Bringing Your Pet to China

Pets are a huge part of our lives and families. Here are the steps you need to follow to make sure you have no problems getting your furry friend into the country.

Before Your Arrival in China

1. Check your country’s export requirements – Each country has different requirements that a pet must meet to exit the country. Your local veterinarian should be familiar with the requirements.

2. Make sure you will have a Z visa – Only people entering the country on a working visa or Z visa can bring a pet. Each person with a Z visa is allowed to bring one pet to the country. If you do not meet this requirement, you should plan on finding someone to take care of your pet during the duration of your stay.

3. Obtain a rabies certificate from your veterinarian – Make sure your get a certificate stating your pet has had a rabies vaccination at least 30 days and less than one year before departure. Check with the Chinese consulate and your local veterinarian for other current health requirements. Also make sure to get copies of all of your pet’s vaccination and health records from the veterinarian

4. Check with your airline for pet travel guidelines – Certain airlines will let pets fly in the cabin internationally while others may require your pet to travel in checked luggage or on a special animal transportation flight.

5. Get an International Health Certificate from your veterinarian 10 days before your flight – This certificate will include your pet’s name, age, weight, height, gender, as well as your name as the owner. Take the certificate to your local USDA for a stamped endorsement that both the flight and Chinese officials will want to see.

6. Confirm all details – Make sure you have all the paperwork ready, confirm your pet’s airline travel, and take a photo showing your pet’s size and features to put with the documents. It is recommended to make photocopies of all the documents and your passport as well.

After Arriving in China

1. Check your pet with Chinese officials – Pick up your pet at the airport and take it to the plant and animal quarantine office within the airport. You will need your passport and all of the pet’s documents. You will have to surrender your pet along with the documents and pay a quarantine fee. All pets must be quarantined for a number of days. If you are traveling from the US or Canada, the quarantine time is 30 days, but most other countries have a 7 day quarantine time.

2. Check to see if you need to register your pet – Before you pick up your pet, check the current requirements at a local police station to see if your pet requires registration.