Pet Relocation Service from the UK to China
Pet travel UK to China involves strict entry rules, including microchipping, rabies vaccinations, health certificates, and possible quarantine. Tailored Pet Travel manages every step — ensuring your pet’s journey stays compliant, calm, and under control.
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Pet Relocation from the UK to China
Compliant | Safe Travel | Quarantine Assistance
Relocating Pets from the UK to China? We Handle the Details That Matter
Moving pets to China means navigating city-specific entry laws, quarantine rules, and time-sensitive veterinary requirements. A single mistake can cause delays or refused entry. Tailored Pet Travel manages the entire process with precision — so whether you’re relocating, reuniting, or planning a long-term stay, your pet’s journey is legal, safe, and welfare-led from start to finish.
Why Choose Our Pet Relocation Service to China?
We understand the complex logistics of pet relocation to China, from government regulations to city-specific quarantine rules. Here’s why pet owners trust us when the stakes are high:
1. We Manage the Entire Journey
From veterinary checks and legal documents to customs clearance and handover, every stage is handled with precision.
2. Compliance with Chinese import rules
We ensure your pet meets all UK export requirements and city-specific Chinese regulations — reducing risk at the border.
3. Animal-Welfare-Led Travel
We coordinate with airlines that prioritise safety, using IATA-approved crates and flight paths suited to pet welfare.
4.Quarantine & Arrival Coordination
Where required, we arrange pre-booked quarantine and support safe, stress-minimised handovers on arrival in China.
From the UK to China: What Your Pet’s Journey Really Involves
Microchipping
Your pet must be microchipped before any vaccinations are given. The microchip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards and must be readable by international scanners. It serves as your pet’s permanent ID throughout the relocation.
Rabies Vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is required. The vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior, depending on the product and the destination city’s rules.
Health Certificate (AHC or Export Certificate)
A government-authorised vet must issue a health certificate confirming your pet is fit to travel and compliant with Chinese entry requirements. This must be completed within a narrow timeframe before departure.
Document Endorsement by APHA
The completed health certificate must be officially endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to be valid for export. Timing here is critical, and errors can cause last-minute delays.
Travel Crate Acclimatisation
Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved crate of the correct size. Getting them used to the crate ahead of time can help reduce stress during transit and quarantine.
Flight & Customs Coordination
Flight routes are chosen based on welfare considerations and arrival procedures. Customs paperwork must be filed accurately and in advance for smooth clearance on arrival.
Quarantine (City Dependent)
Some Chinese cities enforce mandatory quarantine of 7–30 days. We advise on what to expect, assist with bookings where needed, and support onward arrangements post-release.
China’s Pet Import Rules – What You Need to Know
Understanding China pet import regulations is critical to avoiding delays, extended quarantine, or denied entry. Requirements vary by city, but the following factors apply across most major destinations:
1. Microchipping & Vaccination
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Microchip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards
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Rabies vaccine must be valid and administered at least 30 days before travel
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Proof of vaccination must match microchip ID
2. Official Health Certificate
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Must be issued by an authorised vet within a defined pre-travel window
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Certificate confirms your pet is healthy and travel-ready
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Includes details of vaccinations and microchip status
3. Government Endorsement
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All documents must be endorsed by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
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Mistakes in this stage often cause delays at customs
4. Entry Port Requirements
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Pets must arrive through approved Chinese ports of entry
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City rules may limit arrival times, flight types, and customs windows
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Flight must be booked as manifested cargo, not excess baggage
5. Quarantine (City Dependent)
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Some cities require quarantine (usually 7–30 days)
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Facilities and policies vary — some allow owner collection, others do not
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Quarantine must often be pre-booked and confirmed before arrival
Costs & Timeline for Relocating a Pet to China
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of relocating a pet to China depends on a range of factors — and should be viewed as an investment in compliance, welfare, and risk avoidance. Key influences include:
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Pet size, breed, and crate dimensions
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Flight routes and airline handling fees
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Veterinary work, certification, and document endorsements
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Quarantine (if applicable), customs charges, and arrival services
Due to city-specific rules, there’s no fixed price — but professional oversight can help prevent costly delays or errors.
How Long Does It Take?
On average, the process takes 2–3 months from planning to departure, though timelines may vary based on vaccination status and document turnaround. Travel time can range from 12 to 30 hours door-to-door, with potential added days if quarantine is required on arrival. Starting early is essential — especially if you’re relocating on a fixed schedule.
Breed Restrictions & Pets That May Not Be Allowed into China
Entry rules for pets aren’t just about vaccines and documents — certain animals may be refused entry altogether, depending on the destination city.
Restricted Dog Breeds
Some cities enforce local regulations around dog ownership. For example, banned dog breeds in China may include:
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Pit Bull Terrier
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Japanese Tosa
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Dogo Argentino
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Fila Brasileiro
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Mastiff-type or large guard breeds
Restrictions vary by city — and in places like Beijing or Shanghai, ownership may be limited to one dog per household, with size and breed limits strictly enforced.
Other Species
If your pet is not a dog or cat, it’s critical to confirm entry rules in advance. Animals such as rabbits, reptiles, ferrets, and birds often require specialist permits, and in some cases, may not be permitted to enter at all.
Our Pet Travel Success Stories
Trusted for Pet Relocation to China and Worldwide
We’ve supported families across the UK with safe, well-managed moves to China. Here’s what our clients have to say about our pet relocation services to China:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tailored Pet Travel handled every detail of our cat’s move to Shanghai. The updates during quarantine were a huge comfort.” – Marcus H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Our two spaniels arrived in Beijing happy and healthy. The team knew exactly how to manage customs and local rules.” – Li & James R.
Ready to Transport Your Pet? Let Us Handle It!
Pet Travel Services
Questions We Regularly Get Asked About Our Pet Relocation to China
Our Pet Relocation Services by Country
Each country imposes its own legal and veterinary rules for pet travel — and pet export from UK to China is one of the more regulated pathways. We provide tailored support to ensure your pet meets all destination-specific entry requirements.
Looking for another country? Click below for guidance tailored to your destination.
Pet Relocation from the UK to Australia
UK TO AUS
UK To Aus
- Mandatory quarantine upon arrival.✔
- Rabies vaccination & blood tests required.
- Import permit and strict entry conditions.
Pet Relocation from the UK to New Zealand
UK To Aotearoa
UK To New Zealand
- Microchipping and rabies vaccinations required.
- Quarantine and import permit regulations apply.
- Breed restrictions may apply.
Pet Relocation from the UK to USA
UK TO US
UK To America
- No quarantine for pets meeting health requirements.
- Rabies vaccination and health certificates required.
- Approved airline transport options
Pet Relocation from the UK to Canada
UK TO CAN
UK To Canada
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No quarantine if all vaccinations are up to date.
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Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats.
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Approved pet transport routes and services.
Pet Relocation from the UK to UAE
UK TO UAE
UK To Dubai
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Import permit required before travel.
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Microchipping, vaccinations, and blood tests needed.
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Some breed restrictions apply.
Pet Relocation from the UK to Europe
UK TO Europe
UK To EU
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Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate required.
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Tapeworm treatment may be needed for dogs.
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Approved pet-friendly travel routes available.
Pet Travel Insights & Expert Tips
Stay informed with the latest pet travel guides, success stories, and expert advice.
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