Finding reliable temporary boarding or a trustworthy pet sitter in China requires navigating city-by-city differences, language barriers, and specific rules for animals entering or transiting through quarantine facilities.
Popular solutions range from platform-connected in-home sitters and house-sitters to professional kennels and quarantine holdover facilities used during international travel.
Well-established platforms and local providers each have pros and cons for cost, oversight, and animal welfare; reading verified reviews and understanding quarantine rules is essential for stress-free care.
How to choose between boarding, sitters, and quarantine holdover facilities
Choosing the right option depends on three main factors: the pet’s temperament and health, your travel or relocation timeline (especially international travel), and budget.
- Pet temperament and needs: dogs that panic in kennels often do better with in-home sitters; anxious cats may prefer a quiet cat-only boarding facility.
- Travel timeline and quarantine: pets passing through China on international itineraries may require a quarantine holdover facility or airport-approved holding depending on origin/destination and current regulations.
- Budget and reporting needs: in-home sitters can be cheaper for short visits but vary in professionalism; platform-verified sitters and kennels cost more but often include insurance, updates, and 24/7 care.
Major provider types and what to expect
Platform-based pet sitters (in-home, visits, house-sitting)
Platform services connect pet owners with vetted sitters who offer visits, dog walks, or house-sitting.
Some platforms operate globally and list sitters who exchange stays for experience; others are China-focused with bilingual support and integrated vet services.
Platform features often include sitter verification, customer reviews, daily photo updates, and optional add-ons like grooming or vet pickups.
Popular choices in China include international networks and Chinese platforms offering local coverage and insurance options Sapore di Cina spareleash.com.cn TrustedHousesitters.com.
Professional kennels and boarding facilities
Kennels offer 24/7 on-site care, often with separate runs, climate control, and staff trained in basic medical care.
Premium facilities provide webcam access, single-animal suites, and enrichment activities; budget kennels may place multiple animals in shared areas.
Always check vaccination and health-policy requirements, staff-to-animal ratios, and whether the facility provides emergency vet transport.
Quarantine and holdover facilities for travel
Quarantine holdover facilities are used for animals transiting international borders or entering countries with strict import rules.
These facilities are typically government-approved, located at or near major international airports or designated quarantine centers, and operate under strict biosecurity and documentation requirements.
For pets in transit, holding periods and procedures vary by country pair and can require advance booking, veterinary certificates, and import permits.
When using quarantine holdover facilities, confirm feeding routines, exercise schedules, and emergency veterinary protocols in writing.
Typical costs and fee breakdowns
Costs vary widely by city, provider type, and service level.
The following are typical ranges (local currency references reflect common market signals and platform-listed examples).
- Short in-home visit (30–60 minutes): ¥50–¥150 per visit for basic feeding and check-ins on platform services; house-sitting rates often start at ¥150–¥300 per day depending on sitter experience and overnight stays.
- Dog walking (30–60 minutes): ¥50–¥120 per walk on urban platforms.
- Professional kennel boarding: ¥80–¥300+ per day depending on suite level and services (group play vs private suite).
- Premium services (grooming, training, vet visits): priced separately; grooming often ¥100–¥400 per session; vet visit fees vary by clinic.
- Quarantine and holdover facilities: fees depend on duration, facility type, and required veterinary inspections; expect higher daily charges and additional administrative fees for import/export paperwork and testing.
Platform example pricing listed by a China-focused platform shows check-in and walk prices within the ranges above, with house-sitting and day-stay options priced higher for overnight coverage and 24/7 care.
Global house-sitting networks often operate on an exchange model (sitters provide care in exchange for accommodation) but may charge membership fees for access to sitters.
Reviews and reputation signals to check
Reputation matters most when choosing temporary care.
Follow this checklist when reading reviews and evaluating providers:
- Verified reviews vs anonymous comments: platforms that verify bookings and payments provide more reliable review signals.
- Photo and video updates: frequent, time-stamped updates are a strong sign of professional care.
- Response time and bilingual support: critical in China where English support can vary.
- Insurance and emergency protocols: look for providers that offer or partner with pet insurance and provide written emergency vet plans.
- Repeat clients and long-term sitter relationships: platforms or sitters with many repeat clients usually indicate consistency.
- Official approvals for quarantine facilities: confirm government or airport approvals for any holdover facility you might use.
Platforms and local round-ups list top picks and summarize strengths of sitters and services in major cities; comparing several sources yields the best picture of quality and trustworthiness.
Step-by-step booking and vetting checklist
- Define your needs: number of visits, overnight stays, medical care, daily exercise, or quarantine-related services.
- Search local options and platforms: compare verified sitters, local kennels, and quarantine facilities. Include larger platforms with review systems for baseline trust.
- Read at least 10 recent reviews: look for consistent praise or repeated complaints.
- Interview the sitter/facility: ask about emergency vet protocols, experience with your pet’s breed/condition, feeding and medication routines, and cancellation terms.
- Request references or repeat-client contacts if available.
- Confirm vaccinations, microchip, and documentation requirements; provide a clear written care plan.
- Arrange a trial visit or a meet-and-greet before leaving your pet, or schedule a short overnight stay to test the fit.
Safety, health, and vaccination checks
- Ensure vaccines meet local kennel or platform requirements; most facilities require up-to-date rabies and core vaccinations.
- Provide a copy of medical records and current medications.
- Inform sitters or kennels of behavioral issues and provide clear handling instructions.
- For international travel and quarantine: verify pre-export testing, microchipping, and health certificate timelines; holdover facility access often requires prior approval and booking.
In-depth provider comparison table
| Provider | Service Type | Typical Cost | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spare Leash | Platform: visits, walks, house-sitting verified sitters daily updates | ¥50–¥200 per service | Mainland China major cities bilingual support |
| Local kennels (premium) | On-site boarding private suites webcam | ¥150–¥400 per day | City-based varies by facility |
| Trusted house-sitters networks | House-sitting exchange verified sitters long stays | Membership fee sitter exchange model | Global listings including China sitter availability varies |
| Quarantine holdover facilities | Government/airport-approved hold and biosecurity services | Variable higher than standard boarding | Airport/quarantine centers subject to country rules |
Sources: spareleash.com.cn TrustedHousesitters.com.
City-specific notes and examples
Shanghai and Beijing
Both cities have the widest range of options: bilingual platform sitters, premium kennels, and accessible veterinary hospitals.
China-focused pet platforms list many Shanghai and Beijing sitters, with prices reflecting higher urban demand and premium facility options for kennels.
Secondary cities and smaller towns
Options decline in smaller cities; rely on local kennels or ask for a vetted local sitter through expat groups or platform listings.
Trusted global house-sitter networks may have fewer sitters in smaller cities, making advance planning essential.
Quarantine holdover facilities: what travelers need to know
For pets transiting to or through China, or being imported/exported, quarantine rules can include mandatory holding periods, pre-export tests, and government inspections.
Quarantine holdover facilities operate under strict hygiene protocols and may charge additional administrative and testing fees.
Always consult your destination’s official animal import/export guidance and confirm whether the facility is authorized to hold pets for international transits.
During peak travel seasons or when rules change, supply and space at approved facilities can be limited; book well in advance.
Sample timelines for travel that include quarantine holdovers
- 8–12 weeks before travel: start import/export paperwork and microchip checks.
- 3–6 weeks before travel: complete required vaccinations and pre-export tests.
- 1–2 weeks before travel: confirm quarantine holdover booking and finalize transport logistics.
- Day of arrival/transfer: ensure all documentation travels with the animal and that the holdover facility has your contact and vet details.
Handling costs and refunds
Cancellation and refund policies differ widely.
Platform bookings usually have defined cancellation windows; kennels often require deposits.
For quarantine facilities, administrative and testing fees may be non-refundable.
Always request written confirmation of refund policies and keep receipts for all testing and facility fees.
Emergency care and 24/7 support
When using sitters or kennels, request the following in writing:
- Preferred emergency vet contact and who will decide on emergency treatment.
- Written authorization and spending cap for emergency care.
- Regular check-in frequency and how updates will be shared (photo, text, call).
- Clear return and handover procedures for pick-up or repatriation.
How to read and use reviews effectively
- Look for recent reviews (last 12 months) and patterns rather than single-star anomalies.
- Cross-check platform reviews with independent expat forums and local social media groups for a fuller picture.
- Ask providers for references from repeat clients and confirm identities where possible.
- Watch for red flags: lack of photos, refusal to provide references, no clear emergency plan, or ambiguous cancellation/refund policy.
Pros and cons summary
Platform sitters
- Pros: In-home comfort, lower stress for many pets, flexible scheduling, photo updates.
- Cons: Variable quality, vet access may be slower, limited for animals needing intensive medical care.
Kennels
- Pros: 24/7 supervision, structured care, often better for pets needing medical observation.
- Cons: Potential stress from environment, variable standards, higher cost for premium services.
Quarantine holdover facilities
- Pros: Legally compliant for international transit, secure biosecurity controls.
- Cons: Often expensive, bureaucratic, and stressful for some pets due to longer holds and limited social contact.
Practical tips for a smooth handover
- Provide a bag with food, medication, toys, a worn blanket, and a clear written feeding/med schedule.
- Leave a recent photo and emergency contacts, including your vet and an authorized local contact person.
- Walk through and demonstrate any special handling or medication routines during meet-and-greet sessions.
Useful external resources and provider links
- Spare Leash platform: https://spareleash.com.cn/en for verified sitters and pricing examples.
- Trusted Housesitters global listings (house-sitting networks): https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/china/ for sitter profiles and exchange models.
- Expat and local round-ups with curated provider lists and reviews: search local expat forums and city-specific pet groups for up-to-date firsthand reviews and facility recommendations Sapore di Cina.
Final checklist before you leave
- Confirm bookings and payment receipts.
- Reconfirm emergency vet authorization and spending limits.
- Provide clear written care instructions and multiple contact methods.
- Leave copies of all vaccination certificates, health certificates, and import/export paperwork if travel is involved.
Conclusion
Temporary pet boarding and sitter options in China range from affordable platform-based visits to premium kennels and regulated quarantine holdover facilities for international travel.
Each option has trade-offs in cost, oversight, and pet comfort.
Read verified reviews, vet providers carefully, plan for quarantine logistics when travelling internationally, and always confirm emergency protocols and documentation in writing to minimize stress for both you and your pet.
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