There are three common methods: the pet travels with the owner in the passenger cabin (only supported by certain airlines); the pet travels on the same flight as the owner but in a climate-controlled cargo hold; or the pet travels alone as manifest cargo on a different flight. For the most current and accurate information on which methods are available for your specific flight, please consult the airline's latest regulations or contact our experts.

For private pet transport, each person is generally limited to transporting one pet per trip. Additionally, the owner's name on all of the pet's documents (e.g., vaccination record, health certificate, microchip registration) must match the name of the person shipping the pet. Transporting a pet under another person's name is not permitted.

IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) is a professional alliance of pet transport agencies. Choosing an IPATA member means you are working with a certified expert who understands how to transport pets safely and provides full-service support. Our company, Pet Express-China, is a long-standing member of IPATA. IATA (International Air Transport Association) is the body that sets global aviation regulations. Its Live Animals Regulations (LAR) are the universal safety standard, dictating specific requirements for kennels, procedures, and more. Our company has successfully completed IATA's training and assessments for many years, confirming our professional qualifications in pet transport.

Pets (dogs/cats only) entering China need: ISO 11784/11785 microchip; original health certificate (issued within 14 days before arrival, owner's name matches passport); rabies vaccination record (at least 2 shots: first shot >30 days & <1 year before departure, second shot at least 30 days after first); owner's passport (non-Chinese citizens need a Chinese visa valid for 3+ months). If traveling from a listed country/region (New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Guam, Jamaica, Iceland, UK, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau), the above is sufficient. If traveling from other countries/regions, you also need a rabies antibody titer test report (from a Customs-approved lab, issued within 1 year before arrival, blood drawn on or after the second shot). With all documents ready and passing the on-site health check, your pet will be released without quarantine. Start preparing 2-3 months in advance. Note: For pets from non-listed countries/regions without a valid antibody test or with signs of infectious/parasitic diseases, a 30-day quarantine will be required.

Almost every country requires a rabies vaccination certificate, pet owner’s ticket, an electronic microchip for the pet, and an Animal Health Certificate. For travel to specific countries and regions, additional documents such as a rabies antibody titer test report, proof of deworming, and an import permit are required. Due to vastly different policies across destinations, the documentation, procedures, and quarantine requirements for exporting a pet from China vary significantly. It is essential to check the official government website of your destination country or consult with a professional.

Pets with disqualifying health conditions: Puppies/kittens under 8 weeks old, pregnant pets, pets within 48 hours of giving birth, and pets with contagious diseases. Pets of specific restricted breeds: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats (e.g., French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian Cats, Exotic Shorthairs) are often prohibited due to respiratory risks at high altitudes. Aggressive dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bulls, Tibetan Mastiffs, Dogo Argentinos) are also commonly prohibited. Samoyeds may be prohibited by some airlines as well.

While most major airlines have strict policies, a few have recently lifted restrictions on brachycephalic pets. The final decision on whether a pet can fly rests on the specific airline's current regulations and the pet's health status at check-in.

Yes, and the kennel must comply with the latest IATA Live Animals Regulations.

A. Material & Safety: The kennel must be made of rigid material, with a secured top and ventilation on at least three sides. The door must be made of metal with a secure locking mechanism to prevent escape. Vents must be metal or round openings, and all fittings must be secure. The kennel must have handles or rims for handling, and a stable, non-slip base (wheels must be removed or fixed).

B. Size: The kennel must allow the animal to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down naturally, with ears not touching the roof when standing. Length = (nose to tail base) + 0.5 x (elbow to ground). Width = 2 x (maximum width of animal). Height = ground to ear tip or top of head.

C. Weight: When checked as baggage, the total weight of the kennel, animal, food, and water must not exceed 32 kg. Heavier or larger animals should be shipped as cargo.

D. Other Requirements: Only one animal per kennel. For flights over 6 hours, a water dispenser is required. The interior must be lined with absorbent material (no toxic materials like newspaper) and must be leak-proof. Adequate airflow must be maintained to prevent suffocation.

Countries with strict rabies control policies require a rabies antibody titer test, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates. Each country has specific requirements regarding the timing of the test and the minimum antibody level (typically ≥0.5 IU/ml for EU). Please consult our team for country-specific guidance.

EU member states (including Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland) follow uniform EU regulations. This requires an EU Animal Health Certificate, an ISO-compliant microchip, proof of rabies vaccination, and a rabies antibody titration test report (with a serum level ≥ 0.5 IU/ml), followed by a 3-month waiting period before entry. Non-EU European countries, such as the United Kingdom, have completely different rules. The UK requires tapeworm treatment for dogs administered 24-120 hours before departure, along with a completed owner's declaration. Always verify the final requirements with the official government website of your destination country.

Your pet can be transported in one of three ways: in the passenger cabin next to you (using a carrier that fits under the seat, on select airlines), in the climate- and oxygen-controlled cargo hold of your passenger flight, or on a separate all-cargo flight, where it will also be placed in a similarly controlled cargo environment. Regardless of the method, as long as the IATA Live Animals Regulations and the specific airline's safety protocols are followed, your pet's safety is assured.