Travel with your Cat to China from the UK
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Veterinary Requirements for Cat Travel to China
Planning to relocate or travel to China with your feline companion? Organising the necessary veterinary paperwork for pet travel to China is quite straightforward when you know the steps involved. If you're travelling from the UK—a country recognised as rabies-free—your cat may be eligible for a quarantine exemption on arrival, provided all import requirements are strictly followed.
Below, we outline the most up-to-date regulations issued by 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 cat will need an ISO 11784 / 11785 microchip.
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Your cat must be vaccinated against Rabies at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travelling to China.
Additionally, standard vaccinations against cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus), and feline infectious enteritis (parvovirus), Feline leukaemia virus.
🚨 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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Your cat must undergo treatment for internal and external parasites within 30 days prior to travel.
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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 48hrs before the departure date, and following a physical examination of your Pet.
⚠️ 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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Taking your pet to China from the UK can be challenging - but we’re here to help. We specialise in pet travel documentation, so you don’t have to worry.
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