It’s happened to most long-term Beijing expat families at some point: you’ve had a stable job that you’ve enjoyed for over a year, the kids are learning Mandarin at a steady pace, a few Xiaomi air purifiers are humming throughout the rooms of your apartment, and that desire to further nest and nurture comes through. Maybe it’s time to take in a furry friend or three, but first, let’s familiarize ourselves with the rules. And there are a few.
Pet ownership, like many other fairly innocuous things in the West, is highly regulated in China. There’s a recent historical precedent for this. For a decade, from 1983 to 1993, private dog ownership was banned outright throughout China due to rampant cases of rabies, many of which were fatal. China is still considered to have some of the highest number of rabies transmissions worldwide. Due to these understandable concerns, it’s important to stay on top of local and national rules regarding pet ownership, which can change quickly.
What kinds of pets are allowed?
Don’t buy or adopt a pet without knowing if that pet is even allowed to be owned in China. Even animals sold in pet shops are sometimes illegal to own. Never buy endangered or trafficked animals, no matter how adorable. Be smart.
For doggos, only one is allowed to be registered per household. Dogs aren’t registered to an individual, but to an address. If you own more than one dog, this can be a challenge. Although many people with more than one dog register them at petless friend’s addresses, it’s not something we would recommend.
Beijing has no specific list of forbidden breeds, but dogs of a “large size (or) aggressive breeds” are not allowed inside the eight central districts of Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Haidian, Fengtai, and Shijingshan. Size-wise, any dogs within these districts must be small. A frequently cited measurement for an adult dog is under 35cm from ground to shoulder.
Please note that rules in China are frequently updated or can be abruptly altered. For example, in the coastal city of Qingdao, a recent “one dog policy” has even been enacted with 40 “dangerous breeds” simply banned altogether, and stricter rules can always make their way to the capital.
Make sure to check with a veterinarian about up-to-date rules regarding allowed dog breeds and exotic pets. The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) is considered one of Beijing’s most trusted sources for all things pet related.
How does the registration process work?
Firstly for dogs, obtain an annual, up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate. This vaccine is available at all State Food & Drug Administration (SFDA) certified veterinarians. Prices vary, but ask other dog owners for reputable suggestions. Good veterinarians can also keep you abreast of current pet laws.
Next, register your dog at the correct police station for your area. Usually, this is the same station you’d go to for registering yourself and family when you enter China. Bring your passport, your apartment lease, rabies vaccination certificate, and two identical photos of your dog.
Initial registration is RMB 1,000 and subsequent renewals are RMB 500 each year. Since regulations can change quickly and often, other fees could apply and other documents could be required. Check in at your local PSB beforehand to make sure you have all required documents, or bring a Chinese friend if necessary.
Remember that an annual renewal of your pup’s registration is required. All Beijing dog licenses expire yearly on April 30th, and the annual dog registration periods begin May 1st and ends June 30th. Sometimes free rabies vaccinations are available during these times, so check with your vet.
Cat owners don’t need to register their felines, unless you plan to teach them how to walk on a leash. (We’ve heard this is an uphill battle.)
Where can I take my dog for a walk?
Last month, Beijing’s Gardening and Greening Bureau expanded a blacklist of so called “uncivilized” behavior in public parks. Besides obvious no-nos like fishing, creating loud noise or “digging for wild vegetables,” dog walking was also added, surprising many and sparking debate.
Unfortunately, this government reaction is possibly due to a few high profile dog attacks in recent years. A case of a few rotten apples spoiling the barrel. We hope this can spark the creation of new dog friendly private parks, but in the meanwhile, if your apartment has a shared garden or there is light traffic and wide sidewalks around your home, this will work fine for daily dog walks.
Remember to always leash your dog when out in public; no exceptions.
How do I take a pet out of China when moving?
Once your family’s stint in China comes to a close, it’s time to take your precious pet cargo with you. Moving animals across borders can be a time, but especially money, intensive endeavor. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in your country, and give yourself enough time to finish all the paperwork and pay all the fees you need. Your pet will need a health certificate with proof of vaccination and an exit permit. Additionally, your pet will be quarantined at your expense. Generally speaking, this can all be incredibly pricey.
Depending on where you’re moving to, it can take as little as four months of prep to the E.U. and as much as eight months or more to Australia. Some dog breeds or exotic pets are banned or restricted in some locations, so, like anything in life, it’s best to do research beforehand. Again, here, ICVS is an invaluable resource and hold regular talks on importing and exiting China with pets. Check out their website (icvsasia.com) for more info so that you are not in the dark or forced to go into this lengthy process alone.
This article appeared in the beijingkids October 2019 Best Friends Fur-ever issue
