Pet owners who wish to take their pets abroad are required to obtain quarantine permission and health certificates showing the animals are disease-free and have been immunized, said a spokesperson from the municipal entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau Thursday.

"Travelers should also be aware that only one pet is allowed for each passenger," said the bureau's spokesperson Dai Yanqun.

To obtain the quarantine permission, the bureau has advised pet owners to bring their animals to the local entry-exit inspection and quarantine office at least 30 days before departure. Pet owners need to present health and immunization certificates issued by veterinary clinics appointed by the bureau while applying for the permission.

The only local entry-exit inspection and quarantine office is the Heping Animal Hospital located at Heping Building, Heping Road in Luohu District, also known as the Shenzhen Animals and Plants Diseases and Pests Protection and Research Center. Health and immunization certificates can be obtained from major veterinary clinics.

"Some foreign countries may require visitors to go through their own quarantine procedures when entering, as the number of epidemic diseases caused by animals has been increasing around the world," Dai said.

When traveling to China with animals, passengers need to provide the quarantine, health and immunization certificates issued by the country of origin. Their pets will be quarantined for 30 days and travelers are obliged to pay the quarantine fees.

(Shenzhen Daily August 18, 2006)