Pet travel route
Dog or cat from Costa Rica to China: official requirements
Possible. There is no official waiting period for a dog, but you still need: electronic microchip (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine) and second rabies vaccination (before the blood sample) and 3 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 13 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- China puts Costa Rica in the group “Non-designated country or region”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed.
- No import permit or quarantine on this route for a pet that meets the rules.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
No official wait
whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated
No official wait still means appointments: electronic microchip (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine) and second rabies vaccination (before the blood sample) and 3 more. Book them early; lab and paperwork times are not counted.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- No import permit
- No quarantine
How early to start (cats)
No official wait
whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated
No official wait still means appointments: electronic microchip (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine) and second rabies vaccination (before the blood sample) and 3 more. Book them early; lab and paperwork times are not counted.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- No import permit
- No quarantine
Which rules apply to you
China puts Costa Rica in the group “Non-designated country or region”. See every group
Official name: Not designated: exempt from quarantine only with a valid chip and a rabies antibody test report from a laboratory accepted by customs
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Costa Rica → China
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether Costa Rica (leaving) or China (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Get ready
IdentificationCosta Rica and China
Electronic microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Your pet must have an electronic microchip; a valid chip is needed for any exemption from quarantine. If the chip doesn't meet ISO 11784/11785, bring a reader that can read it. The chip number must be the same on every document.
The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.
Details and the official words
ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate: SENASA's resolution of January 2025 makes individual identification with a 15-digit ISO microchip compulsory for dogs and cats imported, exported or in transit, with the number declared on the health certificate.
The resolution takes effect six months after its publication in the official gazette La Gaceta, which we couldn't date. We show the microchip to be safe: ask SENASA if your pet has none.
“宠物应当具有电子芯片。”
“（一）来自指定国家或者地区携带入境的宠物，具有有效电子芯片，经现场检疫合格的；”
“Pet electronic microchip: The microchip must comply with international standards ISO11784 and ISO11785, otherwise you need to bring a reader that can read the implanted microchip.”
“Se ordena como medida sanitaria implementar un sistema de identificación y rastreabilidad individual obligatorio para la importación, exportación o tránsito por el país para los animales de compañía (perros y gatos)”
“El código de identificación asignado al animal debe declararse en el certificado sanitario correspondiente.”
“Rige seis meses posteriores a su publicación en el Diario Oficial La Gaceta.”
VaccinationEntering China
Rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine)
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies and the vaccination must still be valid when it arrives. Bring the original vaccination certificate (and copies): customs may keep it. China sets no fixed timing for the vaccination: follow the vaccine maker's instructions and your vet.
Details and the official words
“携带宠物入境的，携带人应当向海关提供输出国家或者地区官方动物检疫机构出具的有效检疫证书和狂犬病疫苗接种证书。”
“Certificate of rabies vaccination (inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant/modified vaccine).”
“There is no fixed rule like "one month to one year." The vaccination should be administered according to scientific immunization protocols under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, following the vaccine manufacturer's guidelines.”
“Animal needs to be vaccinated against rabies prior export. Vaccine needs to be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Rabies vaccination must be within the validity period at the time of export.”
VaccinationEntering China
Second rabies vaccination (before the blood sample)
The blood sample for the antibody test may not be taken before your pet's second rabies vaccination, so a pet that needs a new test must have had at least two rabies vaccinations. China sets no interval between them: follow your vet's advice. A pet that already has a valid test report needs no extra vaccination.
Details and the official words
“Not necessarily. A second vaccination is only required if your pet needs a new rabies antibody test. If you already have a valid rabies antibody test report, no further vaccinations are needed. The interval between two rabies vaccinations should follow the advice of your veterinarian.”
“Your pet must have been vaccinated at least TWICE in its lifetime, and be CURRENT on rabies vaccinations at the time of arrival in China.”
Blood testEntering China
Rabies antibody test at a laboratory accepted by China (above 0.5 IU/ml)
A pet from a country that is not on China's designated list needs a rabies antibody test report from a laboratory recognised by China's customs, with a titre above 0.5 IU/ml, to avoid 30 days' quarantine. The blood may not be taken before the second rabies vaccination, and the report is valid for one year from the sampling date (to the day of arrival). Bring the original report and a photocopy.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: Without a valid report from an accepted laboratory, your pet must enter through a port with quarantine facilities and stays 30 days in quarantine.
“（二）来自非指定国家或者地区的宠物，具有有效电子芯片，提供采信实验室出具的狂犬病抗体检测报告（抗体滴度或免疫抗体量须在0.5IU/ml以上）并经现场检疫合格的；”
“(The blood collection date for rabies antibody titer testing should not be earlier than the second rabies vaccination, the antibody titer or immune antibody level must be above 0.5 IU/ml, and the test result is valid within one year from the date of blood collection).”
“You must present the original report and a photocopy to Customs.”
“Testing must occur on the same day as, or any day after administration of the second rabies vaccination.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examEntering China
Official clinical inspection within 14 days before arrival
The official agency of the country or region you leave inspects your pet for rabies and other infectious or parasitic diseases within 14 days before it arrives in China.
Details and the official words
“Pets must undergo an animal health clinical inspection conducted by the official agencies of the departing country or region within 14 days prior to their arrival in China.”
“Pets entering on or after this date must meet the new requirements, including a clinical health examination performed within 14 days of arrival.”
PaperworkCosta Rica and China
Official animal health (quarantine) certificate from the country you leave
You must give customs a valid quarantine certificate issued by the official animal quarantine authority of the country or region you leave, after the clinical inspection in the 14 days before arrival. It must show your pet's date of birth or age, the microchip number with its implantation date and site, the rabies vaccination (date, validity, type, brand and maker), the antibody test (sampling date, laboratory and result) and the date and result of the health examination.
Details and the official words
The certificates agreed with the US and the UK must be issued no more than 14 days before arrival in China.
Export certificate from a private vet, signed by SENASA: An authorised private vet examines your pet, checks it meets the destination's requirements and issues the national export certificate (on the Costa Rican veterinary college's form). Take it to SENASA with your pet's vaccination card, any document the destination asks for (if it has its own certificate model, you need both) and proof of payment (tariff code C.16, ₡17,322 in 2026). SENASA's official vet reviews the certificates and signs them; once signed, your pet can leave. Certificates that don't need SENASA to authenticate the vet's signature can be signed at any SENASA office.
“携带宠物入境的，携带人应当向海关提供输出国家或者地区官方动物检疫机构出具的有效检疫证书和狂犬病疫苗接种证书。”
“Pet information (including breed, scientific name, gender, color, date of birth or age);”
“Serial number, date, and position of the implanted microchip;”
“Rabies vaccination date and validity period, type of vaccine (inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine), vaccine brand, manufacturer's name;”
“Date of rabies antibody titer test, name of testing institution, test result;”
“Result and date of animal health examination.”
“Health certificates must be issued by your USDA accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival in China, and be electronically endorsed by USDA-APHIS using the VEHCS system.”
“The certificate is valid for 14 days after issuing”
“Para iniciar el trámite, el propietario debe acudir a un médico veterinario privado autorizado para que realice la valoración clínica.”
“El profesional verificará el cumplimiento de los requisitos solicitados por el país de destino y emitirá el certificado de exportación que presentará ante SENASA.”
“El médico veterinario oficial de SENASA revisa el o los certificados presentados por el veterinario privado y confirmará el cumplimiento de los requisitos.”
“Una vez firmado el certificado, la mascota puede salir del país.”
“En el caso de que el país de destino requiera un modelo de certificado adicional, el usuario deberá gestionar ambos documentos.”
“Asimismo, SENASA recuerda que los usuarios deben presentar la cartilla de vacunas y cualquier documento exigido por el país de destino.”
“Cancelar el monto correspondiente, según el decreto tarifario código C.16”
“CERTIFICADO EXPORTAC. ANIMALES, PRODUCTOS Y SUBPRODUCTOS NO COMESTIBLES (Resolución DG-R0014-2021)”
“Certificado de exportación nacional (papelería del CMV) emitido por un médico veterinario privado;”
“Los demás certificados que no requieran autenticación de firma por parte del país de destino pueden ser firmados en cualquier oficina del SENASA.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering China
Declare your pet to customs on arrival
Declare your pet to customs when you arrive. Show the official health certificate, the vaccination certificate and, if needed, the antibody test report (original and a copy). Customs checks the documents, scans the microchip and examines your pet; if everything is in order it is released, otherwise it goes to quarantine.
Details and the official words
“Yes, you must declare your pet to Customs upon entry.”
“If all requirements are met and the pet passes the on-site clinical inspection, it will be cleared for entry.”
Good to know
- Only dogs and cats can be carried in, and only one pet per person per entry. China applies this strictly: pets over the limit may be refused entry, returned or destroyed. Each pet needs its own certificate.
- A pet that is not exempt (no valid chip, or from a non-designated place without a valid antibody test report, or that fails the on-site check) is quarantined for 30 days at a site designated by customs, at your cost, and must enter through one of the ports with quarantine facilities: Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Urumqi Diwopu Airport, Alashankou or Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Arriving at another port, it is sent back or destroyed. Tell Chinese customs in advance that a pet needing quarantine is coming.
- The list of designated countries, the laboratories whose antibody test reports customs accepts and the ports with quarantine facilities are set by China's customs (GACC) and can change. Shanghai Customs' guide (updated October 2025) links the current laboratory list.
- If you will live in China, register your dog with the local police where you live within one month of arrival.
- Flying on within China after clearing customs? You may need a separate quarantine certificate for moving between provinces, issued by the local animal health authority (not customs).
- SENASA lets your pet leave only if it meets the destination's requirements, which differ from country to country: look them up well in advance. Airlines and transport companies set their own rules too.
Cats
Get ready
IdentificationCosta Rica and China
Electronic microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Your pet must have an electronic microchip; a valid chip is needed for any exemption from quarantine. If the chip doesn't meet ISO 11784/11785, bring a reader that can read it. The chip number must be the same on every document.
The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.
Details and the official words
ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate: SENASA's resolution of January 2025 makes individual identification with a 15-digit ISO microchip compulsory for dogs and cats imported, exported or in transit, with the number declared on the health certificate.
The resolution takes effect six months after its publication in the official gazette La Gaceta, which we couldn't date. We show the microchip to be safe: ask SENASA if your pet has none.
“宠物应当具有电子芯片。”
“（一）来自指定国家或者地区携带入境的宠物，具有有效电子芯片，经现场检疫合格的；”
“Pet electronic microchip: The microchip must comply with international standards ISO11784 and ISO11785, otherwise you need to bring a reader that can read the implanted microchip.”
“Se ordena como medida sanitaria implementar un sistema de identificación y rastreabilidad individual obligatorio para la importación, exportación o tránsito por el país para los animales de compañía (perros y gatos)”
“El código de identificación asignado al animal debe declararse en el certificado sanitario correspondiente.”
“Rige seis meses posteriores a su publicación en el Diario Oficial La Gaceta.”
VaccinationEntering China
Rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine)
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies and the vaccination must still be valid when it arrives. Bring the original vaccination certificate (and copies): customs may keep it. China sets no fixed timing for the vaccination: follow the vaccine maker's instructions and your vet.
Details and the official words
“携带宠物入境的，携带人应当向海关提供输出国家或者地区官方动物检疫机构出具的有效检疫证书和狂犬病疫苗接种证书。”
“Certificate of rabies vaccination (inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant/modified vaccine).”
“There is no fixed rule like "one month to one year." The vaccination should be administered according to scientific immunization protocols under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, following the vaccine manufacturer's guidelines.”
“Animal needs to be vaccinated against rabies prior export. Vaccine needs to be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Rabies vaccination must be within the validity period at the time of export.”
VaccinationEntering China
Second rabies vaccination (before the blood sample)
The blood sample for the antibody test may not be taken before your pet's second rabies vaccination, so a pet that needs a new test must have had at least two rabies vaccinations. China sets no interval between them: follow your vet's advice. A pet that already has a valid test report needs no extra vaccination.
Details and the official words
“Not necessarily. A second vaccination is only required if your pet needs a new rabies antibody test. If you already have a valid rabies antibody test report, no further vaccinations are needed. The interval between two rabies vaccinations should follow the advice of your veterinarian.”
“Your pet must have been vaccinated at least TWICE in its lifetime, and be CURRENT on rabies vaccinations at the time of arrival in China.”
Blood testEntering China
Rabies antibody test at a laboratory accepted by China (above 0.5 IU/ml)
A pet from a country that is not on China's designated list needs a rabies antibody test report from a laboratory recognised by China's customs, with a titre above 0.5 IU/ml, to avoid 30 days' quarantine. The blood may not be taken before the second rabies vaccination, and the report is valid for one year from the sampling date (to the day of arrival). Bring the original report and a photocopy.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: Without a valid report from an accepted laboratory, your pet must enter through a port with quarantine facilities and stays 30 days in quarantine.
“（二）来自非指定国家或者地区的宠物，具有有效电子芯片，提供采信实验室出具的狂犬病抗体检测报告（抗体滴度或免疫抗体量须在0.5IU/ml以上）并经现场检疫合格的；”
“(The blood collection date for rabies antibody titer testing should not be earlier than the second rabies vaccination, the antibody titer or immune antibody level must be above 0.5 IU/ml, and the test result is valid within one year from the date of blood collection).”
“You must present the original report and a photocopy to Customs.”
“Testing must occur on the same day as, or any day after administration of the second rabies vaccination.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examEntering China
Official clinical inspection within 14 days before arrival
The official agency of the country or region you leave inspects your pet for rabies and other infectious or parasitic diseases within 14 days before it arrives in China.
Details and the official words
“Pets must undergo an animal health clinical inspection conducted by the official agencies of the departing country or region within 14 days prior to their arrival in China.”
“Pets entering on or after this date must meet the new requirements, including a clinical health examination performed within 14 days of arrival.”
PaperworkCosta Rica and China
Official animal health (quarantine) certificate from the country you leave
You must give customs a valid quarantine certificate issued by the official animal quarantine authority of the country or region you leave, after the clinical inspection in the 14 days before arrival. It must show your pet's date of birth or age, the microchip number with its implantation date and site, the rabies vaccination (date, validity, type, brand and maker), the antibody test (sampling date, laboratory and result) and the date and result of the health examination.
Details and the official words
The certificates agreed with the US and the UK must be issued no more than 14 days before arrival in China.
Export certificate from a private vet, signed by SENASA: An authorised private vet examines your pet, checks it meets the destination's requirements and issues the national export certificate (on the Costa Rican veterinary college's form). Take it to SENASA with your pet's vaccination card, any document the destination asks for (if it has its own certificate model, you need both) and proof of payment (tariff code C.16, ₡17,322 in 2026). SENASA's official vet reviews the certificates and signs them; once signed, your pet can leave. Certificates that don't need SENASA to authenticate the vet's signature can be signed at any SENASA office.
“携带宠物入境的，携带人应当向海关提供输出国家或者地区官方动物检疫机构出具的有效检疫证书和狂犬病疫苗接种证书。”
“Pet information (including breed, scientific name, gender, color, date of birth or age);”
“Serial number, date, and position of the implanted microchip;”
“Rabies vaccination date and validity period, type of vaccine (inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine), vaccine brand, manufacturer's name;”
“Date of rabies antibody titer test, name of testing institution, test result;”
“Result and date of animal health examination.”
“Health certificates must be issued by your USDA accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival in China, and be electronically endorsed by USDA-APHIS using the VEHCS system.”
“The certificate is valid for 14 days after issuing”
“Para iniciar el trámite, el propietario debe acudir a un médico veterinario privado autorizado para que realice la valoración clínica.”
“El profesional verificará el cumplimiento de los requisitos solicitados por el país de destino y emitirá el certificado de exportación que presentará ante SENASA.”
“El médico veterinario oficial de SENASA revisa el o los certificados presentados por el veterinario privado y confirmará el cumplimiento de los requisitos.”
“Una vez firmado el certificado, la mascota puede salir del país.”
“En el caso de que el país de destino requiera un modelo de certificado adicional, el usuario deberá gestionar ambos documentos.”
“Asimismo, SENASA recuerda que los usuarios deben presentar la cartilla de vacunas y cualquier documento exigido por el país de destino.”
“Cancelar el monto correspondiente, según el decreto tarifario código C.16”
“CERTIFICADO EXPORTAC. ANIMALES, PRODUCTOS Y SUBPRODUCTOS NO COMESTIBLES (Resolución DG-R0014-2021)”
“Certificado de exportación nacional (papelería del CMV) emitido por un médico veterinario privado;”
“Los demás certificados que no requieran autenticación de firma por parte del país de destino pueden ser firmados en cualquier oficina del SENASA.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering China
Declare your pet to customs on arrival
Declare your pet to customs when you arrive. Show the official health certificate, the vaccination certificate and, if needed, the antibody test report (original and a copy). Customs checks the documents, scans the microchip and examines your pet; if everything is in order it is released, otherwise it goes to quarantine.
Details and the official words
“Yes, you must declare your pet to Customs upon entry.”
“If all requirements are met and the pet passes the on-site clinical inspection, it will be cleared for entry.”
Good to know
- Only dogs and cats can be carried in, and only one pet per person per entry. China applies this strictly: pets over the limit may be refused entry, returned or destroyed. Each pet needs its own certificate.
- A pet that is not exempt (no valid chip, or from a non-designated place without a valid antibody test report, or that fails the on-site check) is quarantined for 30 days at a site designated by customs, at your cost, and must enter through one of the ports with quarantine facilities: Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Urumqi Diwopu Airport, Alashankou or Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Arriving at another port, it is sent back or destroyed. Tell Chinese customs in advance that a pet needing quarantine is coming.
- The list of designated countries, the laboratories whose antibody test reports customs accepts and the ports with quarantine facilities are set by China's customs (GACC) and can change. Shanghai Customs' guide (updated October 2025) links the current laboratory list.
- Flying on within China after clearing customs? You may need a separate quarantine certificate for moving between provinces, issued by the local animal health authority (not customs).
- SENASA lets your pet leave only if it meets the destination's requirements, which differ from country to country: look them up well in advance. Airlines and transport companies set their own rules too.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Costa Rica publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
SENASA export certificate for animals (tariff code C.16, per certificate)Leaving Costa Rica17,322 CRC
“CERTIFICADO EXPORTAC. ANIMALES, PRODUCTOS Y C.16 SUBPRODUCTOS NO COMESTIBLES (Resolución DG-R0014-2021) 0% 17 322,00”
Listado tarifario según Resolución SENASA DG-R-00005-2026, in force 1 April 2026 to 31 January 2027 (SENASA) · as of 2026-10-13
Government fees in total: 17,322 CRC (each currency separately)
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies antibody test at a laboratory accepted by China (above 0.5 IU/ml)Prices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for Costa Rica: microchip, rabies vaccination, vet examination, health certificate (vet’s fee).
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 Costa Rica
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Costa Rica (dogs).
The trip back asks for 9 steps: ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate, vet examination within two weeks before travel, international veterinary certificate from the official authority and internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days before travel and more.
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Costa Rica (cats).
The trip back asks for 9 steps: ISO microchip (15 digits), declared on the certificate, vet examination within two weeks before travel, international veterinary certificate from the official authority and internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days before travel and more.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Into China from
Every country, by groupWhere this comes from
Official sources
- 海关总署公告2019年第5号 (关于进一步规范携带宠物入境检疫监管工作的公告), copy on gov.cn
- How to bring a pet to Shanghai (Shanghai Municipal People's Government; sources: Shanghai Customs, Pudong Airport Customs, Huangpu Customs; updated 16 October 2025)
- Does transit affect the validity of a pet's veterinary health certificate? (Shanghai government Q&A, source: Shanghai Customs, 13 July 2026)
- How to bring pets to China (Shanghai Municipal People's Government, source: Shanghai Customs)
- Pet travel from the United States to China (USDA APHIS, last modified 11 February 2026)
- Export of cats and dogs from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China: notes for guidance 8902NFG (APHA, agreed 18 December 2025)
- Export of pets to the People's Republic of China from the United Kingdom: health certificate 8902EHC (APHA, agreed 18 December 2025)
- Si va a viajar con su mascota, recuerde verificar los requisitos de exportación (SENASA, 18 December 2025)
- Guía para el usuario sobre el desplazamiento sin ánimo comercial de animales de compañía hacia países miembros de la Unión Europea, DCA-PG-07-IN-001 v06 (SENASA, in force from 17 February 2020)
- Guía al usuario: exportación de animales y de productos y subproductos de origen animal no aptos para consumo humano (SENASA, Word file dated 18 September 2018)
- Circular SENASA-DCA-C004-2024: nuevos requisitos de los CDC para la exportación de perros a Estados Unidos (SENASA, 23 May 2024)
- Listado tarifario según Resolución SENASA DG-R-00005-2026, in force 1 April 2026 to 31 January 2027 (SENASA)
- Resolución SENASA-DCA-R0002-2025: uso de microchip para la importación, exportación o tránsito de mascotas (SENASA)
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 Costa Rica to China?
Yes: A pet from a country that is not on China's designated list needs a rabies antibody test report from a laboratory recognised by China's customs, with a titre above 0.5 IU/ml, to avoid 30 days' quarantine.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into China?
No. The official rules we have verified for this route don't ask for an import permit.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in China?
Not on the routes we have verified: the official rules list no quarantine for a pet that meets the requirements.
How early should I start preparing my pet for Costa Rica to China?
There is no official waiting period for a dog, but you still need: electronic microchip (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine) and second rabies vaccination (before the blood sample) and 3 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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