Travel with your Dog to China from the UK
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Veterinary Requirements for Dogs Travel to China
Thinking of relocating or travelling to China with your dog? Bringing a dog into China from the UK involves detailed veterinary preparation. Following both the Chinese import regulations and the UK requirements, your dog must be microchipped, fully vaccinated—including against rabies—and treated for both internal and external parasites. Additionally, a one-month quarantine pre-departure quarantine is required, and your pet must travel with an official Export Health Certificate issued by a UK-government-approved Official Veterinarian (OV).
Below, we outline the most up-to-date regulations, following the guidelines from the UK authorities and The Customs and Quarantine Bureau of China (effective as of 01/05/2019). These guidelines are designed to ensure a smooth, stress & quarantine free entry for your pet into China, and include essential veterinary protocols, documentation, and timelines.
Detailed Requirements
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Microchipping is a quick and straightforward procedure where a tiny device is inserted under your pet’s skin. It provides a permanent identification method required by law in the UK for all Dogs and Cats.
To travel to China, your dog will need an ISO 11784 / 11785 microchip.
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Your dog must be vaccinated against Rabies at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travelling to China.
Additionally, standard vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis and kennel cough are required.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you are planning to get your pet vaccinated, please note that Rabies and routine vaccinations should not be given on the same day, as they may invalidate each other.
Here’s what your Rabies vaccination documentation should include:
Pet details and the 15-digit microchip number.
Date of rabies vaccination.
Vaccine batch number and manufacturer.
Vet’s signature and practice stamp.
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Dogs must undergo 30 days of isolation before traveling to China.
An Official Vet (OV) must inspect and approve the isolation premises, which can be your home. The OV will also conduct a pre-isolation check.
Once arrived, your pet will be eligible for a quarantine exemption on arrival, provided all import requirements are strictly followed.
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Your dog must undergo treatment for internal and external parasites within 30 days prior to travel.
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Dogs should be treated agains Leptospirosis during the isolation period.
However, an exemption for said treatment can be granted on some occasions, providing greater flexibility for pet owners. -
The Export Health Certificate (EHC) is a special document which includes and certifies that your pet fulfils the Veterinary Health Requirements to travel to China. This essential document must be:
Issued by an Official Veterinarian, after a request is submitted to DEFRA, no more than 24hrs before the departure date, and following a physical examination of your dog.
⚠️ N.B.: Not all vets can issue an EHC—this service is only provided by Official Veterinarians (OVs).
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The Export Health Certificate must confirm that no cases of rabies, except those due to European Bat Lyssavirus (EBL1 or EBL2), have been reported in the UK in the last 3 years.
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Travelling through other countries? 🌍 Please note that additional health certifications may be required.
Dogs and Cats can only enter at Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang or Guangzhou airport.
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