Pet transport, import, and export

If we hadn't realized before 2020 just how unpredictable our plans either to stay put in one place or to move and explore another are, then SCAA hopes by now all pet owners and prospective adopters pay attention to pet transport.
We also hope the following pages with resources on domestic PRC moves, Shanghai export regulations, and various foreign jurisdictions' import rules are helpful.

Moving your pet, especially internationally, can seem daunting and advice online a bit inconsistent.
Pre-departure preparations, destination requirements, airline policies, and possible quarantine all affect the time & budget needed for your pet's journey.
​In case it helps, we'd like you to know that owners are often more stressed about a pet move than their pet ever will be.

SCAA adopted animals have relocated with their families to over 25 different countries. There's an SCAA rescue now living on every continent expect Antarctica! Regulations and policies are always changing, but we'll do our best to point pet owners in the right direction.
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With few exceptions requiring the use of a professional pet transport agent, export & import steps can usually be done by owners. However, if your budget allows, then hiring a qualified agent (we recommend IPATA Members) is highly convenient.

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Key transport terms

Before reading through to specific import or export pages, it's worth noting industry-specific terms that can greatly affect the costs of pet moves.

EXPORT requirements are all the steps (i.e. veterinary & administrative procedures), timing (i.e. deadlines & waiting periods), and costs imposed by the country pets depart from.
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IMPORT requirements are all the steps (i.e. veterinary & administrative procedures), timing (i.e. deadlines & waiting periods), and costs imposed by the country pets arrive in. 
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Pets must meet both the export & import requirements, regardless of whether these match.  For example, Shanghai Customs requires ALL CATS & DOGS have a microchip to depart. But Canada does not require cats have a microchip on import. Therefore, all cats leaving Shanghai (with Shanghai Customs export paper) for Canada must have a microchip.

THREE TYPES OF AIR TRANSPORT FOR PETS
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IN THE AIRLINE CABIN

Small pets  (size & weight limits) may fly in a soft-sided bag under the seat in front of you for a reasonable fee.
Carrier bag dimensions differ based on airline and aircraft. If cabin pets are allowed, there is a limited number of cabin pet spots per flight. Generally, cabin pets are limited to one per passenger. 

AS EXCESS BAGGAGE IN THE HOLD

Not to be confused with 'cargo', pets who fly as excess baggage have their booking attached to a passenger ticket. 
On check-in, passenger pays a reasonable fee and the pet is placed in the hold as baggage. Pets fly in airline-approved hard crate that meet rules set for their safety & comfort. 

AS CARGO (FREIGHT) IN THE HOLD

Pets flying cargo are commercial freight. Cargo pets usually fly unaccompanied, but may fly with owner as freight when import country rules require.
Cargo is very expensive! Pets as cargo cost thousands of dollars / EUROS and need a pet transport agent for Customs clearance.

Visit SCAA's additional export-import pages for more information:

Domestic China Pet Moves

Shanghai & China Pet Import

Shanghai & China Pet Export