Free orientation session for expat pet owners

 

Pets need to be cared for. CFP Photo

By Wang Yu

 

 

Summer is when foreign tourists and expatriate workers with their families or pets flood into town.

Pets bring a lot of joy, but they can be a source of inconvenience – and can get into a lot of trouble. Pet owners therefore know the importance of medical care, grooming services and obedience training so that they and their furry friends can live happily.

But most foreign pet owners in the country still have a lot to learn about China pet regulations. To help them, the Beijing International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) will hold orientation lectures on August 15 and 27, in which experts will discuss how to keep pets happy, healthy and safe. The talks, given in both English and Mandarin, are free and open to all.

Vaccination required

Health issues are some of pets owners’ biggest concerns. ICVS says that dental care should be a priority in addition to fever and other common diseases. Pets should have their own toothbrush once they start growing teeth. This will help prevent the tooth decay that causes bad breath; “dog breath” is o of the downsides of keeping a pet, but it can be avoided, ICVS says. Infections caused by dental problems may also shorten a pet life span by damaging its internal organs.

Expats who get their first pet in China need to know the country’s vaccination and pet registration requirements. Dogs, for instance, have a registration period that runs from May 1 to early June each year. If a dog owner registers his pet any other month, the registration will still expire on May 1 the following year.

Size matters

Dogs kept within the eight major districts of Beijing – Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Haidian, Fengtai, and Shijingshan – cannot exceed a height of 35 centimeters from the ground to its shoulder.

Pet and  passport holder

People who want to bring pets into China must remember the one-to-one rule: one pet per passport-holder. However, only Z or work visa holders can bring in pets. They will need the following documents to go through the paperwork: the pet rabies vaccination certificate, a license to export from the pet owner’s current country of residence and the pet’s health certificate. To be re, owners should also check with their veterinarians back home for other necessary documents.

Pet food concern

When it comes to pet food, owners should be aware there are many brands being sold on the local market that are brought in through unsecured and illegal channels. Such products are commonly known as “parallel imports” or “smuggled goods,” and may be contaminated or spoiled though the packaging may appear fine.

After the orientation lecture, pet owners can also tour ICVS’ hospital and pet care facilities.

Welcome to Beijing orientation for pet owners
Where: International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS), Kent Center, 29 Liangmaqiao Lu, Anjialou, Chaoyang District
When: August 15, 11 am – 12 noon; August 27, 6:30 – 7:30