So, you've been in Shanghai for some time now. Your job is stable, you've made some friends, and your apartment is filled with everything you need — yet something feels missing. Perhaps a pet?

You're unsure if you can fully commit, being an expat, as you may have to relocate in the future. You're also unsure how to take a pet with you when you eventually decide to leave.

One day, you drop by a local adoption event. You browse tables, greeted by adorable furry creatures giving you wide, googly-eyed stares. You express interest in one, only to find there are forms to fill out and requirements such as:

• Must have a stable job and income. OK.
• Must own an apartment. Wait a second....
• Must agree to random visits and checkups. Mmm?

Your enthusiasm fades a little. Everything seemed doable — except for the fact that you don't own an apartment. Period.

So, how can an expat adopt a pet in Shanghai? Are there communities with expat-friendly policies? Good news: there are.

There are some rescue groups in Shanghai run by expats just like you. However, they're not always present at public events, especially not with cats (who handle unfamiliar environments and weather changes worse than dogs). So, where can you find them?

 

Eleventh Hour Rescues

Eleventh Hour Rescues is a foster-based rescue group. Instead of placing animals in shelters, they immediately seek foster homes once the animal is discharged from veterinary care.

If you're unsure about long-term commitment, offering a temporary foster home is a great option. Of course, as you grow attached to the rescued dog or kitten, you might decide to keep them.

Even better, EHRS knows how to help you when you move out of China with your pet. You may find EHRS in events as well with all the pooches posters and that's when your conversation with them starts.

The Haven

Founded and run by a Croatian businesswoman, The Haven regularly brings a group of selected dogs from its shelter that are ready for adoption, but need time to adjust to life inside a home. That means you get a chance to foster and "get to know each other" before making a decision.

The good news? The Haven prioritizes foster caregivers as first-choice adopters. And if it turns out you're not ready or the match isn't right, no stress, you will have still helped that pup prepare for a forever home, and there are always more coming your way.

But how about cats? Any hope for feline lovers?

Well, you are in luck, Shanghai is home to a huge cats community that likes to support each other. Whether you have found a stray feline of your own or looking for one or just want to spend some time participating, you would soon find some roles that fit your Shanghai lifestyle. Foster, kittens care, senior care, neonatal kittens bottle-feeding, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release), sponsor for rescues and of course, adoption. Better yet, bringing your cats out of China is actually easier than dogs. Even if you have no clue where to start, all you have to do is ask.

 

About the Author

This article was written by Sage Birden, a Thai animal rescuer who has called Shanghai home for more than 20 years.