Official Import Rules
China has strict and recently updated pet import rules. Only ONE cat or dog per person. Requirements: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old, administered at least 30 days before arrival), and a rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory. The health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival and electronically endorsed by USDA-APHIS via the VEHCS system. Cats arriving from designated rabies-free countries/regions may be exempt from the titer test.
Since May 2019, cats with valid titer tests are exempt from quarantine. Without a titer test, 30-day quarantine applies. Pets meeting all requirements (microchip, two rabies vaccinations, valid titer test, health certificate) 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 GACC-approved lab; blood can be drawn on the same day as or any day after the second vaccination; titer result valid for up to one year from sampling date
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, and a health certificate, you can avoid quarantine entirely and enter through any port. Without these, 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.
Community Tips
Meet all requirements to avoid quarantine: microchip, two rabies vaccinations (first at least 30 days before arrival), valid titer test, 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. Lab results take 2–3 weeks. The titer result is valid for up to one year from the sampling date.
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.