Step-by-step timeline
D-120
Destination Rabies titer blood draw
Unlisted countries (incl. China): blood drawn 30 days after vaccination, ≥0.5 IU/ml, 3-month wait after blood draw
D-90
Destination Microchip + rabies vaccination
ISO 11784/11785, chip before rabies vaccine
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 must receive tapeworm 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 — United Kingdom
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785, chip before rabies vaccine
Rabies vaccine
≥21 days after vaccination, pet ≥12 weeks old
Titer test
Unlisted countries (incl. China): blood drawn 30 days after vaccination, ≥0.5 IU/ml, 3-month wait after blood draw
Tapeworm treatment
Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry
Quarantine
None (if compliant)
Quantity limit
Max 5 per person
Certificate
GB-issued EU pet passport invalid since 2021 Brexit; must use single-entry AHC. New AHC template under Reg 2026/705 from 2026-04-22, old template usable until 2026-09-30
Cost
£200-£500 (AHC ~£100 per application)
Airline constraints
China Eastern Airlines (airline layer)
Has suspended dog acceptance on US-bound flights due to CDC policy (verify before booking)
China → 
United Kingdom