How do you bring a pet to China in 2026?

China Customs (GACC) and city English living pages such as Shanghai’s pet guidance split origins into designated countries or regions and other origins. Dogs and cats generally need an official veterinary health or quarantine certificate from the origin competent authority, rabies vaccination records that match the live rules, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip so identity matches the certificate.

From many non-designated origins, a rabies antibody titer report from a laboratory recognised by China Customs is also required, commonly at or above 0.5 IU/ml within the published validity window. Shanghai municipal English guidance notes that missing or invalid titer paperwork can trigger a 30-day isolated quarantine at the owner’s expense. Recheck the live Customs and city pages in the weeks before travel rather than trusting an old forum thread. Limits on how many pets travel with one passenger also appear in official notices; confirm before you book cargo or cabin travel.

Declare the pet to Customs on arrival. Officers review certificates, may scan the microchip, and can order clinical inspection. Complete files from designated origins often release the same day. Incomplete files go to quarantine facilities near the port.

After release, temporary address registration still applies to you as the owner: Register address. Many cities require separate dog registration with the local public security organ within a published window, plus vaccination booklets for neighbourhood management. Compound and park rules vary by city; Shanghai’s one-dog urban limit is a classic example of local post-entry policy: Living in Shanghai. Fold pet logistics into the wider settling checklist: Paperwork after moving.