China Restricts Large Dog Ownership Under New Civil Code

In early 2025, China officially began restricting China dog ownership rules across key municipalities under the strict mandates of the national Civil Code (民法典 - Mínfǎdiǎn). This major legal update introduces aggressive breed bans against large and fierce dogs (大型犬和烈性犬 - Dàxíng quǎn hé lièxìng quǎn) while assigning severe tortious owner liabilities for damages. Previously, pet ownership and liability protocols were sporadically handled by localized authorities with minimal structural backing, but the new legal mandate sets clear national penalties to ensure public safety.

Recommended Reading

Bringing a Dog or Cat to China: The One Person, One Pet Rule

Learn the exact rules for bringing your dog or cat to China. Understand the one-pet limit, quarantine rules, local city bans, and required documents.

The New Regulations Explained

This sweeping update aims to drastically improve community safety and standardize pet ownership laws across the country. By utilizing the national Civil Code, China has created a highly rigid legal framework that holds pet owners completely accountable for their animals.

Here is exactly how the updated mandates alter the pet ownership landscape:

Latest Policy Update

China Customs Tightens Pet Import Quarantine Mandates

China Customs is enforcing a strict One Person, One Pet restriction alongside severe quarantine rules for pets originating from rabies-endemic zones.

Immediate Impact & Practical Roadmap

For expats and local residents living in major cities, owning a pet now requires strict legal compliance. To safely navigate these updated conditions, dog owners must follow these specific steps:

1. Review Local Breed Lists: Check your municipality’s specific ban list immediately. Key cities now explicitly prohibit the registration, walking, and housing of large and fierce dog breeds within urban zones.

2. Understand Civil Code Liability: Familiarize yourself with the national Civil Code rules. As an owner, you hold absolute, strict legal liability for any injuries or damages your dog causes to other people or public property.

3. Register Your Pet Legally: Ensure your dog is legally registered with the local Public Security Bureau (公安局 - Gōng’ānjú) and that you physically possess all required and updated vaccination certificates.

Operational Exceptions, Enforcement & Deadlines

While the Civil Code provides the absolute national legal framework for liability, it is critical to understand that enforcement and specific breed lists are managed at the city level.

Summary & Compliance Checklist

Before you adopt a new pet or move to a new city with your current dog, ensure you meet all the updated legal requirements:

• Confirm Breed Legality: Ensure your dog is not classified as a “large or fierce breed” under your specific city’s public safety guidelines.
• Assume Legal Responsibility: Recognize that the national Civil Code makes you strictly and financially responsible for your pet’s behavior at all times.
• Update Registrations: Keep your pet’s local registration tags and health documents fully up to date to comply with municipal police rules.
• Leash Your Pet: Always use a secure leash when walking your dog in public spaces to minimize liability risks.