Step-by-step timeline
D-240
Destination Rabies titer blood draw
RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn ≥180 days before entry
D-210
Destination Microchip + rabies vaccination
ISO 11784/11785 mandatory
D-180
Destination Apply for destination import permit
DAFF import permit required (AUD 85)
D-14
Departure Apply export health certificate (China)
Animal Health Certificate — Valid: Generally 14 days; 10 days for EU-bound shipments
D-7
Departure Pre-departure clinical examination
On-site quarantine 7-10 days before departure (Shanghai Customs recommendation)
DEPARTURE DAY
Departure Departure day
Bring all original documents + copies. Confirm crate meets airline requirements.
Departure — China
Authority
GACC / local customs
Certificate
Animal Health Certificate
Validity
Generally 14 days; 10 days for EU-bound shipments
Filing
Declare within 7 days of departure via Single Window or Internet+ Customs
Clinical exam
On-site quarantine 7-10 days before departure (Shanghai Customs recommendation)
Processing
3 working days review + 3 working days after on-site exam
Transit
Direct flight — no transit stop.
Destination — Australia
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 mandatory
Rabies vaccine
At least 2 valid rabies vaccinations
Titer test
RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn ≥180 days before entry
Quarantine
All incoming dogs and cats: ≥10 days approved facility quarantine (Sydney/Melbourne). Group 3 countries (incl. China) must first reside in a Group 2 country for 180 days.
Permit
DAFF import permit required (AUD 85)
Cost
Permit AUD 85 + quarantine AUD 1,090-1,280; total $3,000+
Airline constraints
China Eastern Airlines (airline layer)
Has suspended dog acceptance on US-bound flights due to CDC policy (verify before booking)
China → 
Australia