Living with Pets :
importing and keeping pets in Shanghai

 

 

Introduction


dogs in ShanghaiIf you plan to import your pet we advise you to research China's laws on animals thoroughly. Pets generally have a different status in China than in your home country.

It's a law you have to keep your pet on a leash and large dogs are recommended to be muzzled in public areas in case local Chinese people feel intimidated and report a potentially vicious dog to the police. 

You must license your dog upon arrival, or purchase, or adoption. Police are stepping up their vigilance in seizing unlicensed dogs in public. Carry your license with you at all times as proof.


Photo:enterAsia Art

When at all possible, do not have your maid walk the dog as they are more likely to be targeted by police and by an increasing number of dog thieves who steal dogs when being walked for the fur and food trade. Cats should be kept indoors at all times as there is an increasing amount of poisoning and again, stealing for the fur and food trade.


Visit the websites below and/or contact expatriates with pets in Shanghai in the forums with your questions. The dog in the picture is walked by the ayii without a muzzle before the law was changed.




Pet Immigration


It is possible bringing a beloved pet into China. However, without fluent, spoken Chinese or a competent pet relocation service it could be a nightmare, especially after a long flight from Europe or America.


Furthermore the pet has to stay in quarantine for seven days. The animal will be transported to the quarantine station from Pudong Airport (international flight) and you will not be allowed to go with your pets to settle them in. You will also not be permitted to view the station.

Instead you are shown photos of this new buidling. During the 7 days in the quarantine station you are not permitted to visit your pet. The first week will cost RMB 2,000, any additional day RMB 100 per day/per animal. If the animal is deemed to be healthy (according to Chinese standards) the pet can be taken home by its owner for the remaining three weeks of quarantine.

Check early with your pet mover that the quarantine station is available for your pet on the expected arrival date as the indoor facility can house 50 dogs and cats only.

View an article written by PAW's medical advisor, PAW veterinarian James Holder on the new quarantine system in Shanghai.


The following information is kindly provided by the moving company
AGS Four Winds.

There are two ways to import your pet:

Option A:
Carried as excess baggage (One passport one pet only)

A health certificate and Rabies vaccination certificate must be issued by the government veterinarian with the government stamp . Rabies vaccination must be given not less than 30 days and no more than 1 year prior to entry. Health certificate must be dated less than 14 days

The above two certificates along with the owner’s address and phone number in Shanghai should be faxed or emailed to your pet relocation service in advance. Originals carried by passenger

Since Feb 13, 2006, there is quarantine for 7 days at the quarantine station and the pet can be released home if all the tests showing negative result. The pet will have a home quarantine for the rest of 23 days which totals 30 days.

Option B:
Shipped as air cargo (one passport one pet only):


A health certificate and Rabies vaccination certificate for each pet should be issued by the official government veterinarian with the government stamp. Rabies vaccination must be given not less than 30 days and no more than 1 year prior to entry. Health certificate must be dated less than 14 days


Consignee must bear a passport with a valid Chinese visa and an entry record within the proceeding 2 weeks from the country that the pets are coming from.

The name on passport must match the name on the health certificate and name of Consignee. Consignee’s original passport and original Baggage Declaration form must be tendered for custom clearance use.


Fax or email in advance all the certificates, the Air Waybill, the address and phone number in China, to our office before the pets arrive.

Confirm with arrival date and flight.

Since Feb 13, 2006, there is quarantine for 7 days at the quarantine station and the pet can be released home if all the tests showing negative result. The pet will have a home quarantine for the rest of 23 days of the totals 30 days.


See also e-relocation Shanghai Step 3 Pet Matters


 

 

Documents Required

All documents should be issued 30 days or less before departure.

Vaccination Certificate
Health Certificate (issued by your vet, there is no standard Chinese form)
Cats: Certificate for Feline Panleucopania, Feline Respitory Disease Complex Vaccine


Forms

No standard forms in China, use international ones




Visa & Quarantine


Visa and Quarantine Requirements

Since Feb 13, 2006, there is quarantine for 7 days at the quarantine station and the pet can be released home if all the tests showing negative result. The pet will have a home quarantine for the rest of 23 days of the totals 30 days. During the 7 days in the station you are not permitted to visit your pet. View report by SCAA in their February 2006 newsletter.

Quarantine Duration

30 days




Pet Insurance



view this website for advice




Pet Licenses & Law



It's a law you have to keep your pet on a leash and large dogs are recommended to be muzzled in public areas in case local Chinese people feel intimidated and report a potentially vicious dog to the police. 

You must license your dog upon arrival, or purchase, or adoption. Police are stepping up their vigilance in sezing unlicensed dogs in public. Carry your license with you at all times as proof.

When at all possible, do not have your maid walk the dog as they are more likely to be targeted by police and by an increasing number of dog thieves who steal dogs when being walked for the fur and food trade. Cats should be kept indoors at all times as there is an increasing amount of poisoning and again, stealing for the fur and food trade.





Adopt a Pet


adopt pet in ShanghaiThe organization " Second Chance Animal Aid Shanghai" (SCAA) is run by volunteers, who take in abandoned animals and nurture them until they find adoptive homes. You can join as a volunteer, donate money or adopt any of their pets. Visit their Website for further info.

Please note, that SCAA does not take in a pet you have picked up from the road. This pet becomes your responsibility the moment you pick it up from the street.

Photo:SCAA

 

 

JAR JAR

A group of expat and Chinese individuals have dedicated a part of their lives to rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned animals off the streets of Shanghai. The group is named in honor and loving memory of 9 week old "Jaiya Kristina", who passed away from SIDS on February 14, 2009.

At JAR we believe that every animal deserves a safe, secure and loving home. Please click further information of our Adoption Process:



 

Why Adopt a Pet Rather Than Buy in Shanghai

by Carol A. Wolfson, founder of the SCAA - You can order Carol's book at www.carolwolfson.com

Many breeders/pet stores get their animals from cruel puppy/kitty farms where the animals are torn away from their mother before they are fully weaned. Just as in the pet markets, the majority of animals in pet stores here are weak and sick, although they might be fattened up or pumped with antibiotics to give the impression of being healthy.

Order the bookMost stores/markets don’t have any return policy and once you walk out of the market you are on your own. And what about support if you have any questions or problems with your new pet? You might arrive home and three weeks later, you have a near-dead animal in your possession. And don’t think the store will take it back either.

At SCAA, we have heard many horrific stories about purchases that have ended tragically. Just because there is a storefront, it doesn’t mean that pet stores are much better than the pet markets.

Call SCAA, adopt and save a life. Our canines and felines are in as much need of love as those big eyes staring at you at the markets.

Since its inception in March 2005, SCAA has adopted out nearly 150 animals, with ALL receiving medical care from PAW Veterinarian Clinic and warnings issued to loving adopting parents if the animal has medical problems. To date, NOT ONE animal has been returned (except due to allergies!) for medical reasons and our absolute policy is that if for any reason an adoption does not work out, we will welcome back our beloved wards immediately. Our animals’ welfare is our only concern and our members know this.

You’re getting more for your money if you get a mixed breed. Based on the well-established principle of “hybrid vigor,” a mixed-breed animal is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Many purebred dogs are prone to developing health problems ranging from breathing difficulties to hip dysplasia to an enlarged heart.

You get just as much love (if not more). An adopted pet is every bit as loving, intelligent and loyal as a purchased pet, even if you get an adult or older animal.


Pet Recovery


If your pet gets lost in Shanghai you have to act fast. Police may take it in on a neighbor's complaint to a local government facility where it will be euthanized within 48 hours. Contact the local police at once. Other ideas on how to find your pet are detailed in article by SCAA. See website below:

 





Pet Grooming

In all developing countries, pets soon become a must-have luxury item. And, Shanghai is no different. A number of services catering for animals' needs have sprung up almost overnight.

You will find a choice of grooming and accessories stores all over the city. Check with fellow pet owners for their recommendations.






Veterinary Clinics


Vet Clinic in Shanghai
There is no pet ambulance service in Shanghai, and vets don't have their own transportation.

In dire emergencies they may come to you, but you should be prepared to arrange for your own transport.


After quarantine care can also be arranged at some clinics, please call to verify.

Photo:enterAsia Art

 

Wesuggest you visit the" Second Chance Animal Aid Shanghai" (SCAA) website and view their latest list of recommended vets. This is the safest way to find qualitiy treatment for your pet in Shanghai.

 



Pet Burial and Cremation


Pet cremation is handled by vets and pet clinics.



Useful Addresses



Pet Supply

 


see also vet clinics and kennels

Pet Food in China

Pet food is available in all western supermarkets. Most popular US and European brands can be found.

If your animal has special dietary needs, you should contact a Shanghai vet before arrival to find out if they stock the food, or if they can order it for you.

As tap water is not drinkable in Shanghai, you might also prefer to give your pet bottled water. Make sure your ayi is aware of this too.

See also e-relocation Shanghai Step 6 Settling in.