Travelling across the globe can be a daunting task, so we don’t blame you for wanting to bring your cat or dog along.
As of May 1st 2019, there will be a new and speedier method of getting pets into China. The countries that are impacted, are listed:
Australia, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macao, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
Unfortunately, if your country isn’t listed it may still take up to 3 months, to prepare the correct documentation for pet immigration.
Listed countries are now (from the 1st of May) able to bypass quarantine by following these steps:
Get a Microchip
- To make sure your pet goes to the right destination, and with the right owner, tracking is mandatory. The implant should comply with the necessary radio frequency identification standards i.e. be 15 digits and ISO 11784/11785- compliant. If the chip is not found you pet will have to undertake a 30 day quarantine.
Get Two Rabies Shots
- 2 rabies shots are required prior to travel and must be valid on arrival. Rabies shots are mandatory, regardless of whether the country is listed or not.
- A number of factors determine whether your pet’s vaccines are valid. This includes the shots being administered within a year of travel. It may also be necessary to present a vaccination card, that clearly displays your pet’s current rabies vaccination (including the vaccine’s manufacturer, batch number and expiration).
- The Rabies Antibody Titer test is required as the Chinese government will want their own verification of your pet being vaccinated. A rabies titer test is a blood test that makes sure the rabies vaccine antibodies are at a good level. It can be done in your home country but must be processed at a Chinese approved lab.
Bring Their Health Certificate
- Within 14 days from arrival a Veterinary Certificate of China must be obtained. You also need a valid health certificate to make sure your pet is healthy and is to Chinese regulation standards.
Other Things to Note
Your cat or dog may also undergo a brief physical inspection.
Your pet will have to go through quarantine if there is an issue with your pets chip or if the blood test needs to be redone. Some Chinese airports don’t have quarantine facilities and may have to send your pet away even further. As an extra precaution, Beijing or Shanghai airports are the recommended entry points.
Once you’ve settled in Chengdu your dog will have to be registered, much like you will have to register with the police. Thankfully, the system has just been updated to better accomodate foreigners. Find out more here.
