Taking Dogs To China » Fly Your Dog to China from UK
Moving to China and bringing your dog along? We can help you sort that out.
China has specific requirements for dogs entering the country, including a 30 day pre export isolation period at your UK home before departure. We’ve been helping people transport their dogs to China for over 30 years, so we know exactly what the authorities need and how to make sure everything’s documented properly.
The process takes some planning, particularly around the isolation period, but that’s what we’re here for. We are here to guide you through each step.
Give us a ring on 01206 330332 if you’d like to talk it through.
The 30 Day Pre Export Isolation
Before your dog can fly to China, they need to stay at your UK home for 30 days without any contact with other animals that aren’t also being certified for export.
This means your dog can’t go to the park, visit other people’s homes with pets or have any interaction with animals outside your household during this month. They can still live normally in your house and garden, they just can’t leave your property to socialise.
A DEFRA Official Veterinarian will inspect and approve your home as suitable for isolation, then visit at least three times during the 30 days to check on your dog. You’ll also need to sign a declaration at the end stating that your dog hasn’t shown any signs of illness during the isolation period.
If you have other pets at home that aren’t travelling to China, they’ll need to be kept completely separate from your dog for the entire 30 days.
We’ll give you proper guidance on what the isolation period involves and help coordinate the vet visits so everything’s documented the way DEFRA and China’s authorities require.
Important Entry Rules
China allows one pet per person’s passport. If you’re bringing multiple dogs, you’ll need multiple people listed on the paperwork.
Whoever collects your dog at the Chinese airport must have exactly the same name on their ID as appears on all the travel documents. No variations or nicknames allowed. We make sure all your paperwork matches perfectly so there are no issues at the other end.
Dogs can only enter through Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang or Guangzhou. The good news is there’s no quarantine period when your dog arrives, so once they clear customs they can come straight home with you.
Travel Crates
Your dog will travel in an IATA compliant crate that’s custom built to their measurements in our workshops. Each crate has proper ventilation, water fittings and comfortable veterinary bedding.
The crates are built from quality plywood with a solid frame, wire mesh for airflow and three separate door fastenings for security. We include a water container inside and a funnel on the outside so airline staff can top up your dog’s water without disturbing them during the journey.
These crates are sturdy enough to use multiple times, so you can keep yours afterwards for future travel or as a garden kennel if you want.
We can collect your dog from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales when it’s time to fly. Or if you’d prefer, you can bring them to our premises or meet us at Heathrow.
What It Costs
The cost to fly your dog to China ranges from around £1,400 to £6,500 depending on your dog’s size, which airport you’re flying to and the time of year.
Want an exact quote? Fill out our online form or give us a ring and we’ll work it out for your specific situation.
We’re Here To Help
China’s requirements are detailed, particularly around the isolation period and documentation, but we’ll walk you through all of it.
Your dog is family, and we treat them that way. We’ll make sure the isolation is handled correctly, all your paperwork matches up and your dog travels in a proper, comfortable crate.
Call us on 01206 330332 or email info@fetchapet.co.uk. We’re available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and we usually reply to emails outside those hours as well.
FAQs About Flying Dogs To China
China requires documented proof that your dog has been kept in proper isolation and checked by a qualified vet throughout the 30 days. The DEFRA Official Veterinarian inspects your home first to approve it as suitable for isolation, then visits at least three times during the month to examine your dog and confirm they’re healthy and haven’t been exposed to other animals.
This isn’t about your dog’s name, it’s about your name. The person collecting your dog at the Chinese airport must have exactly the same name on their passport or ID as what appears on all the export paperwork. Tell us exactly what name is on your passport and we’ll make sure it’s used consistently throughout all documentation.
When all requirements are met correctly, including vaccinations, home isolation and documentation, there is no standard quarantine period on arrival. Dogs are usually released to their owners at the airport.
