Let's talk about pet moves!

Shipping a pet internationally can feel overwhelming, especially when regulations change. At Air Animal Pet Movers, we've helped relocate pets worldwide for almost 50 years, and we closely monitor changes like China's updated pet import rules to help families avoid delays, unexpected quarantine, or denied entry.

China has recently revised how it classifies its ports of entry for pets, and understanding these changes is critical for a smooth arrival.

"International pet travel is never 'plug and play,'" says Dr. Walter Woolf, DVM, founder of Air Animal Pet Movers. "Small paperwork details, like listing the correct port of entry can have very big consequences if they're misunderstood."

What Does "Designated Port" Mean on the China Health Certificate?

One of the most confusing updates involves the "Designated Port" listed on your pet's China health certificate.

Important: This field refers to where your pet arrives in China, not the U.S. airport they depart from.

China now divides all entry points into two categories:

• Designated Ports
• Non-designated Ports

Designated Ports are specific locations approved to process pet arrivals and, when necessary, conduct quarantine.

Some commonly used Designated Ports of Entry for pets include:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) - Capital Airport Customs
• Beijing West Railway Station - Beijing West Railway Station Customs
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) - Hongqiao Airport Customs
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - Pudong Airport Customs
• Shanghai Railway Station - Railway Station Customs
• Shanghai International Passenger Transport Center - Pujiang Customs
• Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal - Baoshan Customs
• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) - Urumqi Airport Customs
• Alashankou (ALA) - Alashankou Customs
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) - Guangzhou Customs

All other entry points in China are considered Non-designated Ports.

Because of this classification, the "Designated Port" listed on your paperwork must always match your pet's actual arrival location in China.

"China is very precise about how forms are completed," explains Dr. Woolf. "If the port information doesn't align with how China classifies that entry point, it can trigger delays, quarantine, or refusal."

Why Designated vs. Non-designated Ports Matter

The distinction comes down to quarantine facility availability.

If Your Pet Arrives at a Designated Port:

• Approved pet quarantine facilities are available.
• Pets may enter without a rabies antibody (titer) test.
• Pets without a titer test will be placed in mandatory quarantine, typically around 30 days.

If Your Pet Arrives at a Non-designated Port:

• No quarantine facilities are available.
• Pets must have a valid rabies antibody titer test completed before travel.
• Pets arriving without a titer test will be denied entry and returned to origin.
• If your pet already has a valid rabies antibody titer test prior to departure, then the difference between designated and non-designated ports generally does not affect entry.

"Our goal is always to avoid surprises on arrival," says Dr. Woolf. "That's why we help families choose the right routing, the right testing strategy, and the right port—before the pet ever boards a flight."

How Air Animal Helps

At Air Animal Pet Movers, our team manages every detail—from veterinary coordination to airline booking and government paperwork—so your pet's move to China is safe, compliant, and stress-free.

"We've moved more than 150,000 pets worldwide," Dr. Woolf adds. "Experience matters, especially when regulations change. Planning correctly from the start can mean the difference between a smooth arrival and weeks of unnecessary quarantine."

If you're planning to relocate your pet to China, working with an experienced, USDA-accredited pet relocation company can help ensure everything is done right the first time.