Moving To China (Beijing) with ball

In August I am taking an adventure to live in Beijing for a year. My boyfriend and our pets are coming with us but we could use some advice, guidance... anything anyone could offer really. We are currently living in California and will be *hopefully* flying out of San Francisco. I have a ball python, he is about a year and a half old, his name is Banaunners and my boyfriend has a leopard gecko. Both pets are healthy but I'm more concerned about my python because there seems to be lots of redtape involving pythons. Any information is helpful.

Some things I've been thinking about is if shipping or traveling with our pets is best? Any suggestions on that also welcome.

If you are going to only be gone a year, I would find someone to do some extended pet sitting for you. The risks and problems that may arise are just not worth it.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

If you are going to only be gone a year, I would find someone to do some extended pet sitting for you. The risks and problems that may arise are just not worth it.

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It's definitely something I'm considering. The issues I'm habing, other than finding someone I trust who is willing, is that a year in china could easily evolve into a longer stay. Life is weird and the ultimate goal is moving to china long term. The other problem is that Faust has some medical issues and a gimp foot and we're worried about him in someone else's care. He is very healthy right now but we'd only trust someone experienced.

Have you looked into China's regulations for keeping exotic (foreign) snake species? I'm pretty sure you need a license to own a ball python in China. But don't quote me on that, maybe it's different for non-citizens.

Imo you will need to plan where to reliably get feeders for your ball python. I don't think owning snakes in China is very common like it is here.

I'm assuming you can read chinese:
http://www.vastlaw.com/dongtai/benshuo/2015/07/859.html

Oh hey, I just found this facebook group, 香港球蟒交易分享區. I'm sure they could answer all your questions there very well LOL

https://www.facebook.com/groups/379918378767412/

First you need to find out if you can own a Ball Python as a pet in China.

Second you will have to find a breeder here in the us who can export and is familiar with the CITES.

Proper paperwork and shipping will run you about $1000

Of course when in China you will have to do the same once you plan to return to the US, which means find a trustworthy breeder that can export and is familiar with CITES as well.

You will have to make sure that you can find a food source as well.

Not an easy operation and definitely not a cheap one.

If I was only leaving for a year I would leave my animals in someone's care until I return, and if things changed and I decided to stay (lot of hoops to jump through to live and work legally long term in another country) I would get them shipped to me.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Have you looked into China's regulations for keeping exotic (foreign) snake species? I'm pretty sure you need a license to own a ball python in China. But don't quote me on that, maybe it's different for non-citizens.

Imo you will need to plan where to reliably get feeders for your ball python. I don't think owning snakes in China is very common like it is here.

I'm assuming you can read chinese:
http://www.vastlaw.com/dongtai/benshuo/2015/07/859.html

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I can't read Mandarin, it's a work in progress. It's growing in popularity in china but how legal it is seems to be debated... I am having problems finding a clear answer.

its not legal in china unless you can prove that your animal was produce by a breeding facility licensed by the government, at which point you still have to obtain a keeper's license. Reptiles are growing in popularity in china, many are smuggled in everyday. Even though its illegal its hard to really get caught, there is no real active enforcement unless they are complains.

However because you are trying to get your ball legally across the border and legally back, I would say its a lost cause…..best to look into boarding options

I don't event trust the human food in China, I certainly wouldn't trust that any feeder rodents would be raised on a proper nutritional diet. Your leopard gecko might have a better chance; keeping insectivorous songbirds has been a popular hobby since ancient times, and so good insect feeders will probably be easier to come by.

Have you ever been to Beijing before? Don't want to scare you, but the pollution there is crazy. My sister lives in Shanghai, which isn't nearly as bad, but on a smoggy day you can barely see the buildings across the street. She's been there for a few years now, and can't wait to leave. Once you're living there, you may not want to stay much longer than 1 year.

I'd say board for at least a few months no matter what. Even if you have the opportunity to stay long term and decide to do so, you'll have an easier time getting your snakes over there once you're established, and possibly meet some people over there who can help you through the process.

I would also look for a long-term pet sitter. They can be found, just ask around or keep an eye on your local Facebook reptile forums to get a feel for who has a clue and would be a responsible pet sitter, and who wouldn't.

Heck I'm caring for 10 slithers that aren't even mine at the moment.