Bringing a pet to China

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

China has strict, rule-heavy import requirements that vary depending on the rabies-risk category of the pet's origin country. Expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a rabies antibody titre test for pets from high-risk regions, plus a 30-day quarantine upon arrival unless your pet qualifies for a home quarantine exemption. The process is bureaucratic and requires careful timing — start preparations at least 4–6 months before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to China.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated government facility. Owner pays costs (approx. 50–100 CNY/day). Pets must be healthy and have all documents.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 14 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

China does not have a national breed ban, but individual airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) due to health risks during air travel. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Valid ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, within 1 year)
  • Official health certificate (endorsed by Chinese embassy/consulate in origin country)
  • Import permit from China Customs (apply via local Chinese embassy/consulate)
  • Pet's passport or travel document

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit application ~$50–150, quarantine fees ~$400–700 for 30 days, plus shipping and vet visits. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Chinese embassy.

Pets from rabies-free origins (e.g., Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Iceland) are exempt from the rabies titer test but still face 30-day quarantine. The import permit must be obtained before travel.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated government facility. Owner pays costs (approx. 50–100 CNY/day).
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 14 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

China does not have a national breed ban, but individual airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) due to health risks during air travel. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Valid ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, within 1 year)
  • Official health certificate (endorsed by Chinese embassy/consulate in origin country)
  • Import permit from China Customs (apply via local Chinese embassy/consulate)
  • Pet's passport or travel document
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) result from OIE-approved lab (≥0.5 IU/mL)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit application ~$50–150, quarantine fees ~$400–700 for 30 days, plus shipping and vet visits. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Chinese embassy.

Low-risk origins include most of Europe, US, Canada, South Korea, etc. The FAVN test is mandatory and must be completed at least 90 days before travel. Quarantine is still 30 days.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated government facility. Owner pays costs (approx. 50–100 CNY/day).
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 14 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

China does not have a national breed ban, but individual airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) due to health risks during air travel. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Valid ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel, within 1 year)
  • Official health certificate (endorsed by Chinese embassy/consulate in origin country)
  • Import permit from China Customs (apply via local Chinese embassy/consulate)
  • Pet's passport or travel document
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) result from OIE-approved lab (≥0.5 IU/mL)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit application ~$50–150, quarantine fees ~$400–700 for 30 days, plus shipping and vet visits. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Chinese embassy.

High-risk origins include most of Africa, Asia (except Japan, South Korea, Singapore), Middle East, and parts of South America. The FAVN test is mandatory, and quarantine is 30 days. Additional scrutiny may apply.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Plan at least 4–6 months. The rabies titer test (if required) takes 4–6 weeks for results, plus a 90-day wait after sampling. The import permit can take 2–4 weeks to process. Quarantine is 30 days upon arrival.
No. All dogs entering China, regardless of origin, face a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government facility. There are no exceptions for rabies-free origins.
China allows up to 2 pets per person (dog or cat) under non-commercial rules. Bringing more than 2 requires commercial import procedures and additional permits.
No. China does not recognize emotional support animals under import regulations. Service dogs (e.g., guide dogs) may qualify for reduced quarantine (7 days) with prior approval and extensive documentation, but standard rules still apply.
If the FAVN result is below 0.5 IU/mL, your dog is not eligible to enter China. You must revaccinate, wait 90 days, and retest. The import permit will not be issued without a passing result.
Most airlines require pets to travel as manifest cargo (not in cabin or checked baggage) for China-bound flights. Check with your airline for specific policies. The pet must arrive at a designated port with quarantine facilities.
The health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate often require legalization by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the origin country. This can take 1–2 weeks. Confirm with your local Chinese embassy.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to China.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorized vet endorsed by the destination country's embassy · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Microchip certificate
  • Passport-style photo of the cat (some ports request it)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cats from rabies-free origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) face minimal friction: no titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. The health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country and then legalized by the Chinese embassy/consulate in that country.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Microchip certificate
  • Passport-style photo of the cat (some ports request it)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia) do not require a rabies titer test or import permit. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin's official veterinary authority and legalized by the Chinese embassy/consulate. No quarantine upon arrival.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated government facility near the port of entry. Owner pays all fees (approx. $200-500 total). The cat is housed in a kennel, fed, and monitored by staff. No home quarantine option.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorized vet endorsed by the destination country's embassy · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Microchip certificate
  • Rabies titer (FAVN) test result
  • Import permit from GACC
  • Passport-style photo of the cat (some ports request it)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-150, quarantine fees ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India, most of Africa) face the strictest rules: mandatory FAVN titer test, import permit, and 30-day quarantine at a government facility. The health certificate must be legalized by the Chinese embassy/consulate in the origin country. Start the process at least 3 months before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Only if your cat is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India). Cats from low-risk (US, UK, Japan) or rabies-free origins do not need a titer test. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and within 12 months of travel, with a result ≥0.5 IU/mL.
Zero days for cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries. For cats from high-risk countries, a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government facility applies. You cannot do home quarantine. Fees are paid by the owner, typically $200-500 total.
China generally allows up to 2 cats per person for non-commercial import. If you bring more than 2, commercial import rules and additional permits apply. Check with the Chinese embassy for the exact limit per household.
Only if your cat is from a high-risk rabies country. Cats from low-risk or rabies-free origins do not need an import permit. For high-risk origins, apply for the permit from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) 30-60 days before travel.
No. China does not recognize emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from standard pet import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine rules regardless of their role.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your departure date. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country and then legalized by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country. Plan for at least 2 weeks for the legalization process.
Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). Check your airline's policy. For larger cats, they must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Persians) may face restrictions on some airlines due to breathing risks — confirm with the carrier.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to China.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine required for ferrets from rabies-free origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine required for ferrets from low-risk origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated facility upon arrival. Owner pays all costs.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Import permit from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary (typically $50-150), quarantine costs ~$10-30/day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

High-risk origins require a rabies titer test, an import permit, and a 30-day quarantine upon arrival. The import permit must be obtained from GACC before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The United States is classified as a low-risk origin for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a rabies titer test (FAVN) or an import permit. You still need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
China generally allows up to 2 pets per person for non-commercial import. If you bring more than 2, commercial import rules apply, which require a different permit and may involve additional fees and quarantine. Check with GACC for the latest limit.
No. China does not recognize emotional support animals under its pet import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine requirements based on their origin tier.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of entry and throughout the quarantine period. If it expires during quarantine, the facility may require a booster vaccination at your expense. Plan the vaccination date so it covers at least 30 days beyond arrival.
Most airlines allow ferrets in the cabin only if they are small enough to fit in an under-seat carrier (typically under 8 kg including carrier). Check with your airline for specific size and weight limits. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old and have all required documents.
No. The UK is a low-risk origin. Ferrets from the UK do not require an import permit. You need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No quarantine upon arrival.
Quarantine costs vary by facility and city, typically ranging from $10 to $30 USD per day. You must pay all fees directly to the quarantine station. Budget at least $300-900 for the full 30-day period, plus any additional veterinary care if needed.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip before rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before the antibody test and at least 30 days before travel. For pets from high-risk countries, the rabies antibody titre test must be done at an approved laboratory and show a level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine and at least 90 days before arrival in China.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to China, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with China's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.