LOGISTICS
- IMPORT
The laws in China change frequently. Add to that inconsistent enforcement, and you increase the potential for disaster. John and I wanted to minimize uncertainty, so we called on the services of a pet import company, recommended to us by a foreign real estate firm operating in Shanghai. Numerous online postings describe the import procedure in detail.
For us, we went with Jialiang Kennels, and the process was pleasantly streamlined. In the US, we had to obtain documentation vouching for R&M's good health and current rabies vaccinations. Our vet examined the pooches and completed pet international health certificates about one month before our departure. The documents were then mailed to a regional USDA Veterinary Services office for review and approval (stamping). After we received the approved documents back, we faxed the stamped certificate, rabies certificate, and our flight itinerary to Jialiang. The day before our travel, we called to confirm our itinerary, and when our flight arrived in Pudong, someone met us at baggage. By the time we got our luggage, the animals cleared customs and we took them home for the in-home quarantine (30 days) that night.
Please see our Services section for related information. As protocols do change, please check with several authorities both in your home country and in China when making your pet import arrangements.
- LICENSING
Licensing requires a lot of legwork, especially if you live in Shanghai city (inner ring road). Like I said earlier, the regulations change and vary from district to district (as does their enforcement). Best to check with a local pet importer before you settle on a place to live.
The licensing fee is 2000 RMB and 1000 RMB for inside and outside the inner ring road, respectively. Typically, these documents are required:
- * original passport and copy
- * original work permit and copy
- * original lease contract and copy
- * owner's passport photo (specs may vary)
- * dog's photo (specs may vary)
- EXPORT
The Shanghai government issues all export documents for your dog. The only facility that handles export procedures is the Shenpu Pet Clinic.
- Shanghai Shenpu Pet Clinic
Dr. Chai (English speaking)
361 Zhaojiabang Road, South Building
+8621 6418-9236 (open 8:30-9pm)
As of April 2006, this process is fairly straightforward (so save yourself the money and do it yourself):
- * 1st visit with dog: 430 RMB for the health certificate, microchip, and shots (> 30 days before departure)
- * 2nd visit with dog: 400 RMB for the physical exam (7 days before departure, that is, departure date minus 6). Be sure to take two copies each: 1) all marked pages in the health certificate book 2) your passport photo page 3) your plane ticket.
- * 3rd visit without dog: pick up PROC Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Animal Health Certificate (2 days before departure).
- Shanghai Shenpu Pet Clinic