marooned5

We will be moving to Shanghai from UK in August, with our dog - wondering about how to take her? Too large for carry on baggage. Considering a pet transport firm. Have also heard that she could be flown to Hong Kong then driven to Shanghai to avoid quarantine at Shanghai airport. Has anyone done this or transported their dog recently? Thanks in advance for any thoughts and advice.

ekkikat

Hello, I am a dog rescuer here in China and perhaps can help you answer your questions.

1. There is no longer any quarantine in China for pets if you are arriving from the UK.

2. You cannot drive from HK to Shanghai unless you have a car with dual license plate, and international drivers licenses are not accepted in China. Plus, the distance is around 1,500km.

3. Do you have a titer test completed for your dog? Without it you wouldn't be able to enter China, even from HK, without 30 day quarantine, and you would only be permitted entry from certain ports.
Titer test is also required to enter Hong Kong.

4. Pets are only permitted to enter Hong Kong when traveling direct, in cargo. This is not the same as travelling in the baggage hold. Cargo is much more expensive and doesn't come out with you the way they would if traveling as excess baggage / in the baggage hold. We generally don't recommend having pets travel as cargo if they have the option to travel in the baggage hold. Baggage hold limitations / rules differs per airline.

5. Be aware to check that your pet is not on the banned breed list of your arrival city. This list varies from city to city across China.

6. Import permit is not required if the pet is traveling together with you on your flight. It is required if traveling as manifest cargo.

I would opt to travel as additional baggage in the baggage hold directly to Shanghai, it would save a lot of money, travel time and time spent in a crate for your dog, which in itself will be stressful.

Hope this is helpful, if there are any other questions I'd be happy to try and answer them!

ekkikat

upon arrival in China you will have to register your pet, and any dogs on the banned breed list will not be eligible for registration.