Importing Pets to China(ZT)
Paperwork
Bringing a pet into China, is actually easier in most cases than getting the pet out of your own country. The reverse however depends a lot on your countries customs laws. Some countries allow you to take your pet out, but not back in again!
Check with your relevant government department before you go.
To bring a pet into China you need 2 certificates; a Vaccination Certification (which may be consist of multiple vaccination certificates depending on the animal type), and a Health Certificate.
The Vaccination Certificate
This certifies that all shots are up to date. This certification can be
included in the health certificate. 3-year rabies vaccinations are apparently not
recognized in China. All vaccinations should be within 30 days of departure.
The Health Certificate
A veterinarian in your home country should issue this certificate. There is
no standard form for China so your veterinarian should use the international
certificate. This certificate should be issued no more than 30 days prior to
your departure. Obtain multiple copies as you will also need copies for your
airline.
Cats
Shanghai is one of the few entry points into China for cats. Cats must be vaccinated against Enteritis (E3) within 12 months of arrival into China. You will need a certificate for Feline Panleucopania, and Feline Respatory Disease Complex Vaccinations.
Excerpted from our message forum:
In my situation, I was told that I would be able to bring my cat to China, but it will take a little work on the Chinese side to prepare to the way. The cat will need a lot of paperwork including of course a health ceritificate issued within ten days of departure for China. As for quarantine, I was told that China's policy is that animals must be quarantined, however, there are no facilities for cats, so in that case, in-house quarantine is required. What this means (I had to ask) was the cat will be permitted to reside with you in your home but it may not leave your home at all during the quaratine period. During this time, it is probable that an inspector will periodically check to ensure the cat is in your home.
Birds
Sorry, you can't import birds into China.
General Issues
You will need to check with your local vet / government dept about getting most of the documentation mentioned above. You may also want to get a (Simplified) Chinese translation made of these documents to help when you arrive. The chinese embassy in your country may be able to help, or provide details of a translator in your area. Make sure that the translations are certified copies.
Once you have these, you can bring over your pet.
The hard part now is finding an airline that will allow you to ship your pet safely. (Check the links at the bottom for companies that can help you with this).
Recommended guidelines for flying animals
The United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") regulates air transportation of pets and requires that all pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least five days prior to flying in order to be transported by air. We strongly recommend that you err on the side of safety and not transport any pet under 12 weeks of age. Additionally, ill, very nervous, pregnant, or older pets should not be transported by air. Certain breeds including Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Boxer, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, Pug, and ShihTzu dogs, as well as Himalayan and Persian cats should not be transported by air as these breeds are more susceptible to breathing difficulties caused by the thin air at altitude and could have problems.
Airport ground temperatures above 85 degrees F are unsafe for traveling pets. The USDA prohibits the shipment of animals where temperatures at either the origin or destination are below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees. Many airlines have further temperature-related restrictions. Allow up to two extra hours for check-in and, if your pet is not traveling with you in the cabin, arrival procedures. Each airline has their own rules and regulations, beyond the USDA's minimum requirements, concerning what types of pets they will transport and how they will transport them that you will need to discuss
