Pet Quarantine in Shanghai

By James Holder BVSc MRCVS
Veterinarian surgeon at Shanghai PAW Vet Clinic

Since the middle of February 2006, it has become mandatory that all pet animals, entering Shanghai from a foreign country undergo a 7 day quarantine period at the new government facility. This period can extend to 30 days if the vets determine that there is a need to further observe an animal. Otherwise a further 23 days home quarantine is all that is required.

The cost for 7 days of quarantine is 2000RMB. Any further stay will be charged at 100rmb per animal per day.

All animals will arrive via Pudong airport. There, customs officials will inspect any entering animal. Once cleared through customs, the quarantine office takes over. These are two separate government offices that are not necessarily sharing information. So have multiple copies of your documentation and never leave the originals (at least of things that you will need in the future, like a rabies serology certificate) with anyone, as you will not get them back.

The quarantine office has a specially adapted truck for transporting animals from the airport to their new kennel and cattery facility.

Once in quarantine the animals are supposed to be isolated in individual cages. Large dogs are taken for some exercise twice daily. Small dogs and cats remain in their cages for 7 days.

The quarantine vets observe the animals whilst in isolation. They also take blood and check for a variety of diseases. Their tests are carried out according to Chinese government standards.

You are not allowed to visit your animal once it arrives in Shanghai. You may call and check up on your animal as much as you would like. Once the 7 days is over, owners should call to check that their animals are allowed to go home, before picking them up from the quarantine facility.

Personally, I think that quarantine into China is unnecessary. This is a country that is rife with all these diseases. Animals that come here are likely to be far healthier and better looked after, than the majority that are already here. However, the process of improving health and welfare in China has to start somewhere and this is a way for them to further control the animal situation in Shanghai. Although, one fears that this is just another money-making scheme.

Seven days is a relatively short period compared to quarantine for other countries. To help pets through this process, people should make sure their animals are in the best of health before they arrive. This is another reason for prospective expatriates to consider very carefully whether they want to bring one or more pets to Shanghai. The health care available is limited and so realisation that a compromise of ones’ expectations is wise. This approach should help people come to terms with the present pet ownership situation in Shanghai.

James holder is the head veterinary surgeon at Shanghai PAW Vet Clinic. He has been in shanghai for over 3 years. Since the inception of Second Chance Animal Aid (SCAA), founded by Carol Wolfson, James has found other ways to help the animals of shanghai and is a dedicated board member for the charity.