Pet Transport from Morocco to China
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Pet transport from Morocco to China follows a clear process once you know what China requires.
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.
All Requirements — Morocco to China
| Requirement | Morocco rule (exit) | China rule (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 required | Required (ISO 15 digit). Must be implanted before vaccinations |
| Rabies vaccination | Current vaccination required before departure | 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 |
| Health certificate | ONSSA-endorsed 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. |
| 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. |
| Export permit | {'required': False} | — |
Preparation Timeline
Cost Estimate — Line Items
Airlines — Policy Data
| Airline | Transport type | Policy summary |
|---|---|---|
| Air China | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin on domestic China routes. International: cargo only via Air China Cargo. Strict crate size and documentation requirements. China-specific import/export permits required. Advance booking of cargo space essential. |
| Emirates | _ | Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region) |
| Lufthansa | _ | Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round |
| British Airways | _ | Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route. |
| Singapore Airlines | _ | Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons |
| Cathay Pacific | _ | Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met |
| Air France | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes |
| KLM | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo |
| Korean Air | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets in hold as checked baggage or Korean Air Cargo. Seasonal temperature restrictions apply |
Regulatory Risk Notes
- Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
- Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
- Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
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: Morocco 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.
Country Reference Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Morocco to China?
- Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
- Does my pet need to quarantine when entering China?
- Yes, quarantine is mandatory in China. Your pet will stay for 30 days for dogs, 7 days for cats from approved countriesountries) - check current rules days at GACC-approved quarantine facility on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
- Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering China?
- Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter China. Start this process as early as possible.
- Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into China?
- Yes, an import permit is required from China’s authority (the relevant government body). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
- What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
- Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Morocco. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check China’s authority for the exact format required.
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