Pet Transport from Finland to China
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
If you’re relocating from Finland to China and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. China requires mandatory quarantine (30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.
The paperwork is the hard part. Once everything is in order, the journey itself is well-managed.
The Finland to China process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Responsible: China quarantine authority
China: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 15 digit). Must be implanted before vaccinations |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Must be administered at least 30 days before travel but within 12 months. |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: All dogs and cats from most countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry |
| Quarantine | Mandatory quarantine. 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days. Facility: GACC-approved quarantine facility. Quarantine is mandatory. Facility and duration depends on origin country and species. Cats from some listed countries may be 7 days. Dogs typically 30 days. |
| Import permit | Required. Import permit must be obtained before travel. Very limited entry airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou main points. Must declare on arrival customs form. |
| Health certificate | Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue. Must include microchip, vaccination records, titre test results, rabies-free status of origin region, and parasite treatment. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | {'required': False} |
| Health certificate | EU pet passport valid for EU movement. AHC for non-EU export. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Rabies titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | Import permit application fee (China) |
| 6 | Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination) |
| 7 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Key requirements for moving your pet to China
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. China runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in China (at GACC-approved quarantine facility) for 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
China has strict pet import controls. Only dogs and cats. Limited approved entry points. Mandatory quarantine applies. Allow 4-6 months lead time. Dogs limited to 1 per household in many cities.
From experience: Finland to China pet transport
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Common questions
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