I have just traveled from Hebei province by plane to Kunming with my dog. Thought I'd give everyone a heads up on how it's done as I haven't seen much on the internet about it.

Okay, first your dog or cat will need to have a rabies vaccination and you must keep the little booklet you receive. It's basically a little passport and has a photo of your dog and date of birth, name etc. The cost for this is 120 RMB.

Next, before booking your flight you will need to check with the airline if they allow pets. I flew with China United Airlines.

Before flying you will need to prepare a crate for your dog or cat and it will need to have a bunny water bottle attached. If your dog/cat is not used to being crated you will need to spend some time getting them accustomed to it.

No more than ten days before your flight you will need to get blood, tear duct, stool and nasal samples taken at the vet. You will need to send these by EMS or take personally to the provincial capital centre of animal husbandry for testing. After two days you can collect the results or have them mailed to you. The health certificate costs 680 RMB!

No more than 5 days before your flight you need to take the vaccination booklet and the health certificate to the animal husbandry bureau in your city and get a stamped document that allows your dog/cat to travel. This costs 10 RMB

Be warned pets aren't allowed on the new G trains, you will have to take the slower T or K train to get to the airport.

Pet's are charged as extra baggage at 26 RMB per KG

Also be warned they will send your pet through the x-ray machine. You can protest, but then you ain't getting on that plane.

On arrival at your destination you will need to go to the office for large luggage to collect your pet.

NB If your pet including crate weighs less than 6 KG they can come into the cabin with you.

Good luck and happy travels!