Traveling to China with Pets 2026 | Hello China Trip

Updated 2026 • Official Policies

Traveling to China with Your Pet • Complete 2026 Guide

Everything international visitors need: customs import rules, high-speed rail pet transport, pet-friendly hotels, top destinations & safety tips.

China is now one of the most pet-friendly countries in Asia. In 2026, national pet-friendly standards, high-speed rail pet consignment, and dedicated pet zones have made traveling with dogs & cats easier than ever.

            
            Important: Rules may update without notice. Always confirm with China Customs and airlines before your trip.
        

China Pet Import Regulations 2026

Only dogs and cats are allowed to enter China (1 pet per traveler). All animals must follow customs rules below.

Required Documents

Rabies vaccination certificate (2 doses valid within 12 months)
Official health certificate issued within 14 days of departure
ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip
Rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/mL) for non‑designated countries

Quarantine Policy

Standard quarantine: 30 days at official facilities.

Quarantine is waived if your pet comes from approved regions and passes on-site inspection.

Arrival Process

Fill in the Pet Declaration Form onboard. Go to the Customs Pet Quarantine counter after landing with full documents.

Getting Around China with Pets

High-speed rail, airlines, and rental cars now support pet travel in China.

High-Speed Rail (Recommended)

228 trains support “Pet Travel Service” since April 2026.

Weight ≤15kg | Height ≤40cm

Fees (RMB):
≤1000km ¥558 • 1000–1500km ¥658
1500–2000km ¥958 • >2000km ¥1258

30% discount for passengers with tickets

Air Travel

Hainan Airlines & Lucky Air allow in-cabin pets.

Fee: ¥1399 per segment • Carrier: 35×28×24cm

Major airlines (Air China, China Southern) only allow service animals.

Rental cars are fully pet-friendly.

            
            Pro Tip: Get your Animal Health Certificate within 24 hours before train departure.
        

Pet-Friendly Hotels & Attractions

Where to Stay

Use Ctrip / Trip.com and filter “Pet Friendly”. Always confirm fees and weight limits in advance.

Pet-Friendly Places

Amap (Gaode Maps) offers official pet-friendly maps
Many city parks have dedicated pet zones
Outdoor scenic spots are usually pet-friendly

Best Pet-Friendly Cities in China

Anji, Zhejiang – China’s No.1 pet-friendly county

Zhuhai, Guangdong – 11 large pet parks

Huizhou, Guangdong – 20,000㎡ pet eco-park

Beijing (Tongzhou) – 200-acre pet paradise

Health & Safety Tips

Emergency Vet Care

Use Dianping / Meituan to find 24-hour pet hospitals in major cities.

General Safety

Always leash your pet in public. Avoid stray animals. Keep pets away from crowded indoor areas.

Never leave pets in parked cars – summer heat can be fatal within minutes.

Pet Etiquette in China

Always keep your pet on a leash in public
Clean up waste immediately
Follow “No Pets” signs in malls, restaurants, subways
Do not let pets disturb other people

Pre-Travel Checklist & Apps

✅ Before You Go

Prepare documents 2–3 months early
Book rail pet service in advance
Reserve pet-friendly hotels early
Pack toys, blankets & medications

📱 Useful Apps

12306 – Rail pet booking

Amap – Pet-friendly map

Ctrip – Pet-friendly hotels

Dianping – 24h vets

Official Sources: China Customs (www.customs.gov.cn)

Policies are updated frequently. This guide reflects rules as of 2026. Always double-check before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring emotional support animals to China?

Only dogs and cats are allowed. ESAs follow normal pet import rules.

Is high-speed rail pet service safe?

Yes. Smart monitored containers, ventilation, and staff checks are provided.

Which airlines allow in-cabin pets?

Hainan Airlines on selected international routes. Limited spaces available.