Ship a Dog or Cat from USA to China | Costs, Process & Timeline

Learn how to ship your dog or cat from the USA to China. Complete guide on paperwork, costs (from $2,500), timelines, and door-to-door pet relocation services.

How to Ship a Dog or Cat from the USA to China: Complete Guide, Timeline, Costs, and Expert Tips

Introduction

Relocating to China with your beloved pet is an exciting but complex undertaking. Whether you are moving for work, study, family, or a long-term lifestyle change, the process of shipping a dog or cat from the USA to China is not as simple as buying a plane ticket. It requires careful planning, strict compliance with both U.S. export and Chinese import regulations, and expert handling to ensure your pet arrives safely and stress-free.

China has some of the most detailed import regulations for pets in the world. These include requirements for microchipping, rabies vaccinations, specific documentation, and—in certain cases—quarantine. On top of this, there are restrictions on certain dog breeds, rules for owners traveling with multiple pets, and city-specific procedures that can add complexity to your plans.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of transporting pets from the United States to China, explain the timeline and costs involved, address common challenges, and show you how 0x Cargo Pet Travel, the Los Angeles branch of Transcontinental Pet Movers, can make the process completely stress-free with our 365-day, door-to-door service and unmatched expertise.

Step-by-Step Process for Shipping a Dog or Cat from the USA to China

1. Microchip Implantation

China requires pets to have an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip for identification. This microchip must be implanted before your pet receives its rabies vaccination.

• Standard: ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips.

• Purpose: Links your pet to its vaccination and health records.

• Tip: Always ensure the chip is readable by international scanners.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel and within the past 12 months for one-year vaccines. The rabies certificate must clearly display:

• Microchip number

• Vaccine manufacturer and batch number

• Vaccination and expiration dates

• Veterinarian’s signature and license number

3. Additional Vaccinations

While not always mandatory for entry, vaccinations such as DHPP for dogs and FVRCP for cats are strongly recommended, as some Chinese cities have local requirements or prefer additional disease protection.

4. Rabies Antibody Titer Test (If Applicable)

Although most Chinese ports currently do not require this test, certain airlines or routes may. The titer test proves your pet has adequate rabies immunity.0x Cargo Pet Travel monitors regulation changes daily and advises clients if a titer test is needed for their planned route.

5. USDA Endorsement of Health Certificate

A USDA-accredited veterinarian must issue an international health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or the updated digital form). This certificate must be sent to USDA APHIS for endorsement.Processing time: Usually 3–5 business days if documents are correct.

6. Booking Airline Cargo Space

Pets traveling to China typically must fly as manifest cargo due to import regulations.Our services include:

• Selecting the safest airline with the shortest layovers.

• Booking space in climate-controlled pet areas.

• Ensuring IATA-approved crate sizing and ventilation.

7. Pre-Flight Preparation

We prepare pets for travel by:

• Introducing them to their travel crate weeks in advance.

• Advising on feeding schedules before flight.

• Conducting a pre-departure veterinary check.

8. Customs Clearance in China

Upon arrival, pets must pass through Chinese customs, which involves:

• Scanning the microchip.

• Reviewing all documents.

• Conducting a health inspection.

• Applying any applicable quarantine rules.

0x Cargo Pet Travel works with long-term local partners in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Kunming, and Hong Kong who handle customs clearance, quarantine arrangements, and onward delivery.

Preparation Timeline

Stage	Time Before Travel	Tasks
Initial Planning	3–6 months	Contact 0x Cargo Pet Travel, review destination regulations.
Microchip & Vaccinations	3–4 months	Implant microchip, administer rabies and other vaccines.
Health Certificate	10–14 days	Vet exam, USDA endorsement.
Flight Booking	1–2 months	Reserve cargo space, confirm route.
Crate Training	2–4 weeks	Familiarize pet with travel kennel.
Departure Day	Travel day	Airport drop-off, flight check-in.
Arrival in China	Same day/next day	Customs clearance, quarantine (if applicable), home delivery.

Costs

The cost to ship a pet from the USA to China varies based on the pet’s size, weight, and final destination city.

• Cargo transport starting rate: USD $2,500 for cats and small dogs.

• Larger dogs: Cost increases based on crate size and weight.

• Additional expenses: Veterinary fees, USDA endorsement, titer tests (if required), quarantine fees (if applicable), and optional boarding.

0x Cargo Pet Travel provides an all-inclusive quote that covers door-to-door service so you know the total cost upfront.

Potential Challenges & How We Solve Them

1. Tight Deadlines – Some clients contact us just weeks before departure. We expedite paperwork, coordinate urgent veterinary visits, and work with airline partners to meet travel dates.

2. Banned Breeds – China restricts certain dog breeds in specific cities. We navigate these rules and arrange legal entry via alternative ports.

3. Multiple Pets per Owner – Regulations limit the number of pets per person. We arrange for trusted local contacts to act as co-importers.

4. Pets Traveling Without Owner – We manage solo pet transport with full legal compliance.

5. Complex City Regulations – Each Chinese city may have different rules; our local teams ensure smooth clearance.

Why Choose 0x Cargo Pet Travel

• 365-Day, Door-to-Door Service – We operate year-round, from your home in the USA to your door in China.

• Strong Local Network – Decades of cooperation with partner companies in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Kunming, and Hong Kong.

• Multilingual Expertise – Our staff speak fluent English, Mandarin, and Cantonese for seamless communication.

• Problem-Solving Specialists – Experts in handling urgent departures, breed restrictions, multiple pet shipments, and solo pet transport.

• Proven Track Record – Over 2,000 cats and dogs shipped to China in the last five years, making us the largest U.S. company specializing in this route.

Conclusion

Shipping your dog or cat from the USA to China is a detailed process that requires expertise, attention to detail, and strong international partnerships. By choosing 0x Cargo Pet Travel, you can bypass the stress of navigating regulations, booking flights, and handling customs clearance on your own. Our door-to-door service ensures your pet’s journey is as safe, smooth, and comfortable as possible.

Call-to-Action

At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, the Los Angeles branch of Transcontinental Pet Movers, we specialize in pet international relocation from the USA to China. With over 10 years of industry experience, hundreds of 5-star reviews, and the largest U.S.–China pet shipping operation, we are your trusted partner for a stress-free move.

Whether you are in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, our 365-day, door-to-door service and local partners in major Chinese cities guarantee a smooth transition for your furry family member.Contact us today for a personalized quote and let us handle every step — from your home in the USA to your doorstep in China.