Step-by-Step Guide from Adopting to Licensing Your Pet

To celebrate your long relationship with China, are you thinking about adopting a pet? Here is your complete guide A- to –V guide from adopting to vaccination for your new furry companion… you know….everything to be a “paw”some fur parent.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE RULES

REGULATIONS

In China, dog and cat populations are controlled strictly (or at least they try to). Shanghai residents are allowed one dog per family. There’s no regulation on the amount of cats, but you’ll need to get it vaccinated if you want to leave China (more information about that in another article).

Here is a step-by-step of what you should do to avoid bad surprises:

1 Consult your lease or landlord to confirm whether or not you can have a pet 

2 Research your home country's pet import rules for PRC pets, after all you are hoping to be the forever home of your fur-baby

3 Find the dog or cat of your dreams

4 Apply for the Certificate of Immunity (more details below)

5 Apply for a dog license (more details below)

2. ADOPTION

NON PROFIT 

Every dog, cat deserve a good home and in Shanghai there are a few reputable charities that specialize in this area. SCAA foster animals are ready for adoption; they’re healthy and vaccinated, following proper veterinary assessment from vet partner, PAW. Foster animals receive safe and effective parasite control - for fleas & ear mites and Drontal for de-worming.  (http://www.scaashanghai.org/)

Jaiya’s Animal Rescue (JAR) is a group of expat and Chinese individuals who have dedicated a part of their lives to rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned animals off the streets of Shanghai. Before being adopted, pets have foster homes. Jar’s animals can be adopted after been vaccinated, de-wormed, deflead and naturally spayed or neutered. No fixed price on any animal up for adoption. However it is asked that you donate at least RMB300 to cover some of the vet fees. (Facebook @ JAR-Jaiyas-Animal-Rescue) 

Best Friends China is a non-profit organization based in Shanghai and devoted to helping find new homes to abandoned animals. All the rescue animals are at least three months old, have first vaccinations, and are healthy and friendly. They organize adoption days every month in a new venue. Check their very active wechat account the keep informed about upcoming adoptions. 

3. BUYING

If you insist on pedigree at a price, we researched the top rated shop in Shanghai to get you your poshy pooch. Expect to spend several thousand RMB for a pet. And, keep in mind that most pedigrees may experience health problems because of how they are bred. Leaving Panda (2063 Changning Lu; Tel: [phone]) is a good choice. Large range of prices, starting at RMB 2500 for a Teddy to more than RMB 10,000 for small dogs. Same for cats. Puppies are coming from their own dog breeding . As dog lovers, they care about both their pet and their customer equally. For safety reasons you will be not allowed to touch the pet without plastic gloves. 

Another option is Pet Specialist (1038 Wanrong Lu; Tel: [phone]) Their prices and criteria are approximately the same as the first venue introduced. However if the pet dies within weeks they refund you. Sounds like a great deal. 

Once you have successfully adopted or purchased your new best friend, time to get the regulations sorted.

4. CERTIFICATION OF IMMUNIZATION

If you want to get a dog license, you’ll need to get this certificate first. In other words get it an ID and vaccinate it. First time vaccination and ID is RMB 120. In subsequent years the dog only needs to get the rabies vaccination once annually (it’s RMB 60 each time) plus yearly registration fees. 

5.  DOG LICENSE

The license fee for a dog in Shanghai is RMB 500 downtown/year. If you reside between Inner Ring and Outer Ring: the registration fee is RMB 300, otherwise it’s RMB 100. If your dog has been spayed and neutered (with proof from authorized hospitals), the fee is cut by 50%. As prices change regularly we don’t guarantee 100% how much you will have to spend. The license is valid for one year, after which you must reapply for a renewal of the license and pay the license fee again. This is necessary if you want to bring your dog back home after your Shanghainese experience. Having a dog license means that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies (and that the owner has paid the hefty annual fee). It is mandatory that you register your dog in Shanghai. If your dog is not registered the police have the right to take it away. And you probably will never see it again.

Here is a step-by-step to get your dog licensed:

Documents to bring to the nearest police station: 

- Dog owner’s Passport

- Proof (from the vet) that the dog has been neutered or spayed 

- Certificate of Immunity

- Your apartment lease (if you’re renting) or proof of ownership 

- A 1” color photo of the owner and a 3” color photo of the dog (where the whole body is visible in photo) 

- Proof of work/business in Shanghai (depending)

- Signatures from 3 to 4 neighbors agreeing that you can have a dog (depending)

- Completed Dog License application form. If you are renting an apartment in a compound, the management company has to sign it. 

Processing usually takes three to four weeks.

We hope you much success for finding a new permanent member of your family.We would like to remind you that owning a pet is a priviledge and you are a responsible owner in following the regulations.

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