Bringing your pets into ChinaBefore going to ChinaTo bring your pet into China you will need two certificates;
1. The Vaccination Certificate |
2. The Health Certificate
A veterinarian in your home country should issue this certificate. There is no standard form for China so your veterinarian should use the international certificate. This certificate should be issued no more than 30 days prior to your departure. Obtain multiple copies as you will also need copies for your airline.
Arriving in China
When you arrive in Shanghai you will have to declare your pet at the Customs Department.
Take your pet, fee and certificates to the Customs & Immigration Plant and Quarantine office at the airport – it's located before the Customs exit. You will be charged RMB150, the certificates will be examined and customs will give you a stamped document allowing you to bring your pet in. Note that there is a mandatory 30 days quarantine period. You can usually keep your pet with you at home for this period however. Quarantine officers will come and inspect your pet during the 30 day period, and charge a small nominal fee.
The regulations are as follows
Dogs
All Dogs, whether bought locally or imported from outside China through a full quarantine, are required by law to be licensed. Any foreign national, irrespective of whether holding a residents' permit or not, cannot register the dog themselves, it must be registered using the ID Card of a Local Chinese.
Application forms (which are in Chinese) must be completed and accompanied by three photographs: one of the dog's face, one side view of the dog and one passport-sized photograph of the owner.
Dog licence prices vary depending on where you live - the city is divided into two area's - inner ringroad, and outer ringroad. People living in the inner ringroad pay more and people in the outer ringroad pay half that.
Cats
Shanghai is one of the few entry points into China for cats. Cats must be vaccinated against Enteritis (E3) within 12 months of arrival into China . You will need a certificate for Feline Panleucopania, and Feline Respatory Disease Complex Vaccinations.
General tips
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You will need to check with your local vet / government dept about getting most of the documentation mentioned above.
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It could be of big help to have a (simplified) Chinese translation made of these documents when you arrive. The Chinese embassy in your country may be able to help, or provide details of a translator in your area. Make sure that the translations are certified copies.
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Check with your local authorities what are the procedures of bringing back your pet to your home country. For some countries bringing out your pet is easier than bringing back your pet.
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Check with your airline if they allow you to bring your pet.
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Always check with the nearest Chinese embassy for the latest updates for the rules and regulations for bringing your pet to China.
