Book the wrong cabin or arrival airport and China can turn your pet away. Here's how pets actually fly there.
How a pet flies to China depends on the country's rules, not just the airline: some destinations require manifested cargo, and several accept pets only at specific airports. Confirm the cabin-or-cargo rule and the approved arrival airport before you book the flight.
Cabin (small pets under-seat), checked baggage (climate-controlled hold, owner on the same flight), or manifested cargo — which one depends on the airline, your pet’s size, and the route.
Designated entry ports for pets subject to quarantine include Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (SHA/PVG), and Urumqi (URC). Quarantine-exempt pets may use more ports — confirm before booking.
Snub-nosed breed? Many carriers embargo brachycephalic dogs and cats in cargo — see which airlines restrict them →
Primary source: China authority · verified 2026-05-17 · full source ledger →