Official Import Rules
China has strict and recently updated pet import rules. Only ONE cat or dog per person. Core requirements: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old, administered at least 30 days before arrival), and a health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival, electronically endorsed by USDA-APHIS via the VEHCS system.
A rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/mL from a GACC-approved lab) is required for most origins. GACC maintains an official list of exactly 19 designated countries/regions whose pets are exempt from the titer test requirement:
- New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia
- Hawaii (US only), Guam (US only), Jamaica
- Iceland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland
- Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China)
The continental United States and EU member states not specifically named above are classified as non-designated countries. Pets originating from these locations must provide a passing titer test result to avoid the 30-day quarantine.
There is no mandatory post-titer waiting period imposed by GACC — the titer result is valid for up to one year from the blood sampling date, and travelers may enter China at any point within that 12-month window.
Since May 2019, cats with valid titer tests are exempt from quarantine. Without a titer test (where one is required), 30-day quarantine applies. Pets meeting all requirements may enter through ANY port without quarantine. Only pets that do NOT meet all requirements must enter through designated quarantine-equipped ports.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) — must be implanted BEFORE first vaccination
Two rabies vaccinations (second dose 30 days to 1 year after first); first dose must be at least 30 days before arrival in China
Rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/mL) from a GACC-approved lab — required for pets from non-designated countries (including continental US and most EU states). Blood can be drawn on the same day as or any day after the second vaccination. There is no mandatory post-titer waiting period for China; the result is valid for up to one year from the sampling date. Pets from one of the 19 GACC-designated countries/regions are exempt from this step.
Complete GACC Registration Form
Health certificate issued by USDA-accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival in China, electronically endorsed by USDA-APHIS via VEHCS
Notify Chinese customs in advance of arrival
One pet per passenger maximum
Arrive at any port with all documents (no port restrictions for pets meeting all requirements)
Preparation Checklist
6+ months before
3–6 months before
1 month before
14 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
30 days (can be reduced to 7 with proper documentation) — exempt if all requirements are met
City & Housing Tips
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have good vet care. China's pet industry is booming, with pet ownership rising rapidly in major cities. Many expat-oriented vet clinics operate in first-tier cities. Dog registration is required with local police; cats have fewer restrictions.
Vets & Common Parasites
Major cities have excellent international-standard vet clinics, some with English-speaking staff. Outside tier-1 cities, quality drops significantly. China has a growing pet healthcare industry. Rabies remains a concern in rural areas.
Find Vets in ChinaExit Rules — Leaving China
Exit requires an Animal Health Certificate from the local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ). Apply at least 7 days before departure. The certificate requires a physical examination of the cat within 7 days of travel. Additional requirements depend on the destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your cat has a microchip, two rabies vaccinations (first dose at least 30 days before arrival), a valid titer test (where required for your origin country), and a health certificate, you can avoid quarantine entirely and enter through any port. Without a required titer test, 30 days quarantine at a GACC facility applies.
Only one dog or one cat per person per entry. If you have multiple cats, each must be accompanied by a separate adult passenger.
GACC maintains a list of approved laboratories worldwide. In the US, Kansas State University and Auburn University are commonly used. Check the current GACC approved lab list before testing.
No. GACC does not impose any mandatory waiting period after a satisfactory titer test result. The result is valid for up to one year from the blood sampling date, and you may travel to China at any point within that 12-month window, provided all other requirements are met. Note that a 180-day post-titer wait is required for some other destinations such as Japan and Australia, but this does not apply to China.
It depends on where in the US you are traveling from. Pets originating from Hawaii or Guam are on GACC's official list of 19 designated regions and are exempt from the titer test. Pets originating from the continental United States are not on this list and are classified as coming from a non-designated country, meaning a passing rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/mL from a GACC-approved lab) is required to avoid the 30-day quarantine.
Community Tips
Meet all requirements to avoid quarantine: microchip, two rabies vaccinations (first at least 30 days before arrival), valid titer test (if required for your origin), and health certificate. Planning ahead is essential.
Blood for the titer test can be drawn on the same day as or any day after the second rabies vaccination — there is no mandatory waiting period before or after the titer test for China. Lab results take 2–3 weeks. The titer result is valid for up to one year from the sampling date. Note that the continental US is not on GACC's designated country list, so titer testing is required for most US-based travelers.
Given China's complex import process, many relocators recommend hiring a licensed pet transport agent.
Have you moved to China with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.