Moving a pet to
China.
China's USDA cert is valid 14 days only — much tighter than UK's 30 days. Miss the window and you re-do everything.
China is a TWO-PATH country. Path 1 (no quarantine): titer ≥ 0.5 IU/mL from an approved lab. Path 2 (requirements not met): mandatory 30-day quarantine at a designated port — fees are the owner's responsibility. Approved US laboratories listed by APHIS include DOD, Kansas State, Auburn, CDC Atlanta, and the University of Missouri.
Source →China's health certificate validity is 14 days — much tighter than UK (30d) or Korea (30d). The clock starts at USDA endorsement, not vet signature. Plan vet → USDA → flight sequence carefully.
Dogs (not cats) must be registered with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 30 days of arrival. Bring owner's passport + the pet. Form: Commitment Letter for Individual Keeping Dogs.
- 1.China is two-path — titer or 30 days of quarantineMost US owners miss this: China releases pets at the airport ONLY with a rabies titer ≥ 0.5 IU/mL on file. No titer means 30 days of port-of-entry quarantine at your cost (a four-figure-plus expense before you even see your pet). Plan the titer at least 30 days before flight.Source →
- 2.China cert valid 14 days only — much tighter than EU/UKChina is the tightest USDA certificate window we cover. Get your USDA endorsement ≤14 days before arrival — earlier does not help. The ordinary any-port/no-quarantine pathway is document + GACC arrival handling; a separate import permit is a transport-mode/visa question, not something to assume for every accompanied traveler.Source →
- 3.GACC permit is conditionalDo not treat the China import permit as a universal passenger-pet checklist item. If the pet ships as manifested cargo, travels unaccompanied, or the owner visa/status is outside the ordinary accompanied short-stay case, confirm the current GACC permit process with the China-side agent or Customs before booking.Source →
- 4.Microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccineAny rabies vaccination given before the microchip is INVALID — destination will reject it. If your pet was vaccinated first, you'll need to re-vaccinate AFTER microchipping. This is the #3 most common reason trips get reset.Source →
- 5.EU layovers need a transit-zone check, not an automatic certificateIf the route uses an EU or associated airport, confirm whether the pet remains in that airport’s international transit zone. Qualifying non-commercial pets that stay in-zone do not need an EU health certificate; commercial/unaccompanied movement or handling outside the zone may still require EU entry paperwork.Source →
- USDA APHIS · Chinaverified 2026-05-17
- USDA page last modified2026-02-11
- ● TimelineMiss one date and China can reset your pet's whole timeline. Here's the order that works.
- ● CostThe real bill for China isn't one number — it's a stack of provider fees. Here's every line.
- ● AirlinesBook the wrong cabin or arrival airport and China can turn your pet away. Here's how pets actually fly there.
- ● Vets near meA USDA stamp isn't enough for China — you need a vet who has actually done the export. Here's how to find one.
- ● SourcesWhere these China rules come from