Pet travel route
Dog or cat from China to South Africa: official requirements
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least 4 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted), rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) and veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves) and 6 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 5 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- South Africa puts China in the group “Country whose dogs are quarantined”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: import permit needed, quarantine on arrival, extra disease test and official stamp on the certificate.
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving China publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. This is Shanghai Customs' procedure, as published on the Shanghai government's English portal (guide of September 2025 and answers from 2026). China's customs sites block automated readers and the national online service needs a login, so we could not read customs' own national guidance. Other cities' customs offices may use other inspection sites, documents and lead times, and the 10–14 and 7–10 day timings are Shanghai Customs' recommendations, not fixed rules. Check with the customs office where you live (hotline 12360) before you travel.
Limited official guidance. The authority for entering South Africa publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. This is the department's protocol for dogs and cats, a page last updated in 2008 and read from a copy stored in 2021, because the department's sites do not open from our network. Fees, forms, contacts and the list of countries whose dogs skip quarantine may have changed (newer summaries mention an updated tariff). Treat it as a short summary under review and confirm with the Directorate Animal Health (VetPermits@dalrrd.gov.za) before you travel. Dogs and cats from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Malawi, and dogs from other African countries, follow other rules we have not built.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
4 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) (a primary vaccination at least 30 days before import (a booster no more than 12 months before))
10 days
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Apply online to customs ("Internet + Customs"): Shanghai Customs recommends 10 to 14 days before departure (Shanghai Customs recommends applying 10 to 14 days before departure)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Import permit needed
- Quarantine on arrival
- Extra disease test
- Official stamp on the certificate
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
How early to start (cats)
4 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) (a primary vaccination at least 30 days before import (a booster no more than 12 months before))
10 days
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Apply online to customs ("Internet + Customs"): Shanghai Customs recommends 10 to 14 days before departure (Shanghai Customs recommends applying 10 to 14 days before departure)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Import permit needed
- Official stamp on the certificate
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
Which rules apply to you
South Africa puts China in the group “Country whose dogs are quarantined”. See every group
Official name: Dogs from this country are quarantined for 14 days on arrival and re-tested
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China → South Africa
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether China (leaving) or South Africa (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Bringing a dog or cat into South Africa: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Taking a dog or cat out of China (customs Animal Health Certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
IdentificationEntering South Africa
ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted)
All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a microchip that can be read by ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanners; tattoos are not accepted.
Details and the official words
“All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a microchip (tattoos will not be accepted).”
“The microchip must be able to be read by an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanners.”
VaccinationEntering South Africa
Rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK)
Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination: a primary vaccination given not more than 12 months and not less than 30 days before import, or a booster given not more than 12 months before import. It is not required for pets from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, though advised.
Details and the official words
“In the case of a primary rabies vaccination the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months and not less than 30 days before the date of import.”
“In the case of a booster rabies vaccination the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months before the date of import.”
“Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats/dogs imported from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland”
PermitEntering South Africa
Veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves)
A veterinary import permit from the Directorate Animal Health is needed to import dogs and cats. You apply with the application form and proof of payment of the permit fee, and for a dog that will be quarantined an indemnity declaration. The permit is issued and sent to you together with a veterinary health certificate; the protocol says processing takes 3 to 4 working days if approved.
Details and the official words
The fee in the protocol (R110) is old; newer department pages mention an updated tariff.
“A veterinary import permit is needed to import Dogs & Cats into South Africa.”
“it takes three (3) to four (4) working days to process the permit”
In the days before you travel
TestEntering South Africa
Dogs: blood tests for five diseases within 30 days of export
Before a dog can be imported it must be certified free of Brucella canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) and Leishmania by blood tests, done within 30 days of export (the exporting country's vet authority can instead certify that the country is free of a disease). Dogs from countries not certified free of heartworm must be treated from the negative test until export, and must bring enough medication for a six-month course after arrival.
Details and the official words
“Before dogs can be imported the dog needs to be certified free from the following five diseases by means of blood tests.”
“Blood tests need to be done within 30 days of the date of export to South Africa.”
“Dogs imported from countries not certified free from Dirofilaria immitis must be treated from the date of negative testing until export at the required intervals with:”
Vet examLeaving China
On-site health check by customs: Shanghai Customs recommends 7 to 10 days before travel
At the appointed time, bring your pet and all original documents (passport, dog licence, vaccination booklet, antibody test report) to the customs inspection site: in Shanghai, Huangpu Customs' Sanmen Road office (No 617 Sanmen Road, Baoshan district). Customs checks that your pet matches your application and examines its health.
Details and the official words
“Every pet must undergo a health check.”
“In Shanghai, this inspection takes place at the Sanmen Road Customs Office”
“Attend the quarantine check: Bring your passport, dog license, vaccination booklet, antibody test report and your pet to the Sanmen Road Customs Office at the appointed time.”
“Customs officers will confirm that the pet matches the submitted records and check its overall health.”
PaperworkChina and South Africa
Veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure
The department sends you the veterinary health certificate with the import permit. A vet authorised by the exporting country's veterinary administration completes it in English within 10 days of departure, and it is stamped and signed by the exporting country's veterinary authorities.
Details and the official words
Customs Animal Health Certificate (needed for every pet leaving China): If your pet passes the inspection, customs issues the Animal Health Certificate within about three working days. In Shanghai, collect it at Huangpu Customs' Customs Clearance Service Hall (7F, No 8 Middle Huaihai Road) with the collection slip and your passport; someone collecting for you needs a signed authorisation letter, their own ID and a copy of your passport. Without this certificate your pet can't leave China. It is usually valid for 14 days (10 days for the EU).
“This needs to be completed, in English, by a veterinarian authorized thereto by the Veterinary Administration of the exporting country, within 10 days of departure.”
“Without it, pets won't be allowed out of China, and in some cases, they may even be refused entry upon arrival.”
“If the inspection is cleared, the certificate will be ready in about three working days.”
“The processing time will not exceed three working days.”
“The collection slip and passport are required.”
“If someone else is collecting on the owner's behalf, they must present a signed authorization letter, their own ID and a copy of the owner's passport.”
“The certificate itself is only valid for a short time — usually 14 days, and just 10 days for the European Union.”
Official stampLeaving China
Apply online to customs ("Internet + Customs"): Shanghai Customs recommends 10 to 14 days before departure
Register on the "Internet + Customs" platform (online.customs.gov.cn) with your passport or ID and apply under "携带出境宠物检疫" (Quarantine Service For Non-Commercial Export of Pet). Enter your details, your pet's and its rabies vaccination history, and upload a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a photo of your pet and, if your destination needs one, a rabies antibody test report from a government-recognised laboratory. Customs usually reviews it within three working days; once it is approved, book the on-site inspection.
Details and the official words
“Customs recommends filing the online application 10 to 14 days before departure, and completing the physical inspection seven to 10 days before travel.”
“you must submit an application in advance through the "互联网+海关 (Internet + Customs)" platform, under the "携带出境宠物检疫 (Quarantine for Pets Carried Out of China)" section.”
“First-time users need to register — individuals with their passport or ID, and businesses with an IC card.”
“These include a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a pet photo, and in some cases, a rabies antibody test report from a government-recognized lab.”
“Once submitted, the application is usually reviewed within three working days.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering South Africa
Fly as manifest cargo and present the permit and certificate on arrival
Dogs and cats must be registered as manifest cargo and cannot fly as excess baggage. Cats and dogs from countries without quarantine can also arrive at Durban. At the airport the original import permit and original health certificate are presented to the veterinary officials before the animal is released.
Details and the official words
“All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be registered, as manifest cargo and can not fly as excess baggage.”
“On arrival at the airport the original Veterinary Import Permit issued by the Directorate Animal Health and the original Veterinary Health Certificate signed, stamped and certified by Veterinary Authorities of the exporting country must be presented to the veterinary officials at the airport before the dog or cat can be released.”
QuarantineEntering South Africa
Dogs from some countries: 14 days' quarantine on arrival
Dogs from countries not on the department's list are quarantined for 14 days on arrival, re-tested for the five diseases at the owner's expense, and may only arrive through OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town. Before a quarantine booking is confirmed you must sign an indemnity form (the original, not a copy).
Details and the official words
“Quarantine of 14 days will be imposed on some dogs, depending on the country of origin of the dog.”
Good to know
- Puppies and kittens under 3 months old need no rabies vaccination, but can only travel if their mother was vaccinated more than 30 days and less than 12 months before they were born; they are vaccinated after arrival at 3 months of age.
- A dog that tests positive for any of the five diseases is not eligible for import.
- Customs checks your pet against your destination's requirements (vaccination timing, rabies blood test, deworming and so on) and refuses the certificate if the paperwork is incomplete or doesn't meet them. It can also stop the inspection if your pet seems sick or behaves aggressively.
- In Shanghai, a dog needs its Shanghai Dog Registration Certificate (dog licence), and a cat's owner may need to show proof of residence in Shanghai if the cat was vaccinated elsewhere.
- Customs at Shanghai Pudong airport does no extra quarantine inspection of pets leaving: the Animal Health Certificate is arranged beforehand with Huangpu Customs (+86 21 6889 4323).
- Shanghai Customs' hotlines for dogs and cats leaving China: applications 021-962116; on-site inspection 021-6889 0453.
Cats
Bringing a dog or cat into South Africa: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Taking a dog or cat out of China (customs Animal Health Certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
IdentificationEntering South Africa
ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted)
All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a microchip that can be read by ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanners; tattoos are not accepted.
Details and the official words
“All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be permanently identified with a microchip (tattoos will not be accepted).”
“The microchip must be able to be read by an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanners.”
VaccinationEntering South Africa
Rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK)
Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination: a primary vaccination given not more than 12 months and not less than 30 days before import, or a booster given not more than 12 months before import. It is not required for pets from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, though advised.
Details and the official words
“In the case of a primary rabies vaccination the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months and not less than 30 days before the date of import.”
“In the case of a booster rabies vaccination the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months before the date of import.”
“Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats/dogs imported from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland”
PermitEntering South Africa
Veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves)
A veterinary import permit from the Directorate Animal Health is needed to import dogs and cats. You apply with the application form and proof of payment of the permit fee, and for a dog that will be quarantined an indemnity declaration. The permit is issued and sent to you together with a veterinary health certificate; the protocol says processing takes 3 to 4 working days if approved.
Details and the official words
The fee in the protocol (R110) is old; newer department pages mention an updated tariff.
“A veterinary import permit is needed to import Dogs & Cats into South Africa.”
“it takes three (3) to four (4) working days to process the permit”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving China
On-site health check by customs: Shanghai Customs recommends 7 to 10 days before travel
At the appointed time, bring your pet and all original documents (passport, dog licence, vaccination booklet, antibody test report) to the customs inspection site: in Shanghai, Huangpu Customs' Sanmen Road office (No 617 Sanmen Road, Baoshan district). Customs checks that your pet matches your application and examines its health.
Details and the official words
“Every pet must undergo a health check.”
“In Shanghai, this inspection takes place at the Sanmen Road Customs Office”
“Attend the quarantine check: Bring your passport, dog license, vaccination booklet, antibody test report and your pet to the Sanmen Road Customs Office at the appointed time.”
“Customs officers will confirm that the pet matches the submitted records and check its overall health.”
PaperworkChina and South Africa
Veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure
The department sends you the veterinary health certificate with the import permit. A vet authorised by the exporting country's veterinary administration completes it in English within 10 days of departure, and it is stamped and signed by the exporting country's veterinary authorities.
Details and the official words
Customs Animal Health Certificate (needed for every pet leaving China): If your pet passes the inspection, customs issues the Animal Health Certificate within about three working days. In Shanghai, collect it at Huangpu Customs' Customs Clearance Service Hall (7F, No 8 Middle Huaihai Road) with the collection slip and your passport; someone collecting for you needs a signed authorisation letter, their own ID and a copy of your passport. Without this certificate your pet can't leave China. It is usually valid for 14 days (10 days for the EU).
“This needs to be completed, in English, by a veterinarian authorized thereto by the Veterinary Administration of the exporting country, within 10 days of departure.”
“Without it, pets won't be allowed out of China, and in some cases, they may even be refused entry upon arrival.”
“If the inspection is cleared, the certificate will be ready in about three working days.”
“The processing time will not exceed three working days.”
“The collection slip and passport are required.”
“If someone else is collecting on the owner's behalf, they must present a signed authorization letter, their own ID and a copy of the owner's passport.”
“The certificate itself is only valid for a short time — usually 14 days, and just 10 days for the European Union.”
Official stampLeaving China
Apply online to customs ("Internet + Customs"): Shanghai Customs recommends 10 to 14 days before departure
Register on the "Internet + Customs" platform (online.customs.gov.cn) with your passport or ID and apply under "携带出境宠物检疫" (Quarantine Service For Non-Commercial Export of Pet). Enter your details, your pet's and its rabies vaccination history, and upload a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a photo of your pet and, if your destination needs one, a rabies antibody test report from a government-recognised laboratory. Customs usually reviews it within three working days; once it is approved, book the on-site inspection.
Details and the official words
“Customs recommends filing the online application 10 to 14 days before departure, and completing the physical inspection seven to 10 days before travel.”
“you must submit an application in advance through the "互联网+海关 (Internet + Customs)" platform, under the "携带出境宠物检疫 (Quarantine for Pets Carried Out of China)" section.”
“First-time users need to register — individuals with their passport or ID, and businesses with an IC card.”
“These include a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a pet photo, and in some cases, a rabies antibody test report from a government-recognized lab.”
“Once submitted, the application is usually reviewed within three working days.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering South Africa
Fly as manifest cargo and present the permit and certificate on arrival
Dogs and cats must be registered as manifest cargo and cannot fly as excess baggage. Cats and dogs from countries without quarantine can also arrive at Durban. At the airport the original import permit and original health certificate are presented to the veterinary officials before the animal is released.
Details and the official words
“All dogs and cats imported into South Africa must be registered, as manifest cargo and can not fly as excess baggage.”
“On arrival at the airport the original Veterinary Import Permit issued by the Directorate Animal Health and the original Veterinary Health Certificate signed, stamped and certified by Veterinary Authorities of the exporting country must be presented to the veterinary officials at the airport before the dog or cat can be released.”
Good to know
- Puppies and kittens under 3 months old need no rabies vaccination, but can only travel if their mother was vaccinated more than 30 days and less than 12 months before they were born; they are vaccinated after arrival at 3 months of age.
- A dog that tests positive for any of the five diseases is not eligible for import.
- Customs checks your pet against your destination's requirements (vaccination timing, rabies blood test, deworming and so on) and refuses the certificate if the paperwork is incomplete or doesn't meet them. It can also stop the inspection if your pet seems sick or behaves aggressively.
- In Shanghai, a dog needs its Shanghai Dog Registration Certificate (dog licence), and a cat's owner may need to show proof of residence in Shanghai if the cat was vaccinated elsewhere.
- Customs at Shanghai Pudong airport does no extra quarantine inspection of pets leaving: the Animal Health Certificate is arranged beforehand with Huangpu Customs (+86 21 6889 4323).
- Shanghai Customs' hotlines for dogs and cats leaving China: applications 021-962116; on-site inspection 021-6889 0453.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in China publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
Veterinary import permitEntering South Africa230 ZAR
Tariff from 1 April 2024. The department revises it every year, so check the current amount when you apply.
“Issuance of an import permit. R230”
New tariffs as from 1 April 2024: veterinary import permits issued in terms of the Animal Diseases Act · as of 2024-04-01
Government fees in total: 230 ZAR (each currency separately)
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
We have no published vet or lab prices for China yet.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to China
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves China.
The trip back asks for 7 steps: electronic microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, rabies antibody test report (pets from non-designated countries) and official clinical inspection within 14 days before arrival and more.
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Information on importing of dogs and cats into the Republic of South Africa (Directorate Animal Health)
- New tariffs as from 1 April 2024: veterinary import permits issued in terms of the Animal Diseases Act
- How to get a pet's health certificate for overseas travel (Shanghai Municipal People's Government, source: Shanghai Customs, 9 September 2025)
- How do I get an animal health certificate for my pet? (Shanghai government Q&A, source: Shanghai Customs, 23 September 2026)
- Customs and quarantine requirements for pets entering or leaving China via Pudong airport (Shanghai government Q&A, source: Shanghai Customs, 18 August 2026)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from China to South Africa?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into South Africa?
Yes: A veterinary import permit from the Directorate Animal Health is needed to import dogs and cats.
Will my dog be quarantined in South Africa?
It can be: Dogs from countries not on the department's list are quarantined for 14 days on arrival, re-tested for the five diseases at the owner's expense, and may only arrive through OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town.
Will my cat be quarantined in South Africa?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
How early should I start preparing my pet for China to South Africa?
With nothing done yet, start at least 4 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip (tattoos are not accepted), rabies vaccination (not needed from Australia, New Zealand and the UK) and veterinary import permit (before the animal leaves) and 6 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
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