Cat immigration to China must meet the following requirements:

  • Tell us your plan 1.5-2 months before your planned departure
  • Microchip
  • Vaccination and Vaccination Record
  • China pet health certificate
  • Other treatments
  • Required pet must be accompanied by a single person, and a companion must travel with the pet.

Our Fees: (We are transparent with our pricing, and there are no hidden charges.)

For moving cat to China, each person only allowed to bring one pet at a time, whether by land or air, and there must be a person accompanying the pet. (We do not provide a service for pet smuggling.) This policy is for the convenience of travelers and is only limited to dogs and cats. We generally recommend entering Shenzhen by land and then flying to other cities. Pets do not need to be quarantined in this case.

Our fees include all necessary vaccinations, documents, veterinary services, cages, government fees, but do not include pick-up/drop-off at the border or clinic visits. We will prepare all required documents, and you can clear customs on your own. The cost for one cat is approximately HKD$5800. For each additional cat, the cost is HKD$4000. We will collect half of the payment as a deposit, and the remaining half will be collected on the day of the health certificate examination. We require a 50% deposit upfront, and the remaining balance is due on the day of health certificate issuance.

We will first complete all vaccination and microchip requirements at the first visit. Within seven days before departure, we will issue the health certificate and complete any other requirements for entry into mainland China. Once you receive the documents we provide, you can bring your pet across the border on your own.

If you choose to fly directly into mainland China, the only option at the moment is cargo transport, and there are not many choices of airports. The total cost starts at HKD$40,000, so we do not recommend this option.

If you are interested in using our services, you can fill out our quote request form and provide us with information about your pet’s travel to assist us in processing your personal pet relocation plan. If you have further questions or concerns, you can send us a message via our contact page or directly WhatsApp us at +852 6358 3131 to speak with one of our professional consultants.

Common FAQs

Where should I start?

What should I do to Import cat to China:

If you plan on developing in mainland China and want to bring your cat along, it’s important to follow the regulations for importing a cat to China. PET TRAVEL provides a detailed guide on the latest requirements and procedures for cat immigration to China. With careful planning and adherence to regulations, you can successfully bring your furry friend with you on your journey to China.

Bring cat to China – Permitted Pet Types and Quantity:

  1. Only dogs and cats are allowed to enter China as pets.
  2. Each person is allowed to bring only one pet at a time.

Required Health Certificates for Cats from Hong Kong to China:

  1. Valid animal quarantine certificates issued by the official authorities of the exporting country or region.
  2. Vaccination records.
  3. The pet should have a microchip or other valid identification.

Regulations for Pets from Designated Countries or Regions:

  1. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are non-rabies epidemic areas (designated regions). Cats from these areas should provide official quarantine certificates, vaccination certificates, and be implanted with a microchip. After passing the on-site quarantine inspection, they can be released.
  2. Cats brought to China must undergo an animal health clinical examination within 7 days before arrival to ensure that they are free from animal infectious diseases and parasitic diseases, including rabies.
  3. Cats that cannot provide official quarantine certificates or vaccination certificates will be returned or destroyed within a specified period. Cats that have not been implanted with a microchip will be subject to quarantine for 30 days.
  4. For cats that do not need to undergo quarantine inspection, they can be brought through any port of entry in China. For cats that require quarantine inspection, cat import China can only through ports that have the necessary quarantine facilities.
  5. Customs inspection of pets from designated countries or regions includes verifying official cat quarantine China certificates, microchips, and conducting on-site clinical examinations.
  6. Pets found to have symptoms of infectious or parasitic diseases during on-site clinical examinations will be subject to quarantine inspection.

Requirements for Bringing Pets from Hong Kong to Mainland China:

  • Microchip
  • Vaccination and Vaccination Record
  • Pet health certificate China
  • Other treatments
  • AFCD endorsement for health certificate

For cat immigration to China must comply with regulations such as receiving the required vaccinations and providing the necessary entry and exit documents. Otherwise, the cat may be quarantined for up to 30 days or even denied entry. If willing cat import China, it is important to make preparations in advance to ensure a smooth immigration process.

Attention to cat immigration to mainland China:

For taking cat to China, at least 1.5-3 months before departure, notify the pet immigration experts at PET TRAVEL to handle the procedures for China cat import and contact the airline in advance to arrange a reservation for a pet cabin. Please note that domestic pet transportation only accepts cats in the cargo hold, and they cannot be brought into the cabin or treated as special luggage. Generally, cats cannot be transported into China by high-speed rail. Except for guide dogs, other animals are not allowed on high-speed trains. When entering mainland China, only one pet per person is allowed, and regardless of whether by land or air, there must be an accompanying person.

To import cat to China, it is necessary to take the cat to a veterinary clinic for a pre-flight check-up and obtain a health certificate for the pet from the veterinarian and arrange for other treatments. At the same time, it is also necessary to bring these documents to the Fisheries and Agriculture Department for endorsement procedures.

After all the above documents are ready, on the day of departure before the flight takes off, send the cat to the airline and complete the domestic cat check-in procedures.

After bringing cat to China, if the cat passes the on-site quarantine and meets the requirements for exemption from quarantine, it will be released directly and can pass through customs with the cat. If the documents are missing, quarantine inspection for 30 days may be required.

PET TRAVEL is a professional service that handles pet immigration procedures.

Planning to travel with cat to China can be complicated. If you are too busy to handle the process yourself, PET TRAVEL, a professional pet immigration company, can assist you in smoothly bringing your cat back to China. Over the years, PET TRAVEL has focused on pet immigration services, accumulating rich experience and a good reputation among its clients. Once you choose PET TRAVEL, we will arrange for a dedicated agent to provide one-on-one service, completing the cat transportation, export, import, flight booking, and destination customs clearance procedures in the shortest possible time and in the safest way. This eliminates the need for the cumbersome second transfer process.

PET TRAVEL’s team is professional and caring, composed of professional veterinarians, import and export experts, cat import specialists, and a design team. We will tailor a personalized pet transportation plan for each client’s specific needs. You can trust us to take care of your beloved pet.

PET TRAVEL will clearly outline the cost of China cat import, with no hidden fees, to ensure that you receive the most hassle-free service at the lowest possible price. Our goal is to make sure that your cat travel to China comfortably and arrives safely.

If you want to travel with cat to China, please feel free to contact us. PET TRAVEL is happy to help and provide professional advice and thoughtful service.

How long does it take?

For our pet immigration services, we suggest that you inform us at least 3-4 weeks before departure. We take time to prepare import/export documents and coordinate with airlines and customs. Airlines need to reserve space for pets as cargo/oversized luggage. Additionally, some countries such as Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan require at least several months’ notice. These countries have their own quarantine policies. We need to work on appointments and contact the import department of customs to take further measures, such as reserving quarantine cabins and customs inspections.

Will I require a pet passport?

There is no pet passport available in Hong Kong or China. Pet passports are only applicable for pets coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union countries. They allow cats and dogs to travel from the UK to other EU countries, but there may be additional requirements for some countries or regions.

In Hong Kong or China, we will have a pet health certificate instead of a pet passport for export and import to foreign countries. The pet health certificate is filled out and signed by an official or authorized veterinarian and then signed by the supervising authority. It is valid for several days from the date of issuance by the official veterinarian until the day of the document and identity inspection at the entry port of the traveler. The health certificate should include the pet’s name, microchip number, pet identification, and vaccination record. If you need more information, please consult our professional team.

What else does my pet need besides vaccinations?

In addition to vaccine preparation and export documents, your pet may require an import permit to enter certain countries/regions. Some countries require a pet immigration company to prepare these import documents. If you require this service, please contact our professional team.

What documents do airline required?

The airline will require the original health certificate from your veterinarian, your pet’s vaccination records, a declaration letter from the person accompanying the live animal, and the air waybill for the cargo. When importing or exporting from Hong Kong, you may also require an airline certificate (Captain’s Affidavit). At Pet Travel, we can assist you in preparing all of these documents and contacting the airline and relevant immigration departments prior to your travel with your pet.

Why shouldn’t I do this myself?

Certainly! Some people would like to move their pets themselves to save money, but they often make mistakes. If you’re moving to another country and aren’t familiar with its pet import policies, you will ultimately suffer for it. While you could do it yourself, if you make a mistake and don’t cross all the task, your animal will suffer. You’ll end up paying more than you imagine.

By using our service to relocate your animal, you can save a lot of time, stress, and headaches. We handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to. Pet relocation has been our specialty for many years, and we know all aspects of pet relocation better than anyone else. We treat every move as if it were our own pet, and we smile at every challenge.

Is it safe for my pet to fly?

Traveling by air is as safe for pets as it is for people. Airlines require pets to travel in containers that comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations and with specific airline guidelines. All of these things are designed to help ensure the safety and comfort of your pet while traveling. In some cases, your pet may not be allowed to travel in the cabin with you. Your pet will travel in a special cargo compartment within the aircraft. This compartment is both climate-controlled as well as pressurized, so your pet will be safe and comfortable. It is on the same air circulation system as the cabin.

Can you reduce pet travel anxiety?

Our Policy is to transport your pet with the minimum amount of stress involved. We will find the most direct route available, with little time spent confined in the kennel as possible. Additionally, there are certain products you can purchase, such as Feliway, which is a natural pheromone to induce a calmer state.

Will my pet be stressed from the flight?

Your pet will be pleased to see you and will probably enjoy a good meal at the end of their flight, but most animals travel very well and relax throughout the flight. There are more than a million pets that fly safely every year worldwide, and the captain will act appropriately if there are any animals aboard.

Can I take my cat on holiday with me?

We can let you know if this is possible if you let us know which airline you will be flying with and on which day. We will make every effort to book cargo space on the same flight as your pet. To avoid you incurring unnecessary costs, it is advisable for us to check availability for pets before you book your own flight if you wish to travel at the same time

Can my pet travel with adaptive collars/or flat collars?

It is advised by every airline that pets do not travel wearing a collar of any kind as they are deemed a choking hazard. However, they will be able to travel with the containers attached to their airline-approved crate in order to be able to refit them when they reach their destination. 

Can my dog/cat fly alone?

Yes, your dog/cat can be booked as manifest cargo and can fly alone to most locations.

Do I have access to my pet during the flight?

Both passengers and crew are not permitted access to the cargo hold. During refueling and transit stops, passengers will not be permitted access to their pets.

What if my pet needs to urinate during the flight?

Unfortunately, little accidents sometimes do happen, so the crates are lined with absorbable puppy training pads to help soak up any little accidents that do occur. Like humans, your pet may experience a little dehydration during the flight, which will reduce the need for urination. Also, do not feed your pet the morning before travel as this may increase the risk of defecation or vomiting.

How to book with pet ticket with airlines?
First, you must make sure all the important documents are ready for your pet. You must have your pet microchipped and rabies vaccination and vaccination record for airlines. Airlines need to have all documents prepared so they could book the pet cargo/ excess baggage for you, as they do not want your hassle from the trip. The customs would not accept pets import their countries if the documents are not well prepared, your pet may have to quarantine or even be banned for import their countries, your pet may need to turn back to your origin. Hence, airlines need all documents ready so they could reserve a seat for your pet. 
Lastly, it is important to note that some airlines will not allow you to book directly with them to fly your cat internationally to some countries. Instead, you’ll be required to hire a pet-shipping company with an airline account. This is because they want to have the assurance that the import procedures and paperwork were completed correctly to avoid any penalties or fees.
What is the difference between ‘Excess Baggage’ and ‘Air Cargo’?

When you travel with your pet and you both check in at the passenger terminal, this is termed ‘excess baggage,’ however, your pet will still travel in the animal hold. Air Cargo can be used when you travel with your pet or if your pet is traveling without you. Your pet will be checked in through the cargo terminal at your departing airport and the cargo terminals of modern-day airports are used to handling and caring for animals. Some even have specialized rooms for holding animals.

Why my pet could not travel in cabin/ excess baggage with me on the same flight?
Although several airlines, domestic and international, accept pets as carry-on or excess baggage, you could travel with them. Carry-on pets must adhere to strict size restrictions, along with limitations regarding available space (both on board the airplane and in the cargo hold). Most airlines place a strict limit on the number of pets that can travel in the plane’s cabin. Several will only allow one or two animals per flight.
Normally, airlines only accept cats and small dogs travel in the cabin with their owner, their weight must be < 8kg (17lbs) and the owner must put them in either a small soft pet container or IATA approved pet crate. One important thing you must know, some breeds like bulldog, wolf-dog and snub-nosed pets like exotic shorthair and pugs may be restricted by airlines. You may check with the airlines if you would like to travel with your pet in the cabin. 
For traveling in the baggage compartment (excess baggage), airlines could accept pets under 32kg -40kg to travel as excess baggage with the same flight. However, some countries may be restricted for pet travel as excess baggage due to their pet import policy, some countries may even do not accept pets for importing their countries. You have to reach the airline for further enquiries if you do not want to travel separately with your pets. If airlines do not accept pet travel on the same flight, you have to ship your dog in Manifest Cargo by the airlines’ cargo service. 
One key point to note, airlines may NOT ACCEPT pet travel in-cabin with TRANSIT Flight (Connecting Flight) from different airlines, some airlines may even serve pets in a direct flight.  Due to the COVID19 pandemic, some airlines have stopped pet check-in and limit pet travel.
For pet travel in cargo separately, the cost will be straightly expensive than pet travel in the baggage compartment or travel in a cabin. Your pet must be put in the IATA-approved pet crate and follow the LAR (Live Animal Regulations) by airlines.
In addition to large and giant breed dogs traveling in extremely large crates, some passenger aircraft aren’t able to handle such oversized cargo. Keep in mind that the airlines must adhere to the International Animal Transport Association’s Live Animal Regulations (IATA/LAR) and they will require you to do the same. Taking your pet on the plane with you seems to be an attractive, affordable option. However, be aware that you run the very real risk of your pet missing the flight if there is no space available onboard or in cargo, or if you have not complied with the IATA/LAR.
Cargo Rates – Why it is so expensive for pet cargo?

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