Q: We are seeking guidance regarding a trained service dog for epilepsy and seizure support that will transit through Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Our flight departs from Barcelona, Spain, on July 3, and we transit through Pudong Airport on July 4 before continuing to Chiang Mai, Thailand. China Eastern Airlines has informed us that all supporting documents must be submitted for review and approval.

China Eastern has advised us that because the second flight departs from China, they require one of the following documents from China Customs:

• A service dog transit quarantine exemption certificate; or
• A written statement stamped by China Customs confirming that the service dog may transit without quarantine; or
• An official notice issued by China Customs confirming that the transit animal/service dog is exempt from quarantine.

Could you confirm whether this trained service dog may transit through Shanghai Pudong and board the onward flight without a 30-day isolation period or a China-issued animal quarantine certificate, subject to any required Customs inspection at the airport?

A: Please note that Shanghai Customs oversees pets carried by passengers transiting from one international flight to another. Under normal circumstances, if the required certificates are submitted and no abnormalities are found during the on-site clinical inspection, the animal will be exempt from quarantine. However, if any abnormalities are detected, Customs will take corresponding quarantine measures.

Source: Shanghai Customs