Pulse

Vaccine shots and name tags are vital

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-04-26 07:57

My dog received the three-year rabies vaccine in Europe just before we moved to Beijing. Do I still need to vaccinate him while I am in Beijing, as I will only be here for the next two years?

China requires that all dogs receive an annual rabies vaccination and does not recognize the three-year rabies vaccines commonly used in Europe and North America. Rabies is the leading fatal infectious disease in China, causing more than 300 deaths every month. Dogs also transmit more than 95 percent of confirmed rabies infections in humans. So you can see why the annual rabies vaccination for pet cats, dogs and other small mammals is so important. Licensed dogs are entitled to a free annual rabies vaccination at a legally designated animal vaccination hospital (you can find a list of these on the ICVS website). To renew your dog's annual registration, owners must provide a copy of the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (vaccination red book), given to owners after the rabies vaccination. This vaccination certificate is required to renew your dog's registration license and to take pets out of China or to other Chinese cities.

What is the best way to identify my pet in case she gets lost? Is microchipping required in China?

China does not yet have a national microchipping requirement for pets, nor does China have a national database for tracking microchipped pets. While some pets may already be microchipped, the city's public security bureau and animal shelters will not have microchip scanners to identify stray or lost pets to help reunite them with owners. A pet identification tag engraved with your mobile number and e-mail address that is securely attached to your dog's or cat's collar is still the best way to identify animals in China at this time. You should use a pet tag even if your pet is already microchipped.

Need advice from METRO's pet expert? E-mail your questions to metrobeijing@chinadaily.com.cn. Please give as many details about your situation as possible. Answers supplied by the International Center for Veterinary Services in Chaoyang district, 8456-1939, ICVSASIA.com

(China Daily 04/26/2011 page26)