China Travel With Pets 2026: Quarantine, Hotels, Airlines

What does the 30-day quarantine in China actually look like?

Which countries can my pet come from?

Mainland China accepts pets from 19 designated countries and regions, and this list is shorter than what most guidebooks claim. As of 2026 the approved origins include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and a handful of others. Pets from unlisted countries must spend 6 months in an approved third country before they qualify, which adds serious cost. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are treated as domestic origins with simpler rules.

Sources: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Wikipedia: Quarantine requirements for importing animals into China

What paperwork do I need before flying?

You will need four things: an ISO 11784 or 11785 microchip implanted before any vaccination, two rabies vaccine certificates (the first given at 3 months or older, the second within the validity window), a rabies antibody titer test result from an approved lab showing at least 0.5 IU/mL, and an import permit applied for through the destination port's customs office at least 30 days before arrival. The titer test must be drawn at least 90 days but no more than 12 months before entry, so most people plan 4 to 6 months ahead. A USDA-endorsed (or equivalent) veterinary certificate dated within 14 days of departure is also required.

Sources: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, USDA APHIS Pet Travel to China

Which airlines still ship pets to China in 2026?

China Southern, Air China, and Hainan Airlines offer the most consistent pet cargo service to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from major hubs. For in-cabin travel, only small pets under 8 kg including the carrier are allowed, and most Chinese carriers restrict that to domestic routes as of 2026. On international legs, expect cargo as the only option, with fees of 1,500 to 3,500 USD depending on weight and route. Book cargo at least 14 days ahead, and avoid connections through Hong Kong if your pet is unaccompanied, since HK requires its own 120-day wait for category A and B countries.

Sources: USDA APHIS Pet Travel to China, Tripadvisor: Traveling to China with a pet forum thread

Which Beijing and Shanghai hotels actually accept pets?

The short answer: about 12 international chains in Beijing and 8 in Shanghai confirmed they accept small to medium dogs under 15 kg as of 2026. The Mandarin Oriental Beijing, the Peninsula Beijing, and the Rosewood Beijing all allow dogs with a cleaning fee of 500 to 1,200 CNY per stay. In Shanghai, the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, the Bulgari, and the W Shanghai on the Bund are confirmed pet-friendly. Most pet-friendly Chinese mid-range options are scattered, and you should call ahead because some properties quietly stopped accepting pets after a few bad incidents in 2024.

Sources: Wikipedia: Quarantine requirements for importing animals into China, Tripadvisor: Traveling to China with a pet forum thread

What is the high-speed rail and subway situation?

China's high-speed rail does not allow any pets except service animals with paperwork, and this has not changed since 2014. Subways in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou follow the same rule. The practical workaround is a pet taxi service: companies like Shanghai PawGo and Beijing WoofLine run air-conditioned minivans for 80 to 200 CNY per trip, and they can do intercity moves for around 8 CNY per km. For longer trips, the only legal option remains air cargo.

Sources: Wikipedia: Quarantine requirements for importing animals into China, Tripadvisor: Traveling to China with a pet forum thread

What about dogs in public parks and the Great Wall?

Most large parks in Beijing and Shanghai, including Chaoyang Park and People's Park in Shanghai, are pet-friendly on weekdays and ban dogs on weekends. The Great Wall at Mutianyu and Jinshanling officially does not allow pets, but Badaling has a quiet section near the south parking lot where staff will sometimes allow a leashed dog in a carrier. Be pragmatic: most expats take their dogs on early morning walks between 5 and 7 am, when enforcement is loose. Always carry vaccination records; fines of 200 to 2,000 CNY are common.

Sources: Wikipedia: Quarantine requirements for importing animals into China, Tripadvisor: Traveling to China with a pet forum thread

Should I bring my pet or hire a local sitter?

Honestly, unless you are moving to China for at least a year, most experienced expats recommend a trusted sitter back home. A 30-day quarantine is hard on older pets, the import cost runs 2,000 to 4,000 USD, and the day-to-day friction of no-pets-allowed transit and most restaurants is real. Trusted house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters, and local options like PetBacker in Shanghai, charge 20 to 50 USD per day. If you do bring your pet, budget 1,000 to 2,000 CNY per year for vaccinations, microchip renewals, and the import permit renewal.

Sources: USDA APHIS Pet Travel to China, Tripadvisor: Traveling to China with a pet forum thread