Are you considering traveling to China with your furry friend? As an expert in pet travel documentation and exporting to Asia, Pure Paws Veterinary Care is here to guide you through the process so you can be well-prepared and know exactly what to expect.
First and foremost, it’s essential to plan ahead as the process of preparing your pet for travel to China takes some time. Here’s what you need to know:
- Vaccination Requirements:
Your pet must have had at least two rabies vaccines in its lifetime, with the most recent one being current at the time of travel.
- Microchip:
Your pet must have an ISO compatible (16 digit) microchip for identification. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to purchase and travel with your own microchip scanner.
- Rabies Titer Test:
A valid and current rabies titer test (FAVN) is required for travel to China.
Once these requirements are met, paperwork can be completed within 14 days of your departure. Now, let’s break down the timeline:
- Visit 1: Examination, 1st rabies vaccine, and microchip placement.
- Visit 2: 30 days later, another rabies vaccine, and rabies titer test.
- Visit 3: Within 14 days of departure for paperwork.
It’s important to note that the rabies titer test usually takes 2-4 weeks to return from Kansas, with the timeframe subject to change. So, it’s advisable to account for this timing when scheduling appointments and planning your travel.
However, despite careful planning, there are potential challenges you might encounter:
- Microchip Issues:
Sometimes, pets may have a microchip listed in their records, but it’s not found during examination. In such cases, placing a second chip is recommended to ensure it scans upon arrival.
- Rabies Titer Test Challenges:
Some pets may not pass their rabies titer test after a single rabies vaccine or if significant time has passed since their last vaccine. This could result in repeating the steps of Visit 2, causing delays and additional costs.
- Lab Result Delays:
The turnaround time for lab results from Kansas can be delayed due to increased demand, affecting your travel plans. It’s wise to estimate 4-6 weeks for the results to come back to avoid cutting it too close.
Rest assured, Pure Paws Veterinary Care handles these situations regularly and is here to assist you with any questions or concerns that may arise during the planning process. Your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we’re dedicated to ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your beloved companion.
If you have any further questions or need assistance in planning your trip and travel appointments, feel free to reach out to one of our three locations in Hudson Square, Hell’s Kitchen, or Clinton Hill. We’re here to help make your journey to China as smooth as possible!
