We all know Taobao is a treasure trove. You can find anything from a vintage-style dress to a year’s supply of spicy noodles or a life-sized animatronic dinosaur (really). But sometimes, you stumble across something that isn’t just a product but an experience. Our latest purchase fell squarely into that category: a box of six butterfly cocoons.

Yes, you read that right. Amid the countless listings for clothes, gadgets and home goods, there exists a niche world of nature vendors selling the promise of metamorphosis. On a whim, and in a bid for a unique activity, I clicked “buy now.” A few days later, a small, carefully packaged box arrived, holding what looked like six little dried-up pistachios.

What followed was one of the most fascinating at-home, play-based learning experiences we’ve ever had. The first step was a family project: building a habitat. The kit came with the tools we needed to build a case and sticks to build a place to safely house our new cocoons.

Then came the waiting and the caring. The anticipation was a lesson in patience all on its own. And then, one day, it happened. One night, after dinner, while no one was paying any attention to them, one butterfly emerged. We watched, utterly mesmerized, as it patiently pumped fluid into its wings, transforming them from wrinkled paper into vibrant, sturdy sails.

The real magic, however, wasn’t just in the hatching. It was in the questions.

“Why are they so wobbly when they come out?”
“How do they know how to be a butterfly inside the cocoon?”
“Where did they get their beautiful colors?”
“How often do they eat?”
“Are they attacking each other?”
“Do they remember being a caterpillar?”
“Is that butterfly poop?”

I’ll admit, I was stumped. My daughter’s curiosity went far beyond my basic elementary school knowledge of the butterfly life cycle. Together, we dove into research. I was learning right alongside her, fascinated by the complex biology I’d never stopped to consider. She wasn’t just memorizing facts; she was engaging in genuine scientific inquiry, driven by a direct, emotional connection to the creatures in our makeshift habitat.

The next day, the rest of the group emerged, and we brought the habitat to her school to share the magic with her class. Then, as we had already discussed, we set the butterflies free so that they could live out their butterfly lives in the wild. We watched as they took off, a little unsteady at first, and then soared on the breeze. It was a powerful, quiet moment of letting go and celebrating the cycle of life.

Taobao is famous for its strange and wonderful items, from the practical to the bizarre. But sometimes, the strangest purchase can lead to the most normal, and most profound, of human experiences: a parent and a child, huddled together, sharing a sense of wonder at the natural world.

Click on the link below to get yourself a kit. Enjoy the wonders!

Images: Mina Yan

Beijing pet parents, be alert! International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) has asked us to help share an alert to help you keep your pups safe.

Hairy caterpillars are out in force and they pose a serious risk to your furry friends. These insects, often found on trees, bushes, or the ground beneath them, carry tiny, venomous spines that can cause intense pain, swelling, or allergic reactions if touched or stepped on by curious pets.

Recently, several dog owners have reported cases of their dogs with limping, excessive licking of paws, and signs of discomfort or anxiety after going out on walks. Upon veterinary examination, it was determined that these symptoms were likely caused by contact with caterpillars, which are more prevalent during this time of year.

Certain caterpillars, such as hairy or spiny varieties, can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even mild toxicity if touched or stepped on. Dogs may accidentally come into contact with these caterpillars while exploring grassy or wooded areas, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.

ICVS Recommends:

• Avoid walking your dog in areas with known caterpillar infestations.
• Keep your dog on a leash and steer them away from grassy or leafy areas and under trees where caterpillars may be present.
• After walks, check your dog’s paws, muzzle, and coat for any signs of caterpillars or irritation.

If You Suspect Your Dog Has Stepped on a Caterpillar:

• Do not panic: Stay calm and avoid touching the affected area with your bare hands as some caterpillar hairs can cause irritation to humans as well.
• Rinse the paw gently: Use cool, running water to flush the affected paw. Avoid rubbing the area as this may embed the hairs deeper.
• Prevent licking: Use an E-collar (cone collar) to prevent your dog from licking or chewing the irritated paw, which could worsen the condition.
• Seek veterinary care immediately: Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms seem mild, professional evaluation is crucial to prevent complications such as infections or allergic reactions.

Dogs are especially vulnerable during walks or park playdates. Symptoms of contact include:

• Limping or refusing to put weight on a paw

• Excessive licking or chewing at a specific spot

• Whining, agitation, or visible discomfort

If you suspect your pet has encountered a hairy caterpillar, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not attempt to remove spines yourself. Improper handling may worsen the reaction.

Please contact the ICVS with any questions or concerns:

Find it:
International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) 北京新天地国际动物医院
13-16 Rongke Ganlan Cheng Shangjie, Futong Xidajie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (across the street from the Mercedes Benz Tower & behind Smile Angel Children’s Hospital)
朝阳区望京阜通西大街融科橄榄城商街13-16号
Tel: (010) 8456-1939, 8456-1940
Email: reception@ICVSASIA.com
Website: www.ICVSASIA.com
Dialog WeChat: ICVSASIA
Official WeChat: ICVSCHINA

Follow ICVS on WeChat for more pet related announcements.

Images: ICVS

Living abroad in Beijing can be an exciting adventure, but for animal lovers, the longing for a furry companion can be strong. However, the idea of a lifetime commitment to a pet might be daunting, especially with an uncertain future. This is where Furry Tales‘ foster program comes in.

Elizabeth “Ellie” Rodewald first arrived in China in 2016 to complete a two-year internship in the sunny city of Zhuhai. Little did she know then that a few years later, she’d be running an organization with a heart, with no other goal but to help stray animals living on the streets of Beijing.

Furry Tales’ foster program lets those who want to experience the joys of having a pet without the long – term responsibility. When you foster a pet through this program, you are providing a temporary, loving home for an animal in need. These animals are rescued from the streets and by opening your home to them, you are giving them a chance to thrive before finding their fur-ever home.

One of the significant advantages of fostering is that it helps the animals adjust and get better trained. In a foster home environment, pets can learn basic obedience, socialize with humans and other animals, and become more confident. This training and socialization are crucial for their future lives with their forever families. When the time comes for them to be adopted, these well-adjusted pets are more likely to integrate smoothly into their new homes.

For you as a foster parent in Beijing, it’s a win-win situation. You get to enjoy the companionship of a pet without the worry of what will happen when you have to leave. You can provide love, care, and attention to an animal that may not have had these before. The bond you form with the foster pet can be incredibly rewarding, knowing that you are making a positive impact on their life.

Scan the QR code to get in touch with Ellie to find out which animals need a foster hone So, if you have the space in your heart and home, be part of this amazing journey of helping animals find their forever homes.

If you’d like to donate to furry tales so that they can continue to help animals in need, scan the QR code below.

Images: Furry Tales, Pexels

Elizabeth “Ellie” Rodewald first arrived in China in 2016 to complete a two-year internship in the sunny city of Zhuhai. Little did she know then that a few years later, she’d be running an organization with a heart, with no other goal but to help stray animals living on the streets of Beijing.

Compassion and a genuine love for animals was the main reason for Ellie and Sorcha Moore-Smith partnering up and launching Furry Tales in December of 2021. “The name is actually a spin-off of ‘fairy tales’, since our goal is to provide our animals with storybook endings,” says Ellie. “We’ve rescued a total of 249 animals around China so far.”

Ellie says she can’t pick her favorite out of these 249 cats and dogs, but the rescue she’s most attached to is Ripley.

Ellie and Ripley

“Ripley was found abandoned outside an apartment. [He was] most likely a pet, but he was discarded after some type of abuse. He now suffers from head shakes and severe incontinence, so he must wear a diaper.”

Furry Tales has no physical address; it’s run from the homes of good people of Beijing. Ellie says: “We do not have a shelter, as securing land and a facility would be expensive and would probably end up being reported by community members if many dogs living together bark, so instead we rely on fosters around the city to care for our animals. This way, it also prepares the animals for living in a home with children, and adults young and old with working schedules, etc.”

Other than not having a physical location to run the business from, Furry Tales also completely relies on Ellie, Sorcha and their volunteers to get the work done. “We have a few volunteers who help us take photos at events, plan fundraisers and design and sell merchandise for us, but it’s mainly Sorcha and I operating things on a day-to-day basis,” says Ellie.

To raise money for their animal rescue, and to be able to pay veterinary bills, Ellie and Sorcha often team up with local vendors and host fundraisers throughout Beijing.

“We’ve had quiz night crossovers with Beijing bars, [and]two adoption events at Plan B. We’ve held a Halloween party at Side Street (Jiudaokou) and our annual anniversary party at The Local. Peach has also hosted Sip ‘n’ Paint events for us as well,” continues Ellie.

Quiz night at The Local

Students from international and bilingual schools have also shown their support to the cause and stepped up by hosting fundraisers selling chocolate, as well as organizing a 5k charity walk – and all of their donations go toward the animals’ veterinary bills.

A charity walk for Furry Tales

Ellie and Sorcha also organize an annual “Doga” event, a super fun way to spend a morning doing yoga with your special furry friend. There are ten spots available, and according to Ellie: “Yoga experience is not required for human or dog.”

Other than finding ways to raise enough money, running an animal rescue organization brings other challenges as well. “The most difficult aspect of running an animal rescue organization is people who message us after finding an animal outside and expect us to immediately drop everything to go get the animal. Sorcha and I have full-time jobs, families, our own animals, hobbies, etc., so we hope to use our platform and experience to provide advice for first-time rescuers and also give them the confidence and knowledge to help the animal themselves.”

To help others understand the process better, Ellie even created a step-by-step guide to assist people when they find an animal outside. “We all can play a part in animal rescue. We are not like a government-funded organization back home; we are volunteers ourselves and other rescuers are swamped with animals, so it’s really helpful when community members step up to the plate to help in any way they can (i.e. taking [the animals]off the street and out of harm’s way, bringing them to the vet, providing them with treatment, finding a foster etc).”

“Our goal is to educate the public about the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement, which encourages people to put breeders with unethical practices out of business by refusing to buy pets from them. We also hope that we can inspire people to stop when they see a stray animal and try to help in any way they can – provide it with cold weather shelter to protect it from the elements, set out food and water bowls, try to trap/catch it in order to spay/neuter, and then prepare for adoption if friendly.”

Furry Tales is currently looking for summer fosters, so if you’re staying in Beijing, show your empathy and kindness by temporarily taking care of one of the cuties from the poster below. It won’t cost you a dime, and you’ll get all the assistance you need: supplies, WeChat support, training tips and medical care reimbursement. If you’re interested in becoming a foster to Cider, Dumpling, Pedro, Floki, Rusty, Cheddar, Stacy or Bo, scan the QR code on the poster.

There is also a fun upcoming event in Beijing with all proceeds going to Furry Tales, so don’t miss out on your chance to help our furry friends find their forever homes.

Images: Elizabeth Rodewald

Recently, a two-year-old was horribly attacked by an unleashed rottweiler in Chongzhou City in Sichuan. Surveillance footage of the event showed the dog wandering alone in the residential compound for roughly a minute before attacking a mother and a toddler who were on their way to kindergarten. The attack lasted around 40 seconds before someone was able to intervene and chase the dog away. The toddler sustained severe injuries to her right kidney and ribs but thankfully her vitals remain stable. Cities all over the country have been cracking down on unleashed and unregistered dogs. So be sure to have your dog on a leash when you’re out for a walk, even if it’s inside your compound, and be sure to have your pet officially registered.

As shared in various animal rescue WeChat groups, in Beijing, this week the city will be focusing on regulating dogs in public areas. The enforcement standards are as follows:

1. **Undocumented Dogs:** All dogs found without proper documentation will be impounded and cannot be reclaimed.

2. **Dogs With Certificates:** Owners of medium and large dogs with valid certificates can redeem their pets by paying a fine. It is crucial to maintain a cooperative attitude during this process and not engage in disputes with law enforcement.

3. **Strong Dogs:** Even if you possess a certificate, strong dogs cannot be redeemed.

For the safety and welfare of medium and large dogs, we advise communities with suitable facilities to relocate them to designated boarding/yards. In cases where this is not possible, dog owners should adhere to the following regulations:

– Walking your dog is permitted only during specific hours at your residence: before 6 o’clock in the morning, from 12 noon to 1 o’clock, and after 11 o’clock at night when it’s relatively safe.

We kindly request that you inform your fellow dog owners about these new regulations and encourage compliance. We wish you and your dogs the best of luck during this period.

What You Will Need For Your Dog’s Registration

• Your dog – If you live within the 5th Ring Road you may have to present your dog during registration. This is different depending on your local Public Security Bureau or Pai Chu Suo. Confirm in advance whether you need to bring your dog along for the registration process.
• Photos – You will also need two one-inch front-facing headshots (i.e. passport size photos) that show your dog’s image from the neck up. It must also have a white background.
• Your original identification documents – These include your passport and your foreign household registration document obtained at the PSB and used to extend your visa in China.
• Since dogs are registered to a household address and not to the owner’s passport, you will also need to bring along your lease agreement for a rented property or a property deed if you own your own home.
• You will also need to present permission from your neighborhood watch committee or Ju Wei Hui, or the management agent. This depends on the requirements of the community supervisory committee within your district.
• Money (Cash) – If you are doing an initial registration then you will need a fee of RMB 1,000 and a fee of RMB 500 for your annual registration renewals. This is the fee in the eight major districts within the city and might be lower in the areas outside these districts like Shunyi, Pinggu, Changping, Tongzhou, Huairoumu, and Miyun.

Information courtesy of ICVS Beijing 

Images: Pexels

Recently during a visit to Sanlitun SOHO I discovered a cafe just for pets. No, not one of the many pet cafes there where you sip coffee and destress while petting dogs, cats, or one of their more exotic furry animals. This one is a cafe where all the food is freshly made for dogs.

Okie Dukey has a wall of refrigerators filled with pet food that are vacuum-sealed in single-serving packages for both cats and dogs made from a variety of meats like chicken, duck, lamb, and beef that range from RMB 15 – RMB 18. They mix the meat with rice and veggies to give your pet a balanced diet. 

At the counter, you’ll also find snacks like dehydrated jerky and purees for your fur babies.

The food is prepared and packaged right in the store and its spotless kitchen is a good sign that they’ve got the animal’s health and wellbeing in mind.

They’ve got a small dining area where you and your pet and sit and relax for a while, but their primary business is the takeaway pet food.

Find it:
1F Store 5151, Sanlitun SOHO Building 5
Tel: 131 1150 7514

Images: Mina Yan, Unsplash

If you’re a fellow pet parent traveling this summer for an extended period, you might be looking for a pet sitter or trusted pet boarding facilities in Beijing to leave your pet with.

Here are a few recommendations we rounded up.

CuddlesPet International Pet Resort

Professional pet boarding and training facility running over 10 years. English-speaking services available. It’s a safe and enclosed yard for your dog to run free without a leash during the boarding time. AC and heater available in all different sizes kennels, so the indoor temperature is keeping the same as it is for people are living in. The dog trainers and keepers are well trained on taking good care of dogs, and doing basic medical treatment. Dogs are happy being with them here!

Rate per day: Starting from RMB 120 for dogs under 10kg, RMB 140 for dogs 10kg-35kg
Get in touch: QR code below

Danny’s Dog Boarding

Danny’s Dog Boarding & Training is a safe, loving place for you to leave your beloved dog while you are away. Their premises are in the peaceful countryside of Beijing, allowing the dogs to have plenty of space. They are especially known for their personalized dog training. In fact, Danny’s own dog, M, has held the Guinness World Record for “Most Times to Catch a Frisbee in 3 Minutes” since 2011.

Rate per day: RMB 80 for small dogs, RMB 100 for medium dogs, RMB 120 for large dogs
*Free grooming if your dog stays over 10 days
Get in touch: WeChat ID M616053303

Diddy’s Hood

Diddy’s Hood is a home-feel boarding and training facility located in Shunyi near the old capital airport with a capacity of 30 furry guests. With access to a 35000m² natural grass lawn that’s just 15km away from their boarding center, as well as a spacious outdoor pool, Diddy’s Hood is often booked up way in advance so make sure to plan ahead.

Rate: RMB 300 / dog / night, special prices starting from RMB 200 / dog / night for long-term boarding and multiple dogs
*All dogs get a bath at the end of their stay
Get in touch: WeChat ID adriendiddyshood

Do note that all these boarding facilities require proof of vaccination for pets to be admitted.

Pet Sitters

Spare Leash 

Spare Leash is a pet-sitting platform that connects pet owners to verified pet sitters. With safety as our number one priority, all pet sitters have gone through a face-to-face interview before becoming an active members of the sitter team. All services are in a home, 100% cage-free. Pet owners have direct access to a database of pet sitters and can chat with pet sitters before each service.

Services include everything from dog walking, training, and dog boarding to cat sitting and even helping out with trips to the vet. Prices vary from RMB 70-200.

Website: www.spareleash.com.cn
Get in touch: WeChat ID Spareleash

We also asked the local community for those who are staying this summer and happy to help with your fur babies and here are two in the community who signed up. *We recommend having a nice long chat and possibly meeting the sitter before leaving your pets with them for an extended period of time.

Zhang Senhoo, 28, Aviation Engineer
Available all summer
Types of animals welcome: Dogs, reptiles
Own pets: Dog, hamster, and spiders
Rates: RMB 100 / day (Negotiable), RMB2,000 deposit needed
Get in touch: 13611394498

Shanalee, 17, French student
Available all summer
Able to pet sit at a person’s house or own house
Experience with dogs, cats, and hamsters
Rates: Flexible.
Get in touch: 15010442921

Enjoy your summer with your pets in good hands!

Images: Courtesy of the vendors

KEEP READING: Beijing’s Best Doggy Playgrounds

Summer vacation is coming up and families will be traveling freely all over the world for the first time since Covid! But their pets are staying put right here in Beijing. If you’re a pet sitter (or would like to be a pet sitter this summer) let us know so we can help spread the info to the community.

Leave your info in the comment section below or email it to minayan@beijing-kids.com.

Please include the following:

Your name:
Your age and occupation:
How to get in touch with you (WeChat ID, Phone number, Email, etc.):
Your availability this summer:
What types of animals you can take (dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, fish, birds):
Any previous experience:
How much you’ll be charging:

Images: Pexels

Whether you subscribe to the belief or not, the Chinese zodiac is certainly an entertaining story. But it has a downside as well, and that usually happens when it comes to the zodiac year of a cute domestic animal, such as this year’s Year of the Rabbit.

As rabbit-themed decorations and merchandise are taking center stage in Chinese malls and on online shopping platforms, the darker side of this bunny craze is seeing increased sales of live rabbits as pets. Local news sources report that a single pet store owner can sell as many as 20 to 30 pet rabbits each day in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year festival. Prices range from just RMB 10 to RMB 200 depending on how reputable the store is, and the breed and age of the rabbit.

While rabbits are absolutely adorable creatures, they are notoriously difficult to rear as pets due to their sensitive nature. Plus, the more unusual the breed, such as the super fluffy Angora, the more specific their needs and the more care they require. But of course this information is not being circulated as widely as photos and videos of these cute critters nibbling on carrots and looking like the perfect laid-back pet.

“Thirty percent more rabbits are abandoned in the Year of the Rabbit than usual,” reports the Rabbit Association of Singapore (RAS), which does not recommend young children raise rabbits. An RAS volunteer who was gifted a pet rabbit that died shortly afterwards warns the public not to gift other people pet rabbits in the hopes of good luck in the Year of the Rabbit, cautioning: “It’s not very expensive to buy a rabbit, but you need to take them to see a veterinarian once you bring them home. It costs hundreds of yuan to get them properly vaccinated and licensed. In addition, rabbits are easily prone to illness and their medical costs are very high.”

Most people are not even aware that the average lifespan of a rabbit goes beyond ten years! Is your family really ready for this decade-long commitment to raising a vulnerable life? If not, we suggest that parents get bunny toys for their little ones instead.

Alternatively, you could also adopt instead of shop. There are so many abandoned animals out there just hoping for a home. Check out these two cuties up for adoption right now!

KEEP READING: It’s Decided. Here’s How Much You SHOULD Give Ayi for CNY

Images: Pexels, Eve Kinsella