Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and can advise you on the overall process. The forms can also be downloaded from the de-
partment websites. In the United States the form is called APHIS 7001.
Your pet will need to have the rabies shot at least 30 days prior to entry and not a day
over one year. Once your pet has been vaccinated and your vet has signed off on the forms,
you must send them off to your local state office (e.g., USDA). For a small fee, they will
then give you the official export certificate and rabies vaccination certificate. Importantly,
keep these documents handy on you at all times throughout your passage to Beijing, espe-
cially if you're coming in via Tianjin or transport hubs other than Beijing Capital Interna-
tional Airport. Some forms of transport require local registration documents, but they'll be
more lenient if you have these at hand.
One thing to prepare ahead of time is your pet's travel crate. It not only needs to fit the
legal requirements of the airline but your pet should also be comfortable with it. Make sure
you give your pet a few weeks to become familiar with the crate so that it doesn't create yet
another fear on top of this already scary experience.
Now contact your airline to arrange the actual flight of your pet. Sites like
www.PetTravel.com
and Globy Pet Relocation (
www.globypetrelo.com
)
can provide you
with advice on how to make sure your pet makes the trip as comfortably and safely as pos-
sible. This may seem like the simplest part, but there are catches to be aware of. A particular
one includes knowing whether or not your pet will be checked in as excess luggage (relat-
ively easy for you to handle yourself) or as cargo. The latter can be difficult to coordinate,
as it may involve you and your pet arriving at different times. A pet relocation company can
help manage transport of your pets as cargo.
When you land, your pet will need to be quarantined for a mandatory 7-30 days in
Beijing, courtesy of the Entry/Exit Quarantine Inspection Bureau. The length of time is de-
pendent on where you pet is entering from. Those entering China from the United States or
Canada are subject to 30 days of quarantine, while those entering from rabies-free or rabies-
controlled nations, such as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan,
or United Kingdom, are subject to seven days quarantine. You can feel assured that while
quarantine won't be the Ritz, your pet will be treated humanely and with necessary care.
There are no exceptions, however, even if your pet is elderly or has a pre-existing health
condition; quarantine is essential and you will not be allowed to visit bearing bouquets of
beef jerky. Only in some extreme cases will you be able to take your pet home early.
While the quarantine center is well managed, it's recommended you also have your pet
fully vaccinated for kennel cough (bordetella) at least two weeks before you depart. Also
