Pets to China


AirCare Pets can fly your pet dog or cat to the main entry airports in China.

Pets must travel on the same flight as their owner. There is a limit of one pet per passenger. No unaccompanyed animals are permitted.

Import permits and entry conditions vary between Chinese airports and the owner is encouraged to check the current needs of their intended arrival airport with the Chinese authorities before booking.

Specific requirements for dogs and cats travelling to China:

1. In the case of dogs and cats:
1.1 The animal is free of any quarantine restrictions imposed by the New Zealand government
authority.
1.2 Is not less than 12 weeks of age at the date of shipment
1.3 Has been examined and found to be free from ectoparasites and clinical signs of infectious or
contagious disease and is fit to travel within 24 hours of export.
1.4 The rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in China and
not more than 12 months prior to arrival.

2. In the case of a cat:
2.1 The cat has been vaccinated not less than 14 days and not more than 1 year before the scheduled
date of export against:
feline panleucopenia (infectious enteritis) and feline respiratory disease complex (cat flu).

3. In the case of a dog:
3.1 The dog has been vaccinated at not less than 6 weeks of age, and not less than 14 days and not
more than 1 year before the scheduled date of export against:
canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and infectious canine hepatitis.

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General requirements for pets travelling from New Zealand:

Microchip (aka Transponder)

All animals being exported must be clearly identified with a 15 digit microchip. The chip must be inserted and checked PRIOR to any export oriented treatments or vaccinations.

The number sequence must be recorded as having been verified when all treatments have been administered. If you are contemplating a move overseas you should have your pet microchipped by your vet as soon as possible.

Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC)

All animals leaving New Zealand on an international flight greater than 5 hours must have an Animal Welfare Export Certificate, known simply as an AWEC.

The certificates are issued by the Ministry of Primary Industries official vet office. AirCare Pets normally undertake this process as part of the export procedure carried out the day before departure.

The vet will inspect the animal and assess its ‘fitness to fly’ as well as check the travel cage and itinerary for adherence with IATA standards and the general requirements of the NZ Animal Welfare Act.

An AWEC is not required for travel to Australia from New Zealand.

Zoosanitary Certificate

This is the official MPI veterinary certificate which accompanies the animal and contains all the veterinary and biosecurity details required by the destination country. We prepare this document on behalf of the owner and submit the document, test results, vaccinations details etc for the Official NZ Government Vet to check and stamp the formal travel document. We process these documents to the airline and the receiving Customs station where required.

Only registered exporters can complete this process.

Import Permits:

Some countries require the owner to obtain an import permit for any animal entering their country.

In general these permits must be applied for by the owner or the intending owner residing in the country of destination. Import Permits should be applied for well in advance of the pet’s travel date.

The permit must be supplied to our office for inclusion in the official travel documents. Many countries require the permit number to be shown on the airline records, it is best to forward us the details as soon as you receive them.

Countries requiring Import Permits:

  • South Africa
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Hawaii
  • New Caledonia
  • Tahiti
  • Most of the smaller Pacific Island Nations

Quarantine:

Quarantine stay on arrival at destination is required for:

  • New Caledonia
  • Tahiti
  • Fiji

This should be booked by the owner (or intending owner) in the destination country. It is normally booked as part of the Import Permit process.

Check with AirCare for updates.

The above is a list of the requirements for popular travel destinations and their requirements at time of printing. For destinations not on the list and for the latest updates we recommend discussing your travel needs as soon as possible with an AirCare Pet Travel Consultant and receive all the latest details.