My American friend brought his golden retriever to Shanghai. It took 4 months of paperwork.
My friend Mike from Denver is obsessed with his dog, Bailey. When he got a job offer in Shanghai, there was no question: Bailey was coming too.He thought it would be simple. "It's just a dog. How hard can it be?"
The timeline:
Month 1:
Mike learned that China only allows dogs and cats as personal pets. No rabbits, no birds, no reptiles.
Also: one pet per passenger. If you have two dogs, you need two people traveling with them.
Month 2:
Bailey got an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785). This had to happen before the rabies vaccination, or the vaccine wouldn't count.
Then Bailey got her first rabies shot.
Then, 30 days later, a blood draw for the rabies antibody titer test. The antibody level must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Month 3:
Waiting for titer test results from the lab.
Then a second rabies vaccination.
Then a health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, issued within 10 days of travel.
Month 4:
USDA endorsement of the health certificate.
Booking a flight with a pet-friendly airline.
The arrival:
Bailey flew in the cabin (under the seat) because she's under 7kg.
At Shanghai Pudong, Mike presented:
• Health certificate
• Rabies vaccination records
• Titer test report
• Microchip documentation
A customs officer scanned Bailey's microchip. Checked the paperwork.
Bailey passed the on-site health inspection.
She was released immediately. No quarantine.
Why no quarantine?
Because Mike did everything right.
Pets from the US are from a "non-designated country," which means they need the titer test. Without it: 30-day mandatory quarantine at a government facility.
The quarantine facilities are at major airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Cost: ¥1,000–2,000. You typically can't visit your pet during quarantine.
Approved entry ports (19 total):
Major ones include:
• Beijing Capital (PEK)
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)
• Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX)
• Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU)
• Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN)
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH)
Your pet MUST enter through one of these.
Designated countries (no titer test needed):
UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland, and a few others.
If you're from one of these: microchip + rabies vaccine + health certificate = no quarantine.
Mike's total cost:
• Microchip: $50
• Rabies vaccines: $80
• Titer test: $200
• Health certificate + USDA endorsement: $150
• Pet airline fee: $150
• Total: ~$630
Plus 4 months of planning and stress.
Mike: "Would I do it again? For Bailey? Absolutely. But start the paperwork 6 months before you move. Not 2."
Note: As of 2025, Shanghai requires pet registration within 30 days of arrival. You'll need your lease, passport, and the pet's health docs.
Anyone else brought a pet to China? How did it go?
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