Bringing your pet (only cats and dogs are permitted) to China is possible but the quarantine procedure is complex. Accompanied by a set of original documentation including health and rabies vaccination certificates, your pet must go through a 30-day quarantine period supervised by the entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities.

With one passport you can bring only one pet. The quarantine service costs at least 2,000 yuan (US$250) and after your pet has been given a clean bill of health you should register it at a local police department under the name of a local Chinese resident. You'll need to seek assistance from a trusted local person to accomplish the task. 

Buy or adopt
 
You may also buy or adopt animals here. If you wish to purchase an animal, many are available at local pet markets. You should choose only licensed and vaccinated animals. Otherwise you may see the one you've selected become unwell because it has been kept alive with injections. You can also adopt a pet from local animal aid organizations.

All the dogs, whether imported or locally bred, must be registered in accordance with the law. If not they may be caught by local police and "put down" to protect people from attacks and rabies. Walking dogs is prohibited in public squares or main streets of the city. Dogs are also not allowed to enter markets, stores, business districts, hotels, parks, schools, hospitals, movie theaters, gymnasiums and waiting rooms. They're also barred from public transport.  

(Shanghai Daily November 8, 2006)