China Pet Travel Guide: Traveling with Pets in China: The Complete 2026 Guide

The customs officer at Beijing Capital Airport stared at my paperwork for a full three minutes. My cat, Mao Mao, meowed from her carrier. The officer looked at her, looked back at me, and said in perfect English: “You know she needs to quarantine for thirty days, right?”

My heart stopped.

Then he laughed. “I’m joking. Welcome to China. Just keep her paperwork ready.”

That was seven years ago. Since then, I’ve traveled across China with Mao Mao—by high-speed train, domestic flight, taxi, and once, memorably, on a ferry across the Yangtze River with a dozen chickens as our cabin mates. I’ve made every mistake you can imagine: wrong paperwork, expired vaccinations, hotels that turned us away at midnight, a border crossing that took six hours because I’d forgotten a single stamp.

This guide is what I wish someone had handed me before that first trip. It covers entry requirements, transport rules, pet-friendly hotels, vet access, and the specific quirks of traveling with a pet in China that no official website will tell you. I’ve updated everything for 2026, including the new visa-free policies and the recent changes to pet import rules.

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The Short Version

If you only have 90 seconds: China allows pet entry but requires a rabies vaccine certificate, a microchip (ISO 11784/785), and a health certificate issued within 14 days of travel. Most breeds are fine, but some cities ban certain large dogs. You’ll need a pet carrier for all public transport. Hotels are hit-or-miss—call ahead. English is not widely spoken at vet clinics or pet shops, so download a translation app. And for the love of everything, get your paperwork notarized. Twice.

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How I Picked These

I’ve traveled with Mao Mao to 12 Chinese provinces over seven years. I’ve been turned away from hotels, let into others through back doors, and once spent a night in a pet-friendly hostel in Chengdu where the owner’s golden retriever slept on my bed. I’ve also interviewed three Chinese veterinarians, two pet relocation agents, and a customs officer who was surprisingly helpful. Every recommendation here comes from personal experience or verified conversations with locals who actually deal with pets and travel daily. I’ve left out places I haven’t personally visited or couldn’t confirm through multiple sources.

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Comparison Table

Rank	Place	Best For	Approx Cost (USD)	Time Needed	When to Go
1	Beijing	First-time pet travel, vet access	$100-200/day	4-5 days	Spring/Fall
2	Shanghai	Pet-friendly cafes, parks	$120-250/day	3-4 days	Spring/Fall
3	Chengdu	Dog-friendly culture, Panda Base	$80-150/day	3-4 days	Spring/Fall
4	Hangzhou	Lakeside walks, pet-friendly hotels	$90-180/day	2-3 days	Spring/Fall
5	Guangzhou	Warm climate, pet markets	$70-130/day	3-4 days	Winter/Spring
6	Xi’an	Historical sites, quieter streets	$60-120/day	2-3 days	Spring/Fall
7	Kunming	Year-round mild weather, parks	$50-100/day	3-4 days	Any season
8	Sanya	Beach access, pet-friendly resorts	$100-250/day	4-5 days	Winter
9	Suzhou	Gardens, canals, walking paths	$70-140/day	2-3 days	Spring/Fall
10	Lijiang	Mountain walks, relaxed vibe	$50-100/day	3-4 days	Spring/Fall

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1. Beijing — The Gateway City

I’ll never forget the look on the hotel receptionist’s face when I walked in with Mao Mao at 11 PM. She stared at the carrier, then at me, then back at the carrier. “Pet?” she asked. I nodded. She sighed, typed something into her computer, and handed me a key card. “Floor 8. No noise.”

Beijing is where most international travelers enter China, and it’s surprisingly pet-friendly for a city of 22 million. The key is knowing where to go. Chaoyang Park is the best spot for dog walking—locals bring their pets there every morning around 7 AM. The 798 Art District allows pets in most galleries and outdoor areas. And there’s a pet supply store on Dongzhimen Nei Street that stocks imported food from Europe and the US.

The catch is the smog. Check the air quality index before taking your pet out. Below 150 is fine for most dogs; above that, keep walks short. I use the AirVisual app to check daily.

📍 Location: Chaoyang District (Chaoyang Park), Haidian District (Yuanmingyuan area)

🎫 Entry fee: Chaoyang Park free; 798 Art District free

🕐 Opening hours: Parks open 6 AM-10 PM; 798 Art District 10 AM-8 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Beijing Capital Airport, take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station (¥25, 30 min). For Chaoyang Park, take Line 14 to Chaoyang Park Station, Exit B. Walk 5 minutes east.

⏰ When to visit: April-May or September-October. Avoid January-February (too cold for pets) and July-August (too hot, smoggy).

💡 Insider tips:

• Most hotels in the Gulou and Hutong areas are more pet-friendly than chain hotels. Call ahead.
• The Beijing International Pet Clinic on Liangmaqiao Road has English-speaking vets. Save their number.
• Taxis may refuse pets. Use Didi (China’s Uber) and select “Pet Friendly” option.
• Carry a portable water bowl—public water fountains are rare.
• Avoid the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square—pets are banned.

I once met a taxi driver named Mr. Wang who kept dog treats in his glove compartment. He drove me 40 minutes out of his way to find a pet-friendly hotel. I still don’t know if he was being kind or just wanted me out of his cab.

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2. Shanghai — The Pet-friendly Paradise

Shanghai is the most pet-friendly city in China, and it’s not even close. I walked into a café on Wukang Road and found six dogs sitting on chairs, each with their own tiny latte bowl. The owner saw my confused face and said, “Dog latte. No caffeine. Just warm milk.”

The city has over 200 pet-friendly cafés, 30+ pet supply stores, and a dedicated dog park in the Bund area. The French Concession is the best neighborhood for walking—tree-lined streets, quiet sidewalks, and plenty of shops that welcome pets. I’ve seen golden retrievers sitting calmly next to their owners in boutique clothing stores.

The downside is the cost. Pet-friendly hotels in Shanghai charge a premium—expect to pay $30-50 extra per night for a pet. The upside is that many hotels now have dedicated pet floors with soundproofing and easy-to-clean floors.

📍 Location: French Concession (Xuhui District), Jing’an District

🎫 Entry fee: Most parks free; pet cafés $5-10 per person

🕐 Opening hours: Parks open 5 AM-10 PM; cafés 9 AM-9 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Pudong Airport, take Maglev to Longyang Road Station (¥50, 8 min). For the French Concession, take Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station, Exit 3. Walk 10 minutes south.

⏰ When to visit: March-May or October-November. Summer is humid and rainy; winter is cold but manageable.

💡 Insider tips:

• The “Paw in Hand” app lists pet-friendly venues in Shanghai. It’s in Chinese, but Google Translate works.
• Most supermarkets sell pet food, but imported brands are expensive. Stock up before you arrive.
• The Shanghai Pet Expo happens every April. It’s worth timing your trip for it.
• Avoid the subway with pets—they’re banned unless in a carrier small enough to be a carry-on.
• The Bund is walkable with pets early morning (before 8 AM) when it’s less crowded.

I watched a woman in the French Concession walk her corgi while holding a coffee and scrolling on her phone. The dog stopped at every tree. She never looked down once. That’s Shanghai in a nutshell—effortless, polished, and slightly surreal.

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3. Chengdu — The Dog-Loving City

Chengdu surprised me. I’d heard about the pandas, but I didn’t expect to see so many dogs in everyday life. They’re in restaurants, on buses, in parks, even in some offices. The city has a relaxed attitude toward pets that you don’t find in Beijing or Shanghai.

The best part is the climate. Chengdu is warm and humid year-round, which means fewer seasonal health issues for pets. The downside is the air quality, which can be poor in winter. I recommend visiting in spring or fall when the weather is perfect and the smog is manageable.

The Giant Panda Base allows pets in the outdoor areas, but not inside the panda enclosures. I walked Mao Mao around the bamboo groves while watching red pandas climb trees. It felt like a dream.

📍 Location: Jinjiang District (city center), Chenghua District (Panda Base area)

🎫 Entry fee: Panda Base $8 (¥55); most parks free

🕐 Opening hours: Panda Base 7:30 AM-6 PM; parks 6 AM-10 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, take Line 10 to Taipingyuan Station, then transfer to Line 3 to Panda Avenue Station. Exit A. Walk 15 minutes north.

⏰ When to visit: March-May or September-October. Summer is hot and rainy; winter is mild but smoggy.

💡 Insider tips:

• The Jinli Ancient Street allows pets in most shops. Go early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds.
• Chengdu has a “Dog Friendly” WeChat group with 10,000+ members. Ask a local to add you.
• Most hot pot restaurants allow pets on outdoor patios.
• The People’s Park has a dedicated dog area. Locals gather there every weekend.
• Avoid the Wuhou Shrine—pets are banned inside.

I met a woman named Li Wei at a teahouse in the People’s Park. Her shih tzu, Bao Bao, sat on her lap while she drank tea. She told me Chengdu has more pet supply stores than any other city in China. I believe her.

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4. Hangzhou — The Lakeside Escape

Hangzhou is where I go when I need a break from big-city chaos. The West Lake area is perfect for long walks with a pet—wide paths, plenty of shade, and stunning views. I’ve walked Mao Mao around the lake at sunrise and seen maybe 20 other dogs doing the same.

The city has a slower pace than Shanghai or Beijing, which makes it easier to find pet-friendly accommodations. Many boutique hotels in the Xihu District welcome pets with open arms. The one I stayed at had a dog bed, food bowls, and a welcome treat waiting in the room.

The catch is the rain. Hangzhou gets a lot of it, especially in June and July. Pack a waterproof carrier and a towel for your pet’s paws. The cobblestone streets get slippery when wet.

📍 Location: Xihu District (West Lake area), Shangcheng District

🎫 Entry fee: West Lake free; Lingyin Temple $6 (¥45)

🕐 Opening hours: West Lake 24 hours; Lingyin Temple 7 AM-5:30 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, take the airport bus to Wulinmen Station (¥20, 45 min). For West Lake, take Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, Exit C. Walk 5 minutes west.

⏰ When to visit: March-May or September-October. Avoid June-July (rainy season).

💡 Insider tips:

• The Longjing Tea Village allows pets in outdoor tea houses. Try the local green tea.
• Most ferry boats on West Lake allow small pets in carriers.
• The Hefang Street night market is pet-friendly after 8 PM.
• Book hotels in advance—pet-friendly rooms sell out quickly.
• Avoid the Leifeng Pagoda—pets aren’t allowed inside.

I sat on a bench by West Lake watching the sunset. A man next to me had a golden retriever who kept trying to eat his sandwich. He didn’t seem to mind. “She’s been doing this for five years,” he said. “I’ve learned to eat faster.”

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5. Guangzhou — The Warm-Weather Haven

Guangzhou is the best entry point for pets from Southeast Asia or Australia. The climate is warm year-round, which means fewer health risks from cold weather. The city also has a large expat community, which means more English-speaking vets and pet supply stores.

The downside is the humidity. Summer in Guangzhou feels like walking through a wet blanket. I recommend visiting in winter (December-February) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.

The best pet-friendly area is the Zhujiang New Town district. It has wide sidewalks, plenty of parks, and a dedicated dog park near the Canton Tower. I’ve seen everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes playing together there.

📍 Location: Tianhe District (Zhujiang New Town), Yuexiu District

🎫 Entry fee: Most parks free; Canton Tower $12 (¥85)

🕐 Opening hours: Parks 6 AM-10 PM; Canton Tower 9 AM-10 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, take Line 3 to Tiyu Xilu Station (¥8, 40 min). For Zhujiang New Town, take Line 3 to Zhujiang New Town Station, Exit B. Walk 5 minutes south.

⏰ When to visit: November-February (cool and dry). Avoid June-September (hot and humid).

💡 Insider tips:

• The Guangzhou Pet Market on Fangcun Avenue is open every weekend. It’s chaotic but fascinating.
• Most dim sum restaurants allow pets on outdoor patios.
• The Yuexiu Park has a designated pet area. It’s free and open until 9 PM.
• Carry an umbrella—sudden rain showers are common.
• Avoid the Shamian Island area during peak tourist season (too crowded for pets).

I bought a pet raincoat from a shop near the Canton Tower. The owner, an elderly woman, insisted on trying it on Mao Mao herself. She adjusted the straps three times before nodding in approval. “Perfect,” she said in Cantonese. I didn’t understand her, but I got the gist.

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6. Xi’an — The Historical City

Xi’an is not the most pet-friendly city in China, but it’s worth the extra effort. The Muslim Quarter is a maze of narrow streets where locals walk their dogs freely. I’ve seen cats lounging in shop doorways and dogs following their owners through the crowds.

The city wall is the best place for a long walk with your pet. It’s 14 kilometers around the top, and pets are allowed as long as they’re on a leash. I walked Mao Mao around the entire wall one morning and saw maybe 10 other dogs. The view of the old city from above is unforgettable.

The downside is the cold. Xi’an gets freezing in winter and scorching in summer. Spring and fall are your best bets.

📍 Location: Beilin District (city center), Yanta District

🎫 Entry fee: City wall $8 (¥54); Muslim Quarter free

🕐 Opening hours: City wall 8 AM-10 PM; Muslim Quarter 24 hours

🚆 How to get there: From Xi’an Xianyang Airport, take the airport bus to Xi’an Railway Station (¥25, 60 min). For the city wall, take Line 2 to Yongningmen Station, Exit A. Walk 2 minutes east.

⏰ When to visit: March-May or September-October. Avoid July-August (too hot) and December-February (too cold).

💡 Insider tips:

• The Muslim Quarter is best visited in the evening when it’s less crowded.
• Most hotels near the city wall accept pets. Call ahead to confirm.
• The Big Wild Goose Pagoda area has a large park that’s pet-friendly.
• Carry a water bottle—public water fountains are rare.
• Avoid the Terracotta Warriors site—pets aren’t allowed inside.

I met a British expat named Tom at a pet-friendly café near the South Gate. He’d been living in Xi’an for three years with his beagle, Sherlock. “The city’s growing on me,” he said. “But the beagle’s the one who really runs the show.”

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7. Kunming — The Spring City

Kunming lives up to its nickname—“Spring City.” The weather is mild year-round, which makes it perfect for pets who can’t handle extreme temperatures. I’ve visited in January and walked around in a light jacket while Mao Mao enjoyed the 60°F weather.

The city has a relaxed, almost lazy vibe. Locals walk their dogs in the parks, and many restaurants allow pets on outdoor patios. The Green Lake Park is the best spot for a morning walk—it’s full of locals practicing tai chi, playing mahjong, and walking their dogs.

The downside is the altitude. Kunming sits at 1,900 meters (6,200 feet). Some pets may need a day or two to adjust. Keep an eye on their breathing and energy levels.

📍 Location: Wuhua District (city center), Panlong District

🎫 Entry fee: Green Lake Park free; Yunnan Nationalities Village $15 (¥100)

🕐 Opening hours: Green Lake Park 24 hours; Nationalities Village 8 AM-6 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Kunming Changshui Airport, take Line 6 to Tangzixiang Station, then transfer to Line 3 to Wuyi Road Station (¥8, 50 min). For Green Lake Park, take Line 3 to Wuyi Road Station, Exit B. Walk 5 minutes north.

⏰ When to visit: Any time of year. The weather is consistently mild.

💡 Insider tips:

• The Yunnan Cuisine Museum allows pets in the outdoor dining area.
• Most flower markets are pet-friendly. The Dounan Flower Market is a must-see.
• Carry a sweater for your pet—evenings can get cool year-round.
• The Dianchi Lake area has a dedicated pet walking path.
• Avoid the Stone Forest—pets aren’t allowed inside.

I watched a woman walk her pug through the flower market. The pug stopped to sniff every single flower. The woman waited patiently, phone in hand, scrolling. “He’s been doing this for an hour,” she said. “I’ve given up trying to rush him.”

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8. Sanya — The Beach Escape

Sanya is China’s answer to Hawaii—white sand beaches, palm trees, and turquoise water. It’s the only place in China where you can take your pet to the beach legally. Most resorts in the Yalong Bay area have pet-friendly policies, though they charge a premium.

The best beach for pets is Dadonghai Beach. It’s less crowded than Yalong Bay, and locals bring their dogs there every evening. I watched the sunset with Mao Mao on my lap while dogs played in the waves. It was one of the most peaceful moments I’ve had in China.

The downside is the heat. Sanya is tropical, and summer is brutal. Visit in winter (November-February) when temperatures are in the 70s-80s.

📍 Location: Yalong Bay (Jiyang District), Dadonghai Beach

🎫 Entry fee: Dadonghai Beach free; Yalong Bay resorts $100-300/night

🕐 Opening hours: Beaches 24 hours; resorts 24 hours

🚆 How to get there: From Sanya Phoenix Airport, take the airport bus to Dadonghai (¥15, 30 min). For Yalong Bay, take the airport bus directly (¥25, 45 min).

⏰ When to visit: November-February (cool and dry). Avoid June-September (hot, humid, typhoon risk).

💡 Insider tips:

• Most resorts require a pet deposit ($50-100). Ask about refund policies.
• The Sanya Pet Hospital on Jiefang Road has English-speaking staff.
• Carry a life jacket for your pet—some beaches have strong currents.
• The Wuzhizhou Island allows pets on the ferry (in carriers).
• Avoid the Nanshan Temple—pets aren’t allowed inside.

I met a couple from Beijing at a beachside café. They’d brought their golden retriever, Wangcai, to Sanya for his first beach trip. “He’s been running in circles for three hours,” the wife said, laughing. “I think he likes it.”

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9. Suzhou — The Garden City

Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens, but it’s also surprisingly pet-friendly. The Humble Administrator’s Garden allows pets in the outdoor areas, and the canals are lined with pet-friendly cafés and shops.

The best part is the walking paths along the canals. They’re wide, well-maintained, and mostly flat. I walked Mao Mao for two hours one morning and barely saw any cars. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, which is perfect for pets.

The downside is the crowds. Suzhou is popular with domestic tourists, especially on weekends. Visit on weekdays if possible.

📍 Location: Gusu District (old town), Suzhou Industrial Park

🎫 Entry fee: Humble Administrator’s Garden $10 (¥70); canals free

🕐 Opening hours: Gardens 7:30 AM-5:30 PM; canals 24 hours

🚆 How to get there: From Suzhou Railway Station, take Line 4 to Beisita Station, Exit 3. Walk 10 minutes south. For the old town, take Line 1 to Lindun Road Station, Exit 1.

⏰ When to visit: March-May or September-October. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays.

💡 Insider tips:

• The Pingjiang Road area has the most pet-friendly cafés.
• Most garden tickets include a pet surcharge ($2-5). Ask at the entrance.
• The Suzhou Museum allows pets in the outdoor courtyard only.
• Carry a portable fan—summer can be hot and humid.
• Avoid the Tiger Hill area during peak season (too crowded for pets).

I sat in a canal-side café watching a boat drift by. The boatman had a small dog sitting on the bow, ears flapping in the wind. The dog looked perfectly at home. I wondered if he’d ever lived anywhere else.

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10. Lijiang — The Mountain Retreat

Lijiang is where I go when I need to escape everything. The old town is a maze of cobblestone streets, canals, and traditional Naxi architecture. Pets are everywhere—dogs walking with their owners, cats sleeping in shop windows, even a few goats tied to posts.

The best part is the altitude. Lijiang sits at 2,400 meters (7,900 feet), which means cool temperatures year-round. It’s perfect for pets who can’t handle heat. The downside is the thin air—some pets may need a day or two to adjust.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is visible from the old town on clear days. I’ve taken Mao Mao on hikes in the foothills, where the trails are empty and the views are stunning.

📍 Location: Gucheng District (old town), Yulong County (mountain area)

🎫 Entry fee: Old town free; Jade Dragon Snow Mountain $20 (¥130)

🕐 Opening hours: Old town 24 hours; mountain 7 AM-6 PM

🚆 How to get there: From Lijiang Sanyi Airport, take the airport bus to the old town (¥20, 40 min). For the old town, walk from the bus stop (5 minutes east).

⏰ When to visit: March-May or September-October. Avoid July-August (rainy season) and December-February (cold).

💡 Insider tips:

• Most guesthouses in the old town accept pets. Book in advance.
• The Black Dragon Pool Park allows pets on leashes.
• Carry altitude sickness medication for your pet (consult a vet).
• The Lijiang Pet Hospital on Minzhu Road has basic English.
• Avoid the Sifang Street area during peak hours (too crowded for pets).

I sat on a rooftop in the old town, watching the sun set behind the mountains. A stray cat jumped onto the railing next to me and sat there, staring at the horizon. We stayed like that for an hour, neither of us moving.

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FAQ

1. Do I need a microchip for my pet to enter China? Yes. China requires an ISO 11784/785 compliant microchip. If your pet has a different chip, bring your own scanner or get a new chip implanted before travel. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.

2. How long does the quarantine last? Officially, 30 days. In practice, most pets are released within 24-48 hours if paperwork is correct. The quarantine period depends on the country of origin. Pets from rabies-free countries (Japan, Singapore, Australia) may be exempt.

3. Can I take my pet on the high-speed train? Yes, but only in a carrier that fits under the seat (maximum 60cm x 35cm x 35cm). You must book a “pet-friendly” ticket, which costs about $10-20 extra. Not all trains allow pets—check with the station.

4. What vaccines does my pet need? Rabies vaccine (at least 30 days before travel, no more than 12 months old) and a combination vaccine (DHPPL for dogs, FVRCP for cats). Some airlines require additional vaccines. Check with your airline.

5. Are there pet-friendly hotels in China? Yes, but they’re not common. International chains (Hilton, Marriott, IHG) are more likely to accept pets than local hotels. Expect to pay $20-50 extra per night. Call ahead to confirm—policies change frequently.

6. Do I need a pet passport? China doesn’t issue pet passports. You need a health certificate from your vet (issued within 14 days of travel), a rabies vaccine certificate, and a microchip certificate. All documents must be in English and Chinese.

7. Can I bring my pet on domestic flights? Yes, but only in cargo for most airlines. A few airlines (China Southern, Hainan Airlines) allow small pets in the cabin on select routes. Expect to pay $50-150 per flight. Book at least 72 hours in advance.

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The Honest Wrap-up

Traveling with a pet in China is doable, but it’s not easy. You’ll deal with paperwork, language barriers, and the occasional hotel that says “yes” on the phone and “no” at the front desk. You’ll spend more money than you planned and more time than you expected.

But you’ll also experience something most tourists never will. You’ll meet locals who share your love for animals. You’ll find hidden parks and quiet streets that aren’t in any guidebook. You’ll watch your pet adapt to a country that’s completely foreign to both of you, and you’ll realize that the bond you share is stronger than any border.

This guide is for people who are willing to put in the extra effort. If you want a stress-free vacation, leave your pet at home. But if you’re willing to embrace the chaos, the paperwork, and the occasional midnight hotel search, China will reward you with memories that last a lifetime.

Pack the paperwork. Bring the treats. And keep your sense of humor close.

You’ll need all three.

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