There are many travelers who like to journey around the country accompanied by their pets during the weeklong Spring Festival vacation. After contacting the relevant authorities China.org.cn would like to pass on some tips and information to our readers. The following procedures are essential to guarantee a safe and smooth trip for their beloved companions.

First step: Get a health certificate

Beijing Animal Health Inspection Station tells us that cats and dogs are the most common pets that visitors take on their trips. Yet there are exceptions, like turtles and rats. Each visitor can only take one pet on a trip.

Pet owners need to bring an updated health certificate and rabies vaccination, usually validated in the preceding twelve months, issued by veterinary hospitals, from district-level animal inspection and quarantine stations. Usually the owner should go to the station in the district where he or she lives.

The station will issue an out-of-town animal inspection certificate after conducting a health check on the pet. The inspection certificate, usually validated for three to five days, is regarded as passport for the pet to be transported by trains or airlines.

The visitors must apply for inspection certificates in both their home cities and the visiting towns.

For more detailed information, you can consult Beijing Animal Health Inspection Station:

Tel: 010-6225 5752

Your options:

• Traveling with your pet by train
• To travel with your pet by plane
• Travel by car
• Pet foster care