Especially in cities, China’s pet culture is growing. While there are not many places where dogs can run without leashes, parks and playgrounds for people are not very large or abundant, let alone dog-only spaces. But more and more people are raising pets and you see many people walking their dogs at night. (I’ll keep my opinion on how well they recover after their beloved animals for me.)
However, unless you are staying for a long period of time, which means an extended business trip or moving to China, there are things you need to understand about the process of taking your pet with you when you come.
Arriving in China with your pet
Assuming you are arriving in China by air, you will need to go to the arrivals area of the airport and pick up your pet at the special counter for oversized and specialty luggage. Once you have collected all your bags, you will need to follow the directions to the customs counter, where you will need to complete the documentation to declare your animal to customs officials. You should already have the documentation ready for the arrival of your animal to the People’s Republic of China.
Arrival documentation
In addition to the normal PRC entry visa in the pet owner’s passport, the owner is required to have two documents ready for the pet:
- Animal health certificate
- Vaccination certificate
You should ask your veterinarian to complete the appropriate documentation within thirty days of your departure to China. There are agencies that can help you get the forms you need. Try Pettravelstore.com to read more about obtaining these documents for your pet.
Quarantine period for pets arriving in China
The mandatory quarantine period in the People’s Republic of China is seven to thirty days. The time period depends on the country from which the pet arrives. At this time, if the pet arrives from the United States, the quarantine time is thirty days.
The pet will be kept in a quarantine station during this time period. If the pet passes inspection and is eligible for 7-day quarantine, the pet can be taken home, but must spend the remainder of the thirty-day period in home quarantine.
Owners should note that during the pet’s time in the quarantine station, the owner will not be able to visit or see the pet. Homeowners will also have to pay neighborhood quarantine fees of several hundred dollars to cover food and expenses.
Policy changes
If you are moving to China and are considering bringing your pet, then you should check with your relocation company to make sure you understand all the latest regulations regarding bringing a pet to China. The rules may change without notice.
