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. 

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.

The following items must be prepared prior to entry:

A. Electronic microchip: Must comply with ISO standards 11784 and 11785.

B. Health certificate: Issued by an official authority of the departure country within 14 days before arrival. The owner's name shown on the certificate must match the name on the passport.

C. Rabies vaccination record: For pets originating from non‑designated countries or regions, at least two vaccinations are generally required. Blood sampling for antibody testing may only take place on or after the date of the second vaccination.

D. Owner's passport: Non‑Chinese citizens must also provide a valid Chinese visa with a remaining validity of at least three months.

Requirements differ by country/region of origin:

A. From designated countries/regions: If all required documents are provided and the pet passes the on‑site quarantine inspection at the port of entry, the pet shall be released without the need for post‑entry isolation.

B. From non‑designated countries/regions: In addition to the documents listed above, a rabies antibody titer test report is required. The report must be issued by a laboratory recognized by China Customs, show an antibody titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, be issued within one year before the date of arrival, and be based on blood collected on or after the date of the second vaccination.

Important notices:

A. Pets that have not undergone the antibody test, have antibody levels below the required threshold, or show clinical signs of infectious diseases during the on‑site examination will be subject to a 30‑day quarantine.

B. The arrival airport must be equipped with quarantine facilities. Otherwise, pets that do not meet the conditions for exemption from quarantine will be returned to the place of origin.

C. For elderly, pregnant, nursing, or pets with pre‑existing medical conditions, a consultation with a veterinarian before travel is strongly recommended.

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​​​​​​​List of designated countries/regions: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii (USA), Guam (USA), Jamaica, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China).

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.

The pet 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.

Under the IATA Live Animals Regulations:

A. Dogs and cats should be fed less before transport to reduce the risk of vomiting and choking at altitude.

B. Overfeeding increases defecation, leading to poor cabin hygiene and potential health risks.

C. Transport stress combined with a full stomach may cause motion sickness and abdominal discomfort.

Recommended practices:

A. Feed a small amount of easily digestible food 4–6 hours before departure.

B. Comply with any specific pre-transport feeding requirements of the airline or destination country.

C Ensure access to water and attach feeding/watering record labels to the carrier.

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. 

China classifies pet entry ports into designated ports and non-designated ports. The main difference lies in the availability of quarantine facilities.

A. Designated ports are equipped with approved pet isolation facilities. They may accept pets that have not undergone a rabies antibody (titer) test. However, such pets are subject to mandatory quarantine upon arrival, typically for 30 days.

B. Non-designated ports are not equipped with pet isolation facilities. Pets arriving at these ports must hold a valid rabies antibody titer test report. If a pet arrives at a non-designated port without a test, or with an invalid or insufficient titer result, the pet will be denied entry and returned to the place of origin.

As of 2025, China's designated pet entry ports are as follows:

 Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – Capital Airport Customs

 Beijing West Railway Station – Beijing West Railway Station Customs

 Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) – Hongqiao Airport Customs

 Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – Pudong Airport Customs

 Shanghai Railway Station – Shanghai Railway Station Customs

 Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center – Pujiang Customs

 Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal – Baoshan Customs

 Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) – Ürümqi Airport Customs

 Alashankou (ALA) – Alashankou Customs

 Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – Guangzhou Customs

All other ports of entry within China are classified as non-designated ports.