US to China Pet Travel Preparation

Check certificates, quarantine eligibility and the return plan separately.

Updated: 2026-10-11

Confirm the accompanied-pet scope

China Customs’ accompanied procedure is for dogs and cats, one per person per entry. Start with the official quarantine and rabies certificates and microchip requirement. Cargo arrangements or a change of ownership should be checked separately rather than forced into an accompanied personal-pet workflow.

Check the quarantine branch

Do not use “from the US” as a complete classification: relevant territory and current Customs lists must be checked. For the applicable non-designated-origin exemption, Customs requires an accepted laboratory report and satisfactory inspection alongside the chip. Confirm the laboratory and entry-port arrangements before paying for tests or flights.

Prepare the US return independently

If the dog will return to the United States, use CDC’s navigator with its complete six-month travel history and vaccination location. Do not reuse the low-risk-country form pathway without checking that history. Keep export paperwork from the outward trip, but confirm which records and certificates are needed for the return.

Government & airline references

China Customs · Announcement 5 (2019) ↗

CDC · Dog import requirements ↗

CDC · Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries ↗

Rules depend on the route, animal and operating carrier. Confirm your own journey with the relevant authority and airline.
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