Resorting to a pet or two can relieve the loneliness of many expats living overseas. Pets – big or small – provide unconditional love after a long day at work, and can also help you connect with other animal lovers in your community. But, have pets in China comes with particular concerns and difficulties. Though with proper research it might be your best decision yet.

Source: jaaron

“Why do I want to have a pet?”

But being an owner is not for everyone. Consider the time, energy, money and environment; these are the prerequisite considerations to owning a pet.

In a country where dogs, for instance, have been seen either a symbol of one’s socio-economic status or treated as an ingredient in certain dishes, perceptions about them are only slowly changing. You may be surprised to know that laws and regulations on protecting animals and their environment have been in place since the Xia Dynasty, according to the Chinese Animal Protection Network (CAPN) – the 1st Chinese network for animal protection in the country.

Seven months ago, Guangzhou native Xiaoqing Xu was unexpectedly approached by her friend who was unable to care for a tabby cat named ‘Puppy.’ With a German shepherd already living in her house, she soon fell in love with Puppy, adopted him and became more of a cat-lover instead. “People want pets to look cool. [But] a lot of people don’t love their pets or accompany them. It’s something that people need to consider: why do I want to have a pet?” Xu says.

Where to get a pet from?

Choosing your pet can be a daunting task: pet stores, street vendors, animal shelters and unwanted pets from family and friends – the choices are plentiful.

Animal shelters are one option where people can acquire their pets – free of charge. Even though golden retriever ‘Dada’ showed skin patches on her back due to a skin disease, it didn’t deter local Tigger Zeng from adopting her. “She was ugly at the beginning because she didn’t have hair on her back,” says Zeng who has had Dada for three years already. “But after one month of treatment, she was cured.” Zeng says a full checkup costs about 500 RMB at the animal hospital.

On the other hand, rabies, parasites and other ailments are often brushed away by street vendors: many animals look “suitable” at a time of purchase, but after a few weeks, they die mysteriously.  “The best way to get a new cat is to adopt it from someone whose pet has just given birth,” Xu says. “That’s economic.”

Pet food: not everything is created equally

Food safety is a common discussion in the country, and if it is a concern with food for people, it is absolutely a concern with pet food. Stories of expired meat being repackaged for pet consummation have shed light on the importance of research.

Zeng recommends buying samples first. “I will search online and if they have some samples, I will try to buy them. I would then compare their flavors and their nutrition.” After purchasing different brands of dog food from Pedigree, Cesar, Royal Cani/A3 to Dog Show, Purina’s Pro Plan is her favorite and Purina’s Hi Pro for its disease-fighting ingredients. Do thorough research online and try and find a reliable source. A xiaomaibu may not be the best place to buy pedigree chum.

Three-year-old poodle ‘Didi’ has been under the care of his owner, Jaycee Li, for over two years now. Li spends about 100 RMB a month on Didi’s food. But she says he would much prefer to eat rice or some of meat that she’s eating – a common dilemma for pet owners wanting to share meals with their pets. In some cases, Chinese owners, who want to save money or have food safety worries, are resorting to making homemade pet food. While this may help ease your food safety concerns, it is risky as your dog may not be getting all the nutrients they need.

Pining for the fjords: what to do with a dead pet?

As pet owners know, throughout the lifetime of your furry companion he/she can become a well established member of the family. Because of this, the issue of a burial, after the passing away of your pet, is an interesting topic. In China, some animals will receive proper burials, yet many more will end up in a plastic bag in the trash, no matter how loved they were when they were alive.

Last January, Xu’s friend’s cat died. A curious cat, she fell off from a high-rise apartment. Yet burying one’s pet within the city parameters has become a “hush-hush” issue. Though it seems callous for many it’s easier to put them in a plastic bag and drop them into trash bins: very few people have gardens and it is illegal to bury pets in parks. Zeng suggest finding a Chinese friend who will help you to bury the dead pet in their hometown, far from the preying eyes of neighbors and passersby. Though this seems a fairly impractical option. Not sure how many of my friends would be willing to carrying my dead pet on a train.

Do’s and don’t when owning a pet in China

Beady eyes, frolicking fur, and their cajoling demure are some of the perks of owning a pet. But there’s more than meets the eye: from daily responsibilities to finding a pet-sitter while you’re away on vacation are reminders that pets must be included in your schedule.

When Dada had given birth to pups last year, Zeng made sure the pups were given to willing caretakers. “Before you own a pet, you must consider whether or not you can raise a pet for a long time,” she says.

But a busy body like Li who works 40 hours a week finds it difficult to care for Didi. She’s lucky though; her parents and her brother help with the daily chores of walking, feeding and cleaning Didi when she’s not around. That being said, Li did acknowledge that, “My father and my brother always complain about him.” Still, Li manages to bring him to a pet shop twice a month (50 RMB/per visit) for grooming and regular checkups.

Moreover, balancing exercise and a good diet, along with providing a healthy living environment reverberate through the mouths of pets owners like Zeng, Li and Xu who’ve had their pets for a while now. But the right attitude is also important. “Don't shout at your dog,” says Li, who has caught herself screaming at Didi out of frustration. When she did, Didi ended up urinating in her bedroom; “He can feel my emotions.”

Taking your pet home with you

When it’s time to head back home, permanently, bringing back your furry friend is another issue to consider. You must provide the Quarantine Certificate and the Rabies Immune Certificate issued by the Chinese Animal and Plant Quarantine Department and the exit/entry bureau, or a transit license. Other considerations will depend on the country you are flying in to. In some cases, you’ll have to quarantine your pet which can lasts for several months. If this is the case it is worth really thinking about if you want to put your pet through that. To take your pets to most EU nations requires a minimum quarantine of 4 months; however, the UK and Sweden, since 2012, no longer require any kind of quarantine. It is also better to take a direct flight, because any layover will require your pet to stay in that country in quarantine for as long as the country’s laws specify. Moreover, your pet must be checked in and will be charged as your common overweight baggage. For some airlines, the cost is twice the cost of your regular overweight baggage rate.

Some useful links:

People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/jkxw/t208625.htm

Chinese Animal Protection Network
http://www.capn-online.info/en.php

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Keywords: Pets in China pet food Choosing your pet