Step-by-step timeline
D-120
Destination Rabies titer blood draw
Required only for unlisted third countries (incl. China): ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn 30 days after primary vaccination, 3-month waiting period after blood draw
D-90
Destination Microchip + rabies vaccination
ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before rabies vaccination
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)
D-2
Destination Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
Dogs entering Finland, Ireland (incl. Northern Ireland), Malta, Norway must receive Echinococcus multilocularis treatment 24-120 hours before entry
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 — Netherlands
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine
First vaccination at ≥12 weeks old, effective 21 days after vaccination
Titer test
Required only for unlisted third countries (incl. China): ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn 30 days after primary vaccination, 3-month waiting period after blood draw
Tapeworm treatment
Dogs entering Finland, Ireland (incl. Northern Ireland), Malta, Norway must receive Echinococcus multilocularis treatment 24-120 hours before entry
Quarantine
None (if all requirements met)
Quantity limit
Max 5 in a single vehicle; exceeding 5 requires competition/exhibition proof + animals >6 months + organizer written confirmation
Certificate
AHC (Animal Health Certificate) under Reg 2026/705 from 2026-04-22; valid 10 days for entry, then 6 months for intra-EU travel; old template still usable if issued before 2026-10-01
Airline constraints
China Eastern Airlines (airline layer)
Has suspended dog acceptance on US-bound flights due to CDC policy (verify before booking)
China → 
Netherlands