Travelling with a pet through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes advance planning, as airline policies, animal health requirements and destination regulations can all affect your journey. Whether you are flying within China or internationally, confirm the arrangements before you arrive at the airport.
The airport has introduced dedicated facilities for passengers with pets, including a pet restroom inside the terminal and a separate pet terminal for pet check-in and animal care. However, check the current operating arrangements of each facility before your trip, especially after the airport's 2026 terminal changes.
Travelling with Pets at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
- Pet-friendly facilities: a dedicated pet restroom and pet waiting facilities.
- Pet terminal: a specialized facility that has offered pet check-in, documentation help, transport arrangements and boarding.
- Cabin travel: depends on the airline, route and booking conditions.
- Checked pet transport: eligible pets may travel in an approved container in the hold, subject to airline acceptance.
- International travel: entry and exit rules depend on the destination, the animal's origin and the required veterinary documents.
Pets Inside Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has introduced facilities to make waiting and preparing for a flight more comfortable for passengers travelling with animals.
Pet Restroom
The terminal has a dedicated pet restroom with artificial grass, a dog toilet area, a cat litter box, a wash area and a shower spray for cleaning pets. It lets animals relieve themselves before boarding, and the airport reports that cleaning staff sanitize it after use.
Follow the terminal signs or ask airport staff for its current location.
Pet Waiting Facilities
The airport also provides a dedicated pet waiting lounge to make the wait more comfortable for passengers travelling with animals.
Keep your pet secured in a suitable carrier or on a lead where permitted, follow airport instructions, and do not assume all terminal areas, restaurants or waiting zones allow pets.
The Dedicated Pet Terminal
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport opened a specialized pet terminal in May 2025, designed as a one-stop location for pet check-in, transport arrangements, documentation assistance and pet boarding. Reported facilities include separate cat rooms, individual dog rooms, smart kennels, pet-friendly waiting areas and care services.
The pet terminal was originally located opposite Gate 29 of Terminal 1, near the P3 parking area. Terminal 1 ceased passenger operations in May 2026, and its parking areas were affected by the changes.
Important: The original location and previously reported services do not confirm that the pet terminal is still accessible at the same place today. Contact the airport before visiting to confirm its current location, opening hours, eligibility rules and services.
How Can Your Pet Fly from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport?
Your airline decides whether your pet travels in the cabin, in the aircraft hold or as cargo. The options depend on the route, aircraft, animal, carrier dimensions and applicable regulations.
In the Cabin
Some airlines allow eligible small dogs and cats in the cabin in an approved carrier, usually staying inside it for the whole flight. Before booking, confirm:
- whether pets are accepted in the cabin on your flight;
- the permitted species and breeds;
- the maximum combined weight and carrier size;
- whether the pet must stay under the seat;
- whether advance approval and a pet reservation are needed.
Cabin space is limited on some flights, so reserve as early as possible.
In the Aircraft Hold
Some airlines accept eligible pets in an approved container in the hold. Requirements can include a suitable hard-sided container, secure ventilation, the right dimensions and compliance with animal welfare and temperature rules.
Not every route or aircraft accepts pets in the hold, and short-nosed dogs and cats may face extra restrictions because of breathing risks. Confirm acceptance before buying your ticket or preparing the container.
As Cargo
A separate cargo arrangement may be needed for animals that cannot travel under passenger-pet rules, such as certain large animals or pets travelling separately from their owner.
Cargo involves different booking steps, documents, acceptance deadlines and collection arrangements. Confirm the requirements with the cargo service and destination authorities well in advance.
Airline Pet Policies at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Pet policies vary between airlines and can change by route, aircraft and destination. Before booking, ask your airline to confirm the following:
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cabin eligibility | Not every flight accepts pets in the cabin. |
| Hold transportation | Availability depends on the aircraft, route and animal. |
| Carrier requirements | Size, construction, ventilation and security rules may apply. |
| Breed restrictions | Some breeds may be restricted from certain transport options. |
| Pet reservation | Advance approval may be required even when passenger seats are available. |
| Health documents | The airline may require specific certificates and vaccination records. |
| International requirements | The destination may require permits, tests, treatments or quarantine. |
Do not assume an airline accepts pets on every flight just because it offers pet travel on other routes. Get confirmation for your exact itinerary.
Travelling Domestically with a Pet from Guangzhou
Domestic flights within China may follow different procedures from international journeys. Your airline's policy decides whether your pet travels in the cabin or must be checked into the hold.
The pet terminal was reported to support domestic pet travel with specialized check-in and pet-care services, but its published information predates the closure of Terminal 1, so confirm current availability directly.
Documents for Domestic Pet Travel
- the relevant animal health or quarantine certificate;
- vaccination records;
- owner identification and flight details;
- an approved travel container, where required;
- advance confirmation of your pet's booking.
Check the certificate requirements for your specific route rather than relying on a general checklist: a vaccination record alone may not replace a required animal quarantine certificate.
International Pet Travel from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
International travel needs extra preparation, because China's rules for exporting an animal can differ from your destination's import rules. Some countries require a microchip, rabies vaccination, a veterinary health certificate, an import permit or a rabies antibody test; others add treatments, advance notifications or quarantine. Depending on your destination, prepare:
Microchip identification
Where required, the chip must meet the destination's technical standards and be linked to the animal's documents.
Vaccination records
Including rabies vaccination details and any other required vaccines.
Veterinary health certificate
Issued or endorsed by an authorized veterinary authority, if the destination requires it.
Rabies antibody test
Some destinations require a laboratory test and a waiting period after sampling.
Import permit
Certain countries require permission before the animal can enter.
Quarantine arrangements
The destination may require quarantine or advance inspection.
These requirements are destination-specific. Confirm the full process with the destination's official veterinary authority and the relevant Chinese customs or animal quarantine authority before travelling.
Leaving China with a Pet
For an animal departing Guangzhou, contact the relevant Chinese customs or animal quarantine authority to find out which export inspection and certification procedures apply to your destination.
Do not assume an ordinary veterinary health certificate satisfies every country. Some require an official export certificate, a specific form, a set examination period or endorsements in a particular order. Start early, especially if laboratory testing or an import permit is needed.
Bringing a Pet into China Through Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Passengers arriving in China with a pet must comply with China's animal import rules and any additional requirements that apply to them.
China's published rules generally limit passengers to one pet dog or cat per person under the passenger-pet procedure. You need a valid quarantine certificate and vaccination certificate issued by the official authorities of the exporting country or region, plus a microchip or other permitted identification. The exact requirements depend on the animal, its country of origin and the customs rules, and extra conditions may apply to rabies testing, quarantine and quarantine exemption.
Before Arriving in Guangzhou
- Confirm that your pet qualifies for entry under the applicable Chinese rules.
- Check the required veterinary and vaccination certificates.
- Verify identification and microchip requirements.
- Find out whether a rabies antibody test or other documents are required.
- Confirm the quarantine or inspection procedure with Chinese customs.
- Check your airline's rules for transporting the animal.
Note: If the required documents or conditions are not met, your pet may face further inspection, quarantine, return or other measures. Do not rely only on airline advice to decide whether your pet can legally enter China.
Pet Travel Tips for Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Travelling with an animal can take longer than a standard check-in. Preparing your documents and confirming airport arrangements in advance helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Book your pet's transport early
Confirm an approved pet reservation with the airline; pet capacity can be limited and depends on the flight and aircraft.
Check your terminal
Baiyun Airport changed its terminal operations in 2026, so use the terminal in your current flight information, not older instructions.
Confirm the pet terminal's location
The pet terminal was originally opposite Terminal 1's Gate 29. Since T1 has ceased passenger operations, check whether it is still accessible and operating.
Prepare the travel container
Make sure the carrier or kennel meets airline rules and gives your pet enough ventilation and room to stand, turn and lie down naturally.
Allow extra time
Pet check-in and document checks can take longer; follow your airline's arrival instructions and complete any veterinary or quarantine steps beforehand.
Keep your pet comfortable
Bring the supplies your vet and airline recommend, avoid unapproved changes to food, water or medication, and see a vet if your pet is unwell or anxious.
