🇬🇧 UK TO CHINA 🇨🇳
Taking your Dog or Cat to China from the UK?
📍 Beijing, CHINA
Travelling to China with your pet? Our experienced Official Veterinarians can help you navigate the veterinary requirements, check your pet's documentation and obtain the necessary Export Health Certificate (EHC 8902).
Convenient appointments, with home visits also available across London.
✅ Experienced Official Veterinarians
✅ Expert travel advice
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YOUR JOURNEY, SIMPLIFIED
A step-by-step guide
to travelling together.
Planning to relocate or travel to China with your dog or cat? With the right preparation, bringing your pet from the UK to mainland China can be relatively straightforward.
China has specific requirements for microchipping, rabies vaccination and veterinary documentation. Here's what you need to arrange before travelling.
STEP 01
Check your Pet's Microchip & Rabies Vaccination
Start preparing early
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old, have been microchipped and have valid vaccinations before travelling to China.
The microchip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards, or you must provide a compatible reader. Its identification number must match your pet's veterinary documents.
Your pet will also need a separate rabies vaccination certificate containing the relevant vaccination details, including the vaccine's manufacturer and batch number.
Not sure if everything is up to date? We can review your pet's vaccination records and advise on any additional vaccinations needed before travelling.
STEP 02
China's Pet Import Requirements
One pet per accompanying adult
China allows only one dog or cat per accompanying person entering the country [link].
As the UK is recognised by China as a designated country, pets arriving from the UK can enter without quarantine, provided they have the correct documentation, a valid microchip and pass the veterinary inspection on arrival.
Before making your travel arrangements, remember to:
Confirm that your airline accepts pets on your chosen route.
Check any restrictions at your arrival airport and destination city.
Make sure each pet has an accompanying adult traveller.
Consider the requirements for returning to the UK, particularly if you're planning a temporary stay.
If you're travelling with multiple pets, using a pet relocation company or arranging an unaccompanied shipment, contact us before booking so we can review your circumstances.
STEP 03
Final Veterinary Examination & Export Health Certificate
Your certificate is valid for 14 days
Before travelling, your pet must undergo a clinical examination by an Official Veterinarian to confirm they are healthy and fit to travel.
Your vet will also check your pet's microchip, review their rabies vaccination records and complete the required Export Health Certificate (EHC 8902).
The certificate is valid for 14 days from the date of issue, so the appointment must be carefully timed around your arrival in China.
We can arrange your final examination and veterinary certification at a convenient location in London, including the comfort of your own home.
Additional considerations
Returning to the UK? China is classified as an unlisted country under UK pet travel rules. Your pet will therefore need a rabies antibody blood test (RNATT) for the return journey. Arranging this before leaving the UK can help avoid a lengthy waiting period when returning.
Travelling with more than one pet? China permits only one dog or cat per accompanying adult. Additional arrangements will be needed if you're relocating with several animals.
Check local dog restrictions. Some Chinese cities have restrictions on certain breeds, dog sizes and pet ownership. Check the rules for your intended destination before travelling.
Flying via another country? Transit arrangements may affect the documentation and import requirements for your pet. Always confirm the complete itinerary.
PERSONAL CARE, AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Expert veterinary care. Appointments that suit you.
Whether you prefer to bring your pet to us or arrange a home visit, our Official Veterinarians can guide you through the veterinary requirements for travelling to China.
We'll review your pet's vaccination history, help you prepare the necessary documentation and arrange the final examination and Export Health Certificate around your travel plans.
Home visits throughout London
Examination by an Official Veterinarian
Personalised guidance for your pet’s journey
IN EXPERIENCED HANDS
Why choose us?
Travelling internationally with your pet involves more than simply obtaining a health certificate. Getting the documentation right, and arranging it at the correct time, is essential.
Experienced &
Trusted
Pet travel documentation is our speciality. Our Official Veterinarians have extensive experience preparing health certificates for international travel and can help you understand what's needed for your journey.
Affordable & transparent pricing
Our EHCs for China start from £225, some of the most competitive rates in London.
Convenience at your doorstep
We offer home visits throughout London, allowing your pet to have their veterinary examination and certification without the additional journey to a veterinary practice.
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Your questions,
answered.
From travel certificates to home visits, find answers to common questions before your journey.
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Dogs and cats travelling to mainland China under the standard accompanied-pet arrangements need an Export Health Certificate (EHC 8902), issued by an Official Veterinarian.
Your pet must also have a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
The EHC requires identification details for the pet and passport information for the owner and, where different, the accompanying carrier.
We can review your documents, help organise the veterinary certification and advise you on the next steps.
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No. Dogs and cats travelling directly from the UK to mainland China do not require a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT), because the UK is recognised by China as a designated country.
A rabies blood test is required only if you intend to bring your pet back to Great Britain from China. If you're planning a return journey, we recommend discussing this before departure. Having the test performed in the UK can make the return process significantly easier.
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No.
Pets arriving from the UK are exempt from quarantine, provided they meet China's import requirements and pass the veterinary inspection on arrival.
This includes having a valid microchip, an official Export Health Certificate and appropriate rabies vaccination documentation.
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We recommend contacting us as soon as you know your intended travel date.
Your pet's Export Health Certificate must be issued within the appropriate timeframe, as EHC 8902 is valid for 14 days from the date of issue.
If your pet's microchip and vaccinations are already in order, the preparations may be relatively straightforward. Otherwise, additional time may be necessary.
We can review your pet's records and advise on the best timing for the final appointment.
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China permits one dog or cat per accompanying adult entering the country.
For example, two adults travelling together may each accompany one pet, provided all applicable entry requirements are satisfied.
If you need to relocate several animals, or your pets will be transported separately, we recommend speaking to a specialist pet relocation company before arranging veterinary certification.
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Yes! We offer veterinary home visits throughout London, including the final clinical examination and Export Health Certificate for pets travelling to China.
We can also check your pet's microchip and review their vaccination history in advance.
Home visits can be particularly convenient when preparing for an international relocation, helping you avoid an additional journey to a veterinary practice.
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The current UK Export Health Certificate for accompanied dogs and cats travelling to China (EHC 8902) does not specify routine internal or external parasite treatment as a separate certification requirement.
However, your pet must be clinically healthy and free from signs of relevant infectious or parasitic diseases.
We can advise on appropriate preventive treatments and check whether your particular travel arrangements involve any additional requirements.
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Absolutely. We regularly work alongside pet relocation and shipping companies to help prepare veterinary documentation for international travel.
While your relocation agent manages the transport arrangements, we can assist with vaccination records, veterinary examinations and Export Health Certificates.
Please note that EHC 8902 is intended for qualifying personal pets travelling with an accompanying person. Unaccompanied or commercial shipments may require different arrangements, so please contact us with your itinerary before proceeding.
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Yes, provided your pet meets the UK's re-entry requirements.
China is not a listed country under Great Britain's pet travel rules. This means a rabies antibody titre test is required, alongside the usual identification, vaccination and travel documentation requirements.
If the blood test is performed after your pet has travelled to China, a three-month waiting period generally applies from the date of blood sampling before entry into Great Britain.
However, arranging the blood test before leaving the UK, with the appropriate supporting documentation, can help avoid this delay.
We recommend discussing your return plans with us before departure, even if you're not sure when you'll be coming back.
Next stop: China.
Let’s get your pet ready.
Contact us for a free pre-travel consultation with an Official Veterinarian. We’ll discuss your needs, review your pet’s health and vaccination records, and help you prepare for the journey.
Expert guidance. No obligation.