff types, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and large working breeds. A pet may legally enter China at the port but be unable to be registered at the destination city. Verify your pet's breed against the specific restrictions of your destination city before beginning any preparations.
Pre-Notification and Arrival Process
Chinese customs (GACC) must be notified of your pet's arrival in advance of travel. On arrival, present the pet, all original documents, a printed photo of the pet, and a copy of your passport to the GACC office at the port. Complete the bilingual "Carrier's Immigration Pet Information Registration Form" — either designated or non-designated version — in advance if possible. Dogs must be registered with local police within one month of arrival.
⚠️ China's enforcement is strict and non-negotiable at the port. A documentation error that can be resolved at arrival in many countries will result in quarantine or return in China. Work with a certified pet relocation specialist to verify all requirements before booking travel.
Preparation Timeline
1
Microchip
Assumed already present — must be ISO-compliant and readable
2
Rabies Vaccination (×2 lifetime)
Ensure up to date; inactivated vaccine only; current vaccination valid on arrival
3
RNATT Blood Test (non-designated countries)
At same time as or after 2nd vaccination — GACC-approved lab only; no post-result wait
4
Health Certificate + Export Endorsement
Within 14 days before arrival — endorsed by government vet of origin country
5
Pre-Notify GACC + Fill Registration Form
Before travel — notify customs in advance; prepare bilingual registration form
6
GACC Inspection on Arrival
Present pet + all original docs + pet photo + passport copy to GACC at port
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between designated and non-designated countries?
China classifies 19 countries and territories as "designated" — these are considered rabies-free or rabies-controlled, and include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, UK, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Guam, Jamaica, Hong Kong, and Macau. Pets from these countries do not need an RNATT and can clear customs without quarantine if documentation is correct. Pets from all other countries (non-designated) — including the USA and most of continental Europe — require a valid RNATT from a GACC-approved laboratory to avoid quarantine.
How long is quarantine, and can it be avoided?
Quarantine is 30 days and takes place at a GACC-designated government facility. It can be fully avoided if all documentation requirements are met — including the RNATT for pets from non-designated countries. The decision is made before departure, not at the airport. If a pet arrives at a non-designated port without the required documents, it will be returned to the origin country or euthanised. There is no opportunity to resolve missing documentation on arrival.
Is there a waiting period after the RNATT blood test?
No. China does not require any waiting period after a passing RNATT result — the pet can travel as soon as the approved laboratory confirms a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. This is different from destinations like Turkey (90-day wait) or Australia (180-day wait). The RNATT result is valid for up to one year from the sampling date, provided vaccinations remain current.
Are there breed restrictions for entering China?
There are no national breed restrictions for import into China. However, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu each maintain lists of breeds that cannot be registered locally after arrival. These lists include many Mastiff types, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, Dobermans, and other large or working breeds. A pet may enter the country legally but be unable to register in the destination city. Always verify your pet's breed against the restrictions of your specific destination city before starting the process.
Can I bring more than one pet to China?
China allows only one dog or cat per adult traveller per trip. Each pet requires its own health certificate, and the traveller's name must match on all documents and the passport. A second adult traveller with their own complete documentation set is required to bring a second pet. Routing through Hong Kong, which has its own import rules, may offer additional flexibility — confirm with a certified specialist. Talk to a specialist about multi-pet options →
Which airports can my pet enter through?
Pets with all documentation in order can enter through any port of entry. Pets that require quarantine must enter through a designated port with quarantine facilities: Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), or Urumqi Diwopu (URC). A pet arriving at a non-designated port without complete documentation will be returned or euthanised.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on pet size, origin country, transport method, and whether quarantine applies. RNATT testing and government endorsement fees add to the process for non-designated countries. Request a free personalised quote →
Ready to start planning?
Every pet's situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified pet relocation specialist.
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.