Every year, thousands of pets are abandoned worldwide when their owners decide to relocate. The problem tends to be magnified in areas with large expat populations, such as Beijing. However, many people don’t realize that exporting pets from China is actually a relatively simple process; the tricky part is figuring out the prerequisites for entering your destination country. Depending on the level of difficulty, you should start preparing for your pet’s relocation at least six months in advance. For the latest entry requirements, consult your destination country’s embassy, department of agriculture, or quarantine bureau. The following information is intended as a guide; rules and regulations are subject to change on short notice, so do your homework.
Exit Requirements from Beijing
Step 1: Rabies Vaccination and Official Vaccination Certificate
All pets exiting from China must be vaccinated against rabies at an animal hospital registered with the Agricultural Bureau. The shot must then be documented in the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (little red book). These two steps must be completed at least 30 days – but no more than 12 months – before departure.
Step 2: Health Examination and Certificate
All pets must undergo a health checkup no more than seven days before the departure date at Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital, the official animal hospital of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Once the health exam is complete, you should receive the Beijing International Companion Animal Health Inspection Certificate within two business days. Note that the health certificate is valid for only seven days after the issue date; if you don’t exchange it for an exit permit all over again within the allotted time, your pet will have to repeat the health exam.
ICVS recommends going to Guanshang early in the morning. Appointments are not accepted, so it can get quite busy later in the day. If you’re not comfortable in Mandarin, bring a Chinese-speaking friend to facilitate the process. Be sure to bring your pet, the red vaccination booklet, your passport (one passport per pet), and at least RMB 800 – you’ll be charged for the checkup and any additional health tests.
Step 3: Animal Health Certificate for Exit
The certificate must be exchanged for an Animal Health Certificate for Exit (or exit permit) to export your pet. This can be done at a separate office located on the second floor of Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital. You’ll need the red vaccination booklet, the health certificate, and your passport, and around RMB 100 for the exit permit fee – no need to bring your pet for this part. The exit permit is usually processed within two business days and is valid for 14 days after the issue date.
Entry Requirements for Destination Countries
Even before completing the three-step exit process for China, you’ll need to figure out specific entry regulations for your destination country. Depending on where you’re going, the entry process can range from very simple to painfully difficult. Either way, you’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time before the departure date – at least six months, and more if you’re moving to a country with strict regulations like Australia or New Zealand. Here are entry requirements for selected destination countries.
Canada and US (excluding Hawaii)
Difficulty: Easy
Rabies vaccination required at least 30 days, but no more than 12 months before entry.
No microchipping, RNATT, or quarantine required if all other conditions are met.
Regulations for pets being imported to Hawaii are different from continental US. For the most up-to-date Hawaiian regulations, visit the US Department of Agriculture or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
Malaysia
Difficulty: Easy
Microchipping not required.
Rabies vaccination required.
No RNATT required.
Mandatory seven-day quarantine period for all incoming pets.
European Union Countries and Japan
Difficulty: Moderate
Rabies vaccination and RNATT required at least three to six months before the animal’s arrival.
Tattoo and/or microchip with EU ISO 11784/11785 standard required, depending on the destination country.
No quarantine is required if the above conditions are met.
The UK now follows standard EU entry requirements. In other words, no quarantine is required if the pets meet all other requirements.
Japan requires two rabies vaccinations within six months of the pet’s arrival date.
Hong Kong
Difficulty: Moderate
Microchipping required.
Rabies vaccination required.
No RNATT required.
Mandatory four-month quarantine period for all pets arriving from mainland China.
Singapore
Difficulty: Hard
Microchipping required.
Rabies and other vaccinations required.
RNATT required. A second rabies vaccination is required after drawing blood for the RNATT.
Mandatory 30-day quarantine period for all pets arriving from mainland China.
Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan
Difficulty: Hard
Microchipping required.
Rabies and other vaccinations required.
RNATT required.
No direct importing of animals from mainland China; animals must stay in another “rabies-free” approved country for at least six months before entering Australia, New Zealand, or Taiwan.
Mandatory 30-day quarantine period upon arrival in Australia, New Zealand, or Taiwan.
Microchipping
As of November 2011, Beijing Guangshang Animal Hospital requires that all animals be microchipped by the time they receive their exit health check. The microchip must conform to the European Union ISO 11785/11785 standard or other ISO-compliant standard. This is not a national, municipal, or Entry/Exit Quarantine and Inspection Bureau requirement, only a requirement of Beijing Guangshang Animal
Hospital. This new rule is intended to allow accurate identification of pets during the exit health exam.
In Beijing, ISO-compliant and EU-approved microchips are sold by Globy Pet Relocation. However, insertion is a surgical procedure that must be overseen by a certified veterinarian. ICVS is equipped to both insert and scan microchips. In addition, the animal hospital can scan microchipped pets for free to ensure that the chip is in good working order.
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccinations must be performed at legally-approved animal hospitals in China, such as ICVS or Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital.
Only registered hospitals can provide safe vaccines imported from Europe and North America. At the hospital entrance, look for a large gold plaque with an inscription that says: 动物狂犬病免疫注射定点单位 (dòngwù kuángquǎnbìng miǎnyì zhùshè dìngdiǎn dǎnwèi). By law, all dogs and cats are required to receive an annual rabies shot. Two-year or three-year rabies vaccinations from other countries aren’t recognized in China. For pets that require the RNATT, the rabies shot must be done at least 30 days before blood is drawn for the test.
Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Testing (RNATT)
Rabies neutralizing antibody titre testing (RNATT) is required by European Union countries, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii (among others) before entry. Typically, countries and territories that require the RNATT specify that pets should be vaccinated against rabies at least four to seven months before departure.In the EU, the blood sample must be drawn at least three to six months before the pet’s arrival and pets must be microchipped before or on the rabies vaccination date.
For pets traveling to the EU, a blood sample must be taken from the animal one month after the rabies shot is administered. On the following day, the separated serum is taken to an authorized laboratory in the EU for testing. For a list of authorized labs, visit the European Commission’s website at ec.europa.eu/food/animal/approved_establishments/other_laboratories_en.htm. Currently, China has no EU-approved labs. Globy Pet Relocation can help transport the serum sample to the EU.
Owners must download the EU CE 998/2003 form (available at ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_third_en.htm) for non-commercial movement of pets. The form must be filled out by a veterinarian at Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital and checked by customs at the destination country in the EU. Most EU countries require a 90-day wait after the blood is drawn for the pet to enter the EU, but it’s best to confirm with the authorized laboratory.
Kitty
Type: Cat (10 years old)
Birthplace: Tempe, US
Owners: Jennifer Thomé and Nikolaus Fogle
Destination: New York City, US
Date of relocation: February 2012
Relocation company: None
Cost: Around 3,500 RMB (RMB 400 for the microchip, RMB 500 for the exit examination, RMB 200 for the certification, and RMB 1,500 for Kitty to fly as carry-on).
Airline: Korean Air. It paid to travel light; since Kitty and her carrier weighed in at under 13lb, she was able to fly in the cabin for about RMB 1,500.
Timeline
One or two months before Kitty left, Thomé and Fogle researched the pet relocation process. Thomé had taken an animal to the US in the past, so she was already familiar with the process; however, the couple looked up ICVS’ website just in case. Sure enough, they found out that microchipping is now an exit requirement.
Once Kitty was microchipped at ICVS, she was taken to Beijing Guangshang Animal Hospital to get all the necessary tests (which have to be done within ten days of the animal’s exit date).
After two days, Fogle went back to the hospital to pick up Kitty’s results and took them upstairs to the representative branch of the Extry-Exit Quarantine Bureau. The document was processed on the spot, which meant Kitty was ready for her big adventure.
On departure day, Fogle took Kitty to security within 30 minutes of arriving at the airport. He took her out of her cage and walked her through the metal detector, while her carrier went through the X-ray machine. Much to his dismay, security officers ran Kitty through the machine once he put her back in the cage – which is not what was
supposed to happen – but Kitty didn’t seem to mind too much. Once they were scanned, Fogle and Kitty kicked back for a few more hours and enjoyed a smooth flight to the Big Apple.
The Quarantine Process
The US doesn’t have a quarantine period for incoming pets. You simply check in at the airport, the vet looks at them, and – if your pet is healthy – sends you on your merry way.
Hardest part: The hardest part was dealing with the paperwork at Guangshang, as the staff speaks only Chinese.
Easiest part: Following the export process was relatively simple because ICVS had downloadable instructions on their website.
Tips
Do your research. Moving an animal can cost you an arm and a leg, but if you’re willing to invest some time, you can save enough money to bring your pet back.
Confirm your trip and get to the airport early. Once you arrive, two things will happen: Everyone will be confused, and everyone will want to play with the cute kitty. Both things take time, so make sure you give yourself plenty of it.
The tricky part was finding out which airlines would be the most cost-effective and allow Kitty to travel in the cabin. Many Chinese airlines and Japan Air do not allow animals in the cabin, so it’s crucial to do your research beforehand. Many hours of online research and one Excel spreadsheet later, Fogle decided to go with Korean Air, which had the best price for carrying small animals on the plane – as well as relatively reasonable ticket prices.
Airlines have strict temperature restrictions for both the departure and arrival locations, usually between 21°C and 32°C. Since Kitty was traveling in the winter, her only option was to fly in the cabin.
Stay calm. Animals pick up on your stress, so the calmer you are, the more relaxed they will be during the trip.
Pack snacks, water, and litter. If you’re taking a long flight with a layover, your pet will get a chance to stretch its legs at the airport. Fogle packed a bottle of water, snacks, a disposable pie pan, and some litter, then blocked off one of the bathroom stalls at Seoul Airport so that Kitty could have a rest stop.
Phoebe and Pepe
Type: Cats (4 and 5 years old)
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Owners: Stephanie and Harald Toifl
Destination: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date of relocation: February 5, 2012
Relocation company: Globy Pet Relocation
Cost: Approximately RMB 12,000 (included flights, pet relocation fees, and medical expenses).
Airline: Malaysia Airlines. The crates arrived in good condition, but the attached water bottles were lost or broken during transit.
However, the airline personnel was helpful and the excess
luggage fees were quick and easy to pay for.
Timeline
First, the Toifls attended a monthly seminar called “Leaving Beijing with Pets” at ICVS, where they learned general information on transportation and specific country regulations.
In September of 2011, they contacted an agent from Globy Pet Relocation.
In October, they got the cats microchipped and vaccinated for rabies.
On January 30, the agent picked up their cats for a health check at Beijing Guangshang
Animal Hospital. This was a crucial part of the timeline; the animals had to be checked no more than seven days before the departure date.
The Quarantine Process
The quarantine period in Kuala Lumpur lasted seven days. The quarantine was located near the airport and made up of guarded and fenced buildings divided by type of animal. Each building had separate rooms and windows with wire cages, and each room held one “delivery.” In other words, Phoebe and Pepe had a room to themselves (albeit in separate cages). Stephanie visited the cats every day; she was even allowed to open Phoebe and Pepe’s cages and let them stretch their legs. Overall, the buildings were well-ventilated and the cats always had access to water and the dry food that the Toifls provided.
Hardest part: The hardest part was leaving Phoebe and Pepe at the excess luggage check-in counter at the airport.
Easiest part: The pet relocation company helped a lot with the formalities, but the easiest part was definitely picking up the cats from the quarantine station.
Tips
Before relocating your pets, check to see if you can take them aboard the plane as carry-on, or if you must check them in as excess luggage or cargo. In the latter case, the airline needs to make sure that the plane model has pressurized and air-conditioned cargo compartments. In the former case, only one pet is allowed per passenger.
The Toifls found that Thai Airways allows small pets onboard, but they ended up going with Malaysia Air because the flight from Beijing to Kuala Lumpur had a seven-hour layover in Bangkok.
Even though ICVS gave the Toifls lots of advice, the couple still checked the Internet for ideas. Stephanie says, “Don’t stress yourself too much over the situation – if you keep cool, your pet will keep cool as well.”
It’s recommended to secure your pet’s favorite dry food in small bags on the crate prior to travel and then bring an additional one to the quarantine facility.
Pet owners can manage the pet relocation process themselves if they have the time. However, an agency’s support can be invaluable because there’s so much to organize during a move. Still, be aware that the service comes at a price.
Mimi
Type: Cats (1 year old)
Birthplace: Tianjin, China
Owners: Melanie and Michael Hartlef
Destination: Buxtehude, Germany
Date of relocation: March 2012
Relocation company: Globy Pet Relocation
Cost: Around RMB 11,800. It cost RMB 7,500 to perform medical procedures and board Mimi at ICVS, RMB 2,800 for Globy’s services, and RMB 1,500 for the flight to Frankfurt.
Airline: Lufthansa. The flight went very smoothly; the Hartlefs would recommend this airline to others.
Timeline
The Hartlefs left Tianjin in December 2011. By that time, they had already had two other cats, Hong and Bai for two years. About five or six weeks before their departure to Germany, they decided to also take a stray cat called Mimi that they found outside their apartment. Mimi (a male) had to stay behind to complete all the health checks and vaccinations required to enter the EU.
A month before the Hartlefs left, Mimi received all the necessary shots and medical procedures to enter Germany: rabies and feline distemper vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, blood tests, and serum preparation for the RNATT.
Four weeks after the couple returned to Buxtehude, a German friend brought Mimi’s blood samples from ICVS to Hamburg, where they were tested by a veterinary lab. After the results came out, the friend brought the paperwork and Mimi’s new EU Pet Passport back to Tianjin. He handed them off to the Hartlef’s Chinese friend, Yang Xiaogang, who brought them to ICVS.
Then, Mimi bided his time at ICVS for the next three months to fulfill a specific EU requirement: the RNATT had to be done at least three to six months before a pet’s arrival in Germany.
The rest was done by Globy Pet Relocation. One week before Mimi left, the relocation service took her for the final health examination. At Beijing Capital International Airport, they handed him off to another one of the Hartlefs’ friends; he brought Mimi to Frankfurt, where he was finally reunited with Melanie and Michael.
The Quarantine Process
There is no quarantine period for most EU nations (except for Malta, Ireland, Sweden, and the UK) as long as all other requirements are fulfilled.
Hardest part: The hardest part was the three-month wait for Mimi.
Easiest part: It was an interesting – even fun – logistical exercise to organize Mimi’s relocation with friends, ICVS, and Globy.
Tips
The logistics can be tricky, but don’t hesitate to relocate your pet. ICVS and Globy Pet Relocation love to help and are very professional. As long as they’re by your side, nothing can go wrong.
The cost of relocating your pet is significant, but it’s worth every penny; your pet will reward your investment in full with unconditional love and affection.
Iggy and Angus
Type: Cats (both 3.5 years old)
Birthplace: US
Owner: Kim Suhre
Destination: Singapore
Date of relocation: February 2012
Relocation company: Globy Pet Relocation
Cost: RMB 20,000-26,000
Airline: Singapore Airlines
Timeline
First, Suhre contacted her veterinarian at ICVS to review what was needed to export her cats to Singapore. Two months before she left, she received quotes from two different pet relocation services.
One month before the departure, blood was drawn from each cat for the RNATT; the samples had to be tested to prove that Iggy and Angus were vaccinated for rabies. After getting the rabies documentation,Suhre contacted the Singapore AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority) to reserve a space in quarantine for her cats and apply for an import license.
One week before leaving China, each cat underwent an export physical exam.
Three days before leaving, Suhre confirmed with her relocation company that there was cargo space on the plane for Iggy and Angus.
The Quarantine Process
Iggy and Angus had to spend 30 days in quarantine once Suhre arrived in Singapore. She was initially worried about them, because they wouldn’t eat the first couple of days. The quarantine facility wasn’t easily reachable by public transport, so she had to take a taxi three times a week to see the cats. After Iggy and Angus got to the apartment, they were back to normal within a few days.
Hardest part: The hardest part was figuring out what needed to be done and when, especially since Singapore has strict guidelines for
importing cats and dogs. Also, China has its own set of export
regulations that need to be followed. Lastly, the airline wouldn’t reserve a space in cargo for the cats until three days before the departure date.
Easiest part: Since Suhre doesn’t speak Mandarin, using a pet
relocation company helped with getting the Chinese documentation. In addition, a representative accompanied her to Guanshang to help with language barriers. A minor problem came up with one of the documents required by Singapore AVA, but the pet relocation company quickly sent her the right ones.
Tips
Research the exporting and importing process early. Get more than one quote from a pet relocation company if you’re using one. Talk to your local vet about the relocation process.
Don’t feed your cats on the day of travel in case they get sick. Stay calm, because the animals can sense anxiety.
Make sure you have copies of all the paperwork, just in case.
Tree
Type: Cat (3 years old)
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Owners: Qiao Li and Imogen Kandel (former managing editor of beijingkids)
Destination: Melbourne, Australia via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date of relocation: December 2011
Relocation company: None. Kandel and Li decided not to use a relocation company because of the high cost, but they hired someone to manage Tree’s paperwork and health checkups in Malaysia.
Cost: Approximately RMB 18,000 in total. Up to Tree’s arrival in Malaysia, Kandel and Li spent roughly RMB 2,000 on health checks and paperwork. Tree’s six-month quarantine in Malaysia and export fees to Australia will cost about RMB 16,000.
Airline: Malaysia Airlines (Beijing to Kuala Lumpur); Not yet determined for Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne
Timeline
No more than 12 months before her departure, Tree received the rabies shot at ICVS. The animal hospital recorded the vaccination in her Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (a red booklet).
After booking the flight to Kuala Lumpur, Li checked if there was space on the plane for Tree around two months before departure.
Three weeks before departure, Li went through a pet relocation agent in Kuala Lumpur to submit all the paperwork necessary for the Malaysia import permit and found an official government veterinarian to administer the RNATT (Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test). Once the import permit was approved, the agent scanned and emailed it to Li.
Two weeks before departure, Tree got a full health checkup and microchip from ICVS. Li also got copies of her medical records.
One week before the flight, Tree got an official health examination from Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital. Two days later, they went back to pick up Tree’s official health certificate and exit permit.
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Li picked up Tree from the oversized baggage counter and handed her to customs for the quarantine process.
One week later, Tree left quarantine, underwent the RNATT test, and was taken to the boarding house.
A week after that, Li received the RNATT declaration from a government-approved veterinarian. He was then able to apply for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) import permit online.
Ten days later, Li received the approved import permit and Veterinary Certificates A and B (to be filled out later) from AQIS. He also booked tentative quarantine accommodations for Tree in Melbourne. After everything was done, Li flew back to Beijing.
The Quarantine Process
Because China is not an AQIS-approved country, Kandel and Li were only able to export Tree indirectly to Australia via an approved country – in this case, Malaysia. Their cat had to stay in Kuala Lumpur for a minimum of six months prior to her departure for Australia. There are no exceptions to this regulation.
At the time this article was written, Tree was coming to the end of her quarantine period in Kuala Lumpur. Thirty days before she is slated to arrive in Melbourne in early July, she’ll be tested for the Nipah virus and the blood work will be sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory for approval. Tree will also need to get vaccinations for feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus, as well as parasite treatments and a final checkup. Once all the medical procedures are done, the vet will fill out a veterinary certificate provided by AQIS.
On the day of Tree’s flight to Melbourne, the vet will scan her microchip, check and stamp all her documents, and seal Tree into her crate. All the documents should be attached to the latter. Upon arrival in Melbourne, AQIS staff will pick up Tree from the airport for quarantine. After a 30-day quarantine period, Tree will finally be able to go home.
Hardest part: Australia is by far one of the hardest countries to
export animals to. “The paperwork alone is enough to push your stress levels through the roof,” writes Kandel. That said, she strongly urges anyone moving internationally to invest the time and money to bring their pets with them.
Easiest part: The export process for China is actually quite simple once you understand all the required steps; ICVS was instrumental in providing all the necessary information. The Malaysian portion of the relocation, on the other hand, was much more complicated and expensive.
Tips
Three days before Tree’s departure, Li started using an herbal cat relaxation remedy recommended by ICVS. It worked like a charm; Tree was calm and relaxed throughout her flight to Kuala Lumpur.
For the flight, stick the following onto the cat carrier: a photo of your pet, your Chinese address, your destination address, phone number, and email. Secure frozen water to the cage for your pet to slowly drink and include an old item of clothing in the carrier so that your pet has something that smells like you.
Tips for Safe Air Travel
Time of Year: Consider the time of year you are traveling and contact your airline in advance to make appropriate arrangements for your pet. Each airline imposes travel restrictions for pets in periods of extreme temperature. “Blackout” months typically last from May to October. When ground temperatures exceed 30˚C, pets are usually not permitted as excess baggage. This is to avoid the risk of dehydration should the flight be delayed and the animals have to sit on the hot tarmac. Certain breeds – such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs, and Pekingese – have difficulty breathing in hot weather and may be restricted from flying during those months. For cold climates, Air Canada has a blackout period in the winter when ground temperatures are close to freezing.
Feeding: Do not feed your pet any food at least six hours before the flight. If it is a morning flight, feed your pet the night before. Your pet is allowed small amounts of water. To make sure they’re hydrated, use a water dish that attaches to the door of the crate. Fill it up halfway with water and freeze it the night before. Do not use ball-bearing water bottles as they tend leak water, leaving your pet wet and uncomfortable during the trip.
Potty before Departure: Walk your dog as you normally would in the morning, but try to fit in an extra walk at least 30 minutes to one hour before you leave for the airport. For cats, make sure the litter box is clean and accessible until right before the cat is crated.
Pet Identification: Provide your pet with a collar that will not get caught on the door of the crate. Attach two forms of identification to the pet’s collar: one ID with your name, address, and contact number of your country of origin, and another ID with your name, address, and contact number of your destination country. Tape a photo of your pet and a travel label to your pet carrier with your name, permanent address, telephone number, and email address. Write down your final destination and flight numbers. In transit, owners should carry a current photograph of their pet. If your pet is lost during the trip, a photograph will help airline employees search more effectively.
Tranquilizers and Sedatives: Animals should not be given sedatives unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. If you’re interested in homeopathic calming remedies for pets, contact ICVS.
Carry-on vs. Check-in (Excess Baggage): Some airlines allow pets as carry-onand others insist on checking in your pet as excess baggage, which goes in the cargo hold. Airlines that allow carry-on usually require a soft carrier in which your pet would remain under the seat in front of you. Be aware of the airline’s rules and restrictions regarding bringing pets as carry-on. Ask about their weight restrictions and whether you’re required to book cargo space in advance.
Air Crates: Your air crate must be approved by your airline in advance. Many crate manufacturers claim that their crate designs are approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). However, your airline will have the final say on whether your crate is acceptable. IATA-approved crates are available at ICVS.
Crate Contents: Give your pet at least one month to get used to the crate to minimize stress. On the day of travel, line the floor of the crate with a small or folded cotton towel that already has your scent or your pet’s scent. This will provide familiar smells and cushioning for your pet during the journey. The towel also helps to absorb any spilled water, urine, or other fluids. Finally, never lock the doors of the crate with an additional lock as this impedes the ability to release or remove your pet from the crate in the event of an emergency.
Food for Travel: In the event of flight delays, some airlines may instruct their staff to provide food for any animals onboard. Ask first, but some airlines allow owners to securely tape a small sealed bag of dry dog or cat food directly onto the crate. Be sure to include directions. For example: “Feed half a bag for one meal.”
Leash for Dogs: Some airlines may arrange for dogs to be walked in the event of a flight delay. Some airlines allow owners to tape a leash packaged inside a small clear plastic bag to the outside of the crate. Dog owners should also bring a leash with them in their carry-on luggage in case the leash taped to the crate is no longer attached after arrival.
Litter Box or Cats upon Arrival : Pack a small, clean litter box or plastic tub and some fresh cat litter in a double zip-lock bag in your check-in luggage. This will allow your cat to use the litter box immediately after arriving at your destination and reduces the stress of having to purchase a litter box and cat litter, especially if you are in an unfamiliar city or if you arrive after the shops have closed.
These tips are excerpted from the 2011-2012 Home & Relocation Guide and are courtesy of Mary Peng, co-founder of the International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS). Originally from New York City, Mary has been living in China since 1991. She has never lived a day in her life without pets and currently owns one cat, a dog, and a very large rabbit. Having relocated a cat from Beijing to New York and back to Beijing again, she understands the concerns of fellow pet owners. For more advice, drop by one of ICVS’ free monthly seminars, “Departing from China with Pets.” To find out when the next session takes place, visit www.beijing-kids.com/events.
Resources
Animal Hospitals and Pet Relocation Services
Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital 北京观赏动物医院
Daily 8.30am-10.30pm, 24hr emergency services. 7 Beisanhuan Zhonglu (northwest corner of Anhua Qiao), Xicheng District (400 700 1542, 6205 1944, 6204 9631, 6237 1359) www.chinapet.com.cn
西城区北三环中路7号（安华桥西北角）
Exit/Entry Quarantine and Inspection Bureau
Mon-Fri 9-11.30am, 1.30-4.30pm (closed on all public and national holidays). 2/F, Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital, 7 Beisanhuan Zhonglu (northwest corner of Anhua Qiao), Xicheng District (8202 4181) 西城区北三环中路7号（安华桥西北角）北京观赏动物医院2层
Doctors Beck and Stone Pet Healthcare Center
思威（北京）国际动物医院
1) Shunyi Euro Plaza: 9am-7pm daily (consultation by appointment). LB05, Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (8046 2886, info@drbns.com) www.doctorsbeckandstone.com 顺义区天竺镇裕祥路99号欧陆广场LB05; 2) Upper East Side:
Mon-Sun 9am-7pm (consultation by appointment). 7-5, Bldg 7, Area 9, Fangyuan Nanli, Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (8457 8233, info@drbns.com) www.doctorsbeckandstone.com 朝阳区将台路芳园南里9号院7号楼7-5
WorldCare Pet Transport
(8459 3008/2858, kiki.chen@worldcarepet.com.cn)
www.worldcarepet.com
Globy Pet Relocation
Rm 26B, Block 2, Bauhinia Court, 30 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (8762 5020, 400 883 8011 toll free, 138 0101 5647 Cindy Song, beijing@globypetrelo.com) www.globypetrelo.com 朝阳区东三环北路30号紫荆豪庭2单元26B
International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) 北京新天地国际动物医院
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 10am-7pm (by appointment). 13-16 Rongke
Ganlancheng Shangjie, Futongxi Dajie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (8456 1939/40/41, icvs_asia@yahoo.com) www.icvsasia.com 朝阳区望京阜通西大街融科橄榄城商街13-16号
Entry Regulations
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)
www.ava.gov.sg
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
(+612 2 6272 3933) www.daff.gov.au/aqis
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
(+1 800 442 2342, +1 613 225 2342 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Eastern Time) www.inspection.gc.ca
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
(800 CDC INFO, cdcinfo@cdc.gov) www.cdc.gov
Directorate-General for Health and Consumers (European Commission)
(+32 3 299 111) ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm
Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services
www.malaysia.gov.my/en
US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
(+1 301 851 3300 National Center for Import and Export call center) www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals
This article is excerpted from beijingkids Home & Relocation Guide 2012. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
