Even though the onset of COVID-19 didn’t deter many Beijing expat families from weathering the storm in China, some families decided it was in their best interest to leave the country, if only for a spell. However such families and individuals with pets continue to find themselves in a tough position, and the difficulty of trying to leave the country with their pet, on such short notice no less, has come as quite a shock.
Because of this, some pet owners in Beijing and the rest of China have been forced to abandon their pets or give them up for adoption. The situation has been further complicated by misinformation spread at the beginning of the outbreak, claiming that pets might be carriers of the coronavirus strain which affects humans. It is often difficult to find pet export information within China and many-a pet owners have no clue where to start with the process of sending their pets back home.
But Globy Pet and Animal Relocation are in the business of ensuring you are not only well informed about the process and your options, but also the safe repatriation of your ‘furkid’ and a guaranteed happy reunion on the other side.
We spoke with members of Globy’s staff to get the ins and outs of flying your fur-baby home.
Tell us a little bit about your company. When did you start, why, and how long have you been in business?
Globy Pet Relocation was established in 2001 and we have offices in Shanghai (headquarters), Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. We provide pet and animal shipping services around the world. Our typical service includes detailed route planning, international airline arrangement, and door delivery. We strive to provide a hassle-free service to all our clients.
We are also proud members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) and Animal Transportation Association (ATA). We’ve also had seats on the board of directors and memberships and accreditation at the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), an international trade association of animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and small animals during transport locally, nationwide and worldwide.
We are also a past member of the board of directors at the Animal Transportation Association (ATA), a non-profit association dedicated to the safe and humane transportation of animals worldwide. As members of ATA, we subscribe to its policies and agree that our first consideration is the safe, humane, and expeditious handling of any animals under our care.
What are some of the most common destinations that your company services?
The most common destination for us would be European countries, Canada, and the United States. Nevertheless, Globy also covers many other countries and regions.
What are some destinations your company services that clients might not know about?
We send animals to some very difficult countries like Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, as an IPATA member, we help clients apply for quarantine space, import permits, and transit permits in destination countries or regions.
What are some of the new regulations around exporting pets from China?
With the recent developments, it is now mandatory that all pets are microchipped. Dogs should have a valid registration ID for export. Aside from that, cats and dogs should have their rabies vaccination and canine/feline vaccination up to date at all times.
Before a client decides to take their pet abroad, what are some of the things they must do before they contact you?
Pet relocation can be a lengthy process and it is best that pet owners touch base with us early. Globy will advise pet owners of the export guidelines, destination country’s requirements, and fees. With this information, the client can prepare their pets ahead of time and carefully plan their route, timing, and budget.
What is the process of exporting pets, step by step?
For pet export in China, guidelines are as follows:
- Pet owner’s original passport and departure air ticket
- Pet’s microchip
- Pet’s original vaccination record, which includes annual rabies vaccination (more than 30 days, but less than one year prior to departure). These vaccinations must be issued by an approved vet.
- Original Health Certificate
- Export permit for cargo shipment
- Valid dog registration ID
As for the destination country’s requirements, it will largely differ. It is best to discuss with the company you hire to relocate your pet, whoever they may be, to obtain the latest country’s rules and regulations as they are subject to change without notice. Your agent should be advising you on the best transportation method suited for your pet’s condition, approved travel crates, and work on a budget that you are comfortable with.
With the current Coronavirus outbreak in China and other countries, it might make the pet relocation more difficult, as many airlines have suspended their flights. Some countries have even put a ban on pets from China. With this in mind, it is exceedingly important to plan in advance.
How long does the process take?
The process can be as short as a month and a half for the US and Canada. Countries in the European Union and United Kingdom will take at least four months. Countries like Japan, Australia, and New Zealand will take more than six months to prepare.
What is the price list?
Prices vary greatly depending on the method of transportation, the destination country’s requirements, airline pricing and types of services that you might decide to take up with Globy. Our basic export package starts from RMB 3,000 and it can be up to RMB 40,000 and above for a cargo door-to-door service.
What are some of the problems commonly faced when trying to export pets from China and how do you prevent them from happening?
The most common problem faced is a sudden change in rules and regulations in destination countries or the airline of choice. It is challenging to prevent these events from happening as they are considered as incidentals, factors which we cannot control. However, with our experience and knowledge, Globy can always try to find an alternative route and solution for pet owners when these changes take place. We will always strive to reunite pets with their owners safely.
In view of the recent Coronavirus outbreak, many airlines have imposed an embargo on certain routes/timing and pet breeds. This has brought a lot of stress for pet owners and Globy as well. However, we are constantly updating ourselves with the latest information from airlines to see how we can assist pets leaving China. In some cases, we have even found a silver lining amid the uncertainty.
Are all destination regulations the same or how do they vary?
Every destination country’s requirements could be different. For example, most European Union countries’ requirements look similar, however, in terms of detailed operation it can vary to certain degrees. There will be incidental costs if pet owners don’t do their homework well.
Vaccination requirements by countries will vary as well. As mentioned above, the time to prepare for a trip can be as short as one month to more than six months.
How do potential clients contact you?
Globy has been in China for many years and most of our clients find us through word of mouth. We are also a member of Expat Connections, where foreigners can access quality products and services in Beijing. We are also active on our WeChat moments, where we share our work and the successful reunion of our furkids.
Photos: Pixabay, memeguy.com, Courtesy of Harriet at Globy Pet Relocation
