Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A genuine move to China might not be complete without bringing Fido or Fluffy along
with you. Fortunately China is quite accommodating with dogs and cats. If you're hoping
to bring in a bird, hamster, or other species, however, these will be classified as exotic an-
imals and not pets, and getting them into the country requires a whole lot more trouble and
expense.
The actual process for bringing your cat or dog to Beijing can be a little complicated,
and involves both your own government's requirements to get your pet out of the country
and then China's to get your pet in. Specialist pet-moving companies can help manage this
process for you, particularly if you're tight with time. You can, however, do this yourself
with a little bit of planning and scheduling. The key is to start preparing for your pet's move
two to four months in advance.
The first step is to get your pet microchipped (ISO-approved chips are recommended)
if you haven't already done so. Why is this so important? By moving to Beijing, you're
moving your pet to a country where rabies is a serious problem. The disease exists in every
province, and even in the capital city. Europe and a growing number of countries will not
recognize any rabies vaccinations done prior to microchipping, so, even though China does
not require a pet to be chipped, when it comes time to leave China, you may face a problem.
By microchipping now before you leave home, you'll be giving your pet a unique number
and starting a verifiable record of their health.
Regarding the paperwork, you will need to have your visa in order. Various information
sources will specify that this needs to be a Z visa, but in many cases a pet can be brought
in on any visa, so you will need to confirm your own eligibility. One point without vari-
ation, however, is the stipulation of one pet per passport (not to be confused with one dog
per household for registration). You will also need to get the following three documents in
order:
• Official certification of recent rabies vaccination
• An official certificate to export your pet from your current country
• A health certificate or letter prepared by your vet in your current country attesting to your
pet's health
The exact process varies from country to country and can change at a moment's notice, so
it's best to check with your local vet first and your own country's relevant export/import
department, such as the USDA in the United States. Most vets will have the forms on hand
