The number of dog owners in Beijing has rapidly increased in the last few years. It has become necessary for the government to keep a record of these animals, with the law requiring that every dog be registered at your local Public Security Bureau (PSB). After registering your dog for the first time, you will also need to renew the registration annually. This year, the registration renewal period began on May 1 and will run until June 30.
If you are registering your dog for the first time, don’t forget to bring your dog, two passport-sized photos of your dog (front head shot), your IDs (including your passport and residence permit), your lease agreement or property title document, a written permission from your neighborhood watch committee (jūwěihuì 居委会), and enough cash for the registration fee.
The initial registration fee for anyone who lives in Beijing’s eight major districts (Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan) is RMB 1,000. It costs RMB 500 for each subsequent annual renewal.
The registration process might be different between districts, so it’s always best to contact your local PSB (or in Chinese, pàichūsuǒ派出所) for information.
Other important things you should know when registering your dog:
· Dogs need to be registered to a household address, not to an individual. Only one dog may be registered to each household address. If you have more than one dog, you will need to register it at a second household address.
· If you live within Fifth Ring Road, your dog cannot measure more than 35cm from shoulder to floor.
· If you register a new dog after it has already been neutered or spayed at a registered and licensed animal hospital in Beijing, bring the neuter/spay certificates to the registration to receive a 50 percent discount on the initial registration fee or a significant discount on the next year’s renewal fee.
· After registration, you will receive an ID card with your dog’s photo and your contact information. Always carry it on you when walking your dog or risk facing a RMB 2,000 fine.
For more information, the International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) is holding a Step-by-Step Guide for Dog Owners on May 18, where hospital staff will answer all your questions about dog registration.
Adapted from the beijingkids Home & Relocation Guide 2012-2013
Photo from Deviantart user Askatrin
