Dear editor,

Many French people ask us how to get a pet into China when they want to come and live here. Could you please be kind enough to send me the official regulations on the subject?

Plus, how does it work if people want to live in Wuhan for example, and have to travel through Shanghai or Beijing? Where does the pet do the quarantine? Can it do it at their place in Wuhan?
 
Thanks a lot
 
Best regards
 
Alice S.

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Dear Alice S.

After consulting with the inspection and quarantine authorities in Beijing and Shanghai, we were told that according to the Law on the Entry and Exit of Animal and Plant Quarantine, cats or dogs are the only pets allowed for entry but must be declared. Each passenger is allowed to bring one pet only, with an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate issued by the relevant quarantine government department in the country of origin. Furthermore, the pet and pet owner must be on board the same flight.

In Beijing, upon arrival at the airport, an official from the department will await to take your pet to a quarantine facility for 30 days. They will inform you of the date at which you can claim your pet. Certain fees must be paid which vary according to local regulations, but amount to at least 1,000 yuan (US$130). In Shanghai, the quarantine period is reduced to 7 days with a 2,000-yuan fee.

Following quarantine, the pet ( only dog) must be registered at the local police department.

Consultation telephone:
Beijing: 010-6459 6302
Shanghai: 021-6854 9999

It is also possible to take a pet from one city to another by plane and train. Rabies vaccination and health certificates must be issued by the local quarantine government department of the city of departure. These are valid for 7 days. 

We hope this information is of help to you.

Thank you for your attention.

The Editor

(China.org.cn April 26, 2007)