Moving to China with pets – stress-free and animal-friendly DACHSER & KOLB: consultation, process planning and partners for professional pet transport.
China is an exciting destination for many expats, families and professionals – both professionally and personally. To ensure that the start in your new home also runs smoothly for your dog or cat, careful and structured planning is essential. The Chinese authorities have clear requirements for importing pets.
Pet relocation to China can be planned effectively if the microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, possible rabies antibody tests, airline requirements and port of entry are properly coordinated.
DACHSER & KOLB supports you in structuring the entire process and professionally planning your move to China with your pet.
Early Planning and Documents for a Stress-Free Move to China with Pets
The following applies in particular to dogs and cats:
✓ Only dogs and cats may be imported into China under regular private travel regulations.
✓ A maximum of one pet is allowed per person and per entry.
✓ The pet must be clearly identified by an electronic microchip.
✓ A valid health or quarantine certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of departure is required.
✓ A valid rabies vaccination must be proven.
✓ For pets from non-listed countries or regions, a rabies antibody test with a value above 0.5 IU/ml may be required to avoid quarantine.
✓ If the requirements are not met, a 30-day quarantine in a facility designated by the Chinese authorities may be ordered.
Related topics
- Customs regulations China → Find out more now
- Emigrating to China? → All the important information
- Entry requirements China → What you need to know
Health and Vaccination Requirements for Pet Relocation to China
Vaccinations
A valid rabies vaccination — clearly documented and valid — is mandatory for dogs and cats entering China. The information in the vaccination record or vaccination documents should match the health certificate and microchip number exactly.
Microchip
Your dog or cat must be identified with an electronic microchip. An ISO-compliant microchip according to ISO 11784/11785 is recommended. Air China also refers to ISO standards 11784 and 11785 and recommends bringing your own reader if the chip is not compatible.
Rabies Antibody Test
For dogs and cats from non-designated countries or regions, a rabies antibody test is relevant if quarantine is to be avoided. The certificate must come from an approved laboratory and show an antibody titre of more than 0.5 IU/ml.
Official health certificate
In addition to the vaccination record, you need an official health certificate or quarantine certificate from the competent authority in the country of departure. This document confirms that your pet is healthy, fit to travel and meets the relevant import requirements.
The health certificate should include the following information in particular:
✓ Details of the pet owner
✓ Species, name, breed, sex, age and colour of the animal
✓ Microchip number
✓ Vaccination status, especially rabies vaccination
✓ Result of the rabies antibody test, if required
✓ Health status of the animal
✓ Details of the departure and destination countries
✓ Official confirmation by the competent veterinary authority
The deadlines for issuing the certificate are tight. Therefore, the veterinary appointment, official veterinary confirmation and departure date should be coordinated early.
Preparation and Well-Being of Your Pet
Get your pet used to the transport crate, longer journeys and loud noises early.
Adjust feeding before the flight: avoid a “full meal” shortly before handover. It is better to feed lightly and early, and offer sufficient water. Sedatives should only be used after consultation with your veterinarian — not on your own initiative.
Find a local veterinarian in China quickly and adjust the vaccination schedule if needed, for example for diseases, parasites and additional vaccinations.
Step by Step – How Pet Entry into China Runs Smoothly
8–12 weeks before departure
- Check or implant the microchip
- Review vaccination status with your veterinarian
- Check rabies vaccination and update it if necessary
- Clarify whether a rabies antibody test is required
- Define the destination airport and port of entry
- Check whether the port of entry is suitable for pets that may require quarantine
6–8 weeks before departure
- Carry out the rabies antibody test, if required
- Check for an approved laboratory
- Coordinate cabin, hold or air freight options with the airline or pet transport partner
- Select a transport crate according to airline and IATA requirements
- Synchronise the flight route and moving date
2–4 weeks before departure
- Prepare the health certificate
- Check documents for completeness
- Match the microchip number across all documents
- Prepare copies of passport, vaccination record, health certificate and laboratory documents
- Check the arrival process at the Chinese airport
3–10 days before departure
- Have the official health certificate issued or confirmed
- Keep all original documents and copies in your hand luggage
- Label the transport crate correctly
- Coordinate feeding and water intake with your veterinarian
- Allow sufficient time for check-in with your pet
On the day of departure
- Arrive at the airport early
- Keep your pet, transport crate and documents ready
- Follow airline requirements at check-in
- Do not place any documents in checked baggage
Important documents in your hand luggage: Passport of the pet owner, Vaccination record, Health certificate or quarantine certificate, Rabies antibody test, Microchip proof, Flight and transport documents, Copies of all relevant documents
After Arrival in China
- Declare your pet to customs or the responsible quarantine office
- Present the original documents
- Present your pet for identity and health inspection
- Wait for the decision on direct release, further inspection or quarantine
- For dogs, check local registration requirements at your place of residence
If the requirements are met, quarantine can be avoided. If documents are missing, if a pet does not pass the on-site inspection or if more pets than allowed are imported, China may order return transport or other official measures.
Transport and logistics for your pet relocation to China
A flight to China is long. Choosing the right airline, route and transport method is crucial for your pet’s well-being.
- In the cabin: Depending on the airline and weight restrictions, only small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin.
- In the hold: Larger animals often travel in a climate-controlled and pressurised area in a suitable transport crate.
- Manifest cargo: Some airlines or routes require animals to be transported as air freight.
Airlines set clear requirements for crate size, stability, ventilation, temperature windows and booking deadlines. Therefore, pet transport should not be planned separately, but as part of the overall international move.
Advantages with DACHSER & KOLB
- Integration of pet transport into the overall moving concept
- Coordination with specialised pet transport partners
- Alignment of household goods, customs, relocation and pet transport
- Deadline management for vaccinations, health certificate, laboratory documents and flight dates
- Clear timelines and points of contact
- Reduction of operational risks before, during and after entry
FAQ – What are the most common questions about moving to China with pets?
Can I Take My Pet to China?
Yes, but under regular private travel regulations, only dogs and cats may be imported into China. Other pets should not be planned without an individual review.
How Many Pets Can I Bring to China?
Only one dog or one cat is allowed per arriving person. Anyone wishing to bring several pets needs a separate import strategy.
Does My Pet Have to Go into Quarantine in China?
Not necessarily. Dogs and cats can be exempt from quarantine if the requirements are met. For pets from non-designated countries or regions, a valid rabies antibody test from an approved laboratory is generally required. Without complete documentation, a 30-day quarantine may be ordered.
Does My Dog or Cat Need a Microchip?
Yes. The animal must be electronically identified. An ISO-compliant microchip according to ISO 11784/11785 is recommended.
Is Rabies Vaccination Enough for Entry into China?
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory, but depending on the country of origin, it may not always be enough to avoid quarantine. For non-designated countries, an additional rabies antibody test may be necessary.
Which Documents Do I Need for Pet Relocation to China?
In general, you need a vaccination record, official health or quarantine certificate, microchip proof, passport of the pet owner, transport documents and, if required, a rabies antibody test.
How Early Should I Plan Moving to China with a Dog or Cat?
Allow at least 8–12 weeks of lead time. A safer planning window is 3–4 months, especially if the microchip, rabies vaccination or antibody test still need to be organised.
Why is it worth hiring a professional moving company?
An international move handled independently can quickly become a burden — in terms of time, organisation and cost. With an experienced moving company, you save effort and benefit from efficient planning, insured services, trained personnel and well-coordinated processes.
Especially when moving to China with a pet, every detail matters: document deadlines, health records, flight planning, customs topics and arrival logistics must work together. A professional moving company brings structure to the process and reduces risks.
Are you planning to move to China with pets?
Do you want to move to China with your dog or cat and still need the right moving company? Then calculate your individual moving price in just a few steps. We will contact you afterwards and do our best to address your requirements.
Sabrina Klier
Customer Service & Sales - AIR & SEA
