International Pet Flight Services from India to China

China has increasingly become a pet-friendly destination, with more cities accommodating pets in public spaces, residential communities, and even transportation systems.

In major metropolitan areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, pet owners can find an array of pet-friendly parks, cafes, and hotels that cater to four-legged companions.

Many restaurants and eateries now offer outdoor seating areas where pets are welcome, and designated pet-friendly spaces in parks have become common, allowing pets to socialize and exercise freely. The country has also seen a rise in veterinary clinics, pet grooming salons, and specialty pet stores, reflecting the growing culture of pet ownership. 

Traveling internationally with a pet can be complex, especially when moving from India to China. While China is a pet-friendly destination, its import regulations are strict. 

Here’s How to Fly with Your Pet to China 

Understanding China’s Classification System

China categorizes countries into designated and non-designated groups. If you're traveling from a designated country like the UK, Australia, or Japan, entry is relatively simple with proof of a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. However, India falls under the non-designated category, which means additional steps are required to avoid quarantine upon arrival.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

The first and most crucial step is microchipping your pet with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit chip. The microchip must be implanted by a licensed veterinarian and registered in your home country’s pet database. This is essential, as China requires identification verification for all imported pets.

Vaccination is another critical requirement. Pets must receive two rabies vaccinations: an initial dose at least 30 days before travel and a booster within 12 months. China does not accept multi-year rabies vaccines. 

Additional vaccinations are also required; dogs need protection against distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, while cats must be vaccinated for feline leukemia and other common diseases.

To prove that your pet has adequate immunity against rabies, you must get a rabies titer test done. The sample should be taken the same day or within 24 hours of the second rabies vaccine and tested at a GACC-approved laboratory. If the test confirms a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/mL, your pet will be considered eligible for entry without any quarantine or further restrictions.

Before departure, a licensed veterinarian must also issue a health certificate detailing your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and overall fitness for travel. Depending on your visa type and travel purpose, a pet import permit may be required. It’s advisable to check in advance to avoid last-minute hurdles.

Are There Any Restrictions on Breeds?

China does not have a national breed ban or breed-specific restrictions, but you should first check if your pet-friendly flight services allow such breeds on board. 

Some cities in China impose restrictions which you should be aware of:

Pets banned in Beijing: Mastiff, German pinscher, St. Bernard, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Bernese mountain dog, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Setters, Afghan hound, Foxhound, Bloodhound, Irish wolfhound, Saluki, Greyhound, Borzoi, Basenji, Australian shepherd, Belgian shepherd, Bouvier des Flandres, Bearded collie, Scottish shepherd, German shepherd, Old English sheepdog, British bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Keeshond, Japanese akita, Newfoundland Sled dog, Bedlington terrier, Bull terrier, Kerry blue terrier.

Dogs banned in Chengdu: Mastiff, Pit Bull Terriers including American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Akita, Dogo Argentino, German Shepherd, Chinese Chongqing, Borzoi, Newfoundland, Cane Corso, Central Asian Shepherd dog, Great Dane, Dog de Bordeauz, Fila Brasileiro, Irish Wolfhound, Caucasian Shepherd, Kumming Wolfdog, Chinese Dog.

Dogs (including their mixes) banned in Shanghai: Tibetan Mastiff (Tibetan Mastiff), Mastiff (Mastiff), Rottweiler (Rottweiler), Italy twisted Boli Dayton (Neopolitan Mastiff, Italian Mastiff alias Napoleon Mastiff), Bordeaux Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux, French Mastiff alias), Bull Mastiff (Bull Mastiff), the Spanish Mastiff (Spanish Mastiff), Caucasian dogs (Caucasian Vcharka), Pyrenean Mastiff (Pyrenean Mastiff), Brazil Rockefeller (Fila Braziliero) Dogo Argentina (Argentinean Mastiff), horse mastiff (Danish Broholmer) and other Mastiff Mastiff descent, and hybridization with dogs such as Beauceron Wolfdog, Kunming wolfdog, China Dog, German Shepherd Dog, English Bulldog, Old English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Japanese Tosa, Bull Terrier, Doberman.

For exotic pets or species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), additional permits and legal clearances are necessary. Owners should consult professionals who specialize in international pet transportation to ensure compliance.

Pet-Friendly Airlines Flying to China

China is known to be pet-friendly, with many pet-friendly airlines operating to and from its many airports. 

Here are the most popular airlines for pet travel to China: 

• Air India 
• Air China 
• China Southern Airlines 

Arriving With Your Pet in China 

If all regulations are met, pets arriving from non-designated countries like India can enter China without quarantine. However, missing any requirement like a failed rabies titer test or lack of proper documentation can result in a mandatory 30-day quarantine being imposed designated facilities. 

These include Beijing Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Shanghai Airports (Hongqlao, Pudong), Shanghai Train Station, Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center, Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Alashankou (land post). 

International pet travel can seem challenging, but with careful preparation, you can ensure a stress-free journey for your furry friend. By following China’s regulations, microchipping your pet, staying up to date with vaccinations, choosing pet-friendly flight services, and securing the necessary paperwork, you can avoid unnecessary delays and time spent quarantine. Plan, stay informed, and you’re sure to enjoy your adventure in China with your beloved pet.