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Pawhopper

Pet travel route

Dog or cat from Israel 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 10 official pages

In short

Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Israel publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Israel's Veterinary Services explain the export procedure on a gov.il service page whose details (by destination: the US; Canada, the EU and some other countries; all other countries) only load in a browser, and gov.il blocks automated readers, so we could read only its outline from a stored copy (June 2025). We know that the international health certificate must be signed by the Veterinary Services before your pet leaves, and that your private vet applies online through the 'Ye'ela' system. We don't know how long before departure to apply, where to collect the signature, or the fee. Ask your vet or the Veterinary Services' import-export unit (03-9688986) before you plan the dates.

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

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

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

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

Which rules apply to you

China puts Israel 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

Prefer a feed reader? Israel rule changes · China rule changes

Israel → China

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether Israel (leaving) or China (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

Taking a dog or cat out of Israel: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. IdentificationEntering 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.

      Details and the official words

      “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.”

    2. 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.”

    3. 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.”

    4. 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.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. 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.”

    2. PaperworkIsrael 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.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      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.

      Health certificate signed by Israel's Veterinary Services: Before your pet leaves Israel, its international health certificate must be signed by Israel's Veterinary Services. Your private vet fills in and signs the certificate your destination asks for and submits it online in the Veterinary Services' 'Ye'ela' system; a government veterinarian then signs it. Its dates follow the destination's rules for the certificate.

      The service page's details by destination and the list of offices that sign pet export certificates didn't load from the stored copy. Ask your vet how far ahead to submit the request and where the certificate is signed.

      “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”

      “שירות זה מספק מידע לאזרחים ולווטרינרים על הנפקת תעודות בריאות בינלאומיות שיש להחתים לפני שמוציאים חיות מחמד לחו"ל.”

      “הגשת בקשה מקוונת לווטרינרים במערכת "יעלה" - יצוא חיות מחמד”

      “יום החתימה הקובע הוא יום החתימה על ידי הרופא הווטרינר הפרטי”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. 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

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).
  • Until further notice, the Veterinary Services offer no pet-export service at Ashdod port: signed health certificates can't be sent to or collected at Ashdod through the Ye'ela system, and certificates aren't signed by hand there.
  • If your destination needs a rabies blood test, an Israeli vet takes the sample, fills in the Veterinary Institute's online form (with the exact sampling date and the microchip number), pays in the ministry's online shop and delivers the printed form and the sample to the Veterinary Institute's reception. The result is emailed to the vet and to you; the cost depends on the number of tests.
  • Planning to come back to Israel soon? If no more than 30 days have passed since your private vet signed the export health certificate, Israel accepts that certificate, signed by an Israeli government vet, for the return trip instead of a certificate from the country you're coming from (for a dog, also bring its valid dog licence).

Cats

Taking a dog or cat out of Israel: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. IdentificationEntering 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.

      Details and the official words

      “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.”

    2. 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.”

    3. 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.”

    4. 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.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. 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.”

    2. PaperworkIsrael 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.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      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.

      Health certificate signed by Israel's Veterinary Services: Before your pet leaves Israel, its international health certificate must be signed by Israel's Veterinary Services. Your private vet fills in and signs the certificate your destination asks for and submits it online in the Veterinary Services' 'Ye'ela' system; a government veterinarian then signs it. Its dates follow the destination's rules for the certificate.

      The service page's details by destination and the list of offices that sign pet export certificates didn't load from the stored copy. Ask your vet how far ahead to submit the request and where the certificate is signed.

      “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”

      “שירות זה מספק מידע לאזרחים ולווטרינרים על הנפקת תעודות בריאות בינלאומיות שיש להחתים לפני שמוציאים חיות מחמד לחו"ל.”

      “הגשת בקשה מקוונת לווטרינרים במערכת "יעלה" - יצוא חיות מחמד”

      “יום החתימה הקובע הוא יום החתימה על ידי הרופא הווטרינר הפרטי”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. 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

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).
  • Until further notice, the Veterinary Services offer no pet-export service at Ashdod port: signed health certificates can't be sent to or collected at Ashdod through the Ye'ela system, and certificates aren't signed by hand there.
  • If your destination needs a rabies blood test, an Israeli vet takes the sample, fills in the Veterinary Institute's online form (with the exact sampling date and the microchip number), pays in the ministry's online shop and delivers the printed form and the sample to the Veterinary Institute's reception. The result is emailed to the vet and to you; the cost depends on the number of tests.
  • Planning to come back to Israel soon? If no more than 30 days have passed since your private vet signed the export health certificate, Israel accepts that certificate, signed by an Israeli government vet, for the return trip instead of a certificate from the country you're coming from (for a dog, also bring its valid dog licence).

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Israel publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

No government fee is published on the official pages we use for this trip. That doesn’t always mean it’s free: ask the authority.

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

No published prices yet for Israel: 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 Israel

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Israel (dogs).

The trip back asks for 11 steps: arrive at Ben Gurion Airport or the ports of Haifa, Ashdod or Eilat, at least 4 months old on arrival (3 months from rabies-free countries), ISO microchip (134.2 kHz), before the rabies vaccination and rabies vaccination from 3 months old, at least 30 days before arrival and more.

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Israel (cats).

The trip back asks for 11 steps: arrive at Ben Gurion Airport or the ports of Haifa, Ashdod or Eilat, at least 4 months old on arrival (3 months from rabies-free countries), ISO microchip (134.2 kHz), before the rabies vaccination and rabies vaccination from 3 months old, at least 30 days before arrival and more.

Every step from China to Israel

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

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 Israel 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?

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.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in China?

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 Israel 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

Read next

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