Dog license (养犬登记证) — what it is

Shanghai's dog registration certificate — the legal "ID card" every dog in the city needs, and your protection if anything goes wrong.

Updated August 2026 · Registration has been free in recent years; fees have changed over time.

The dog license (养犬登记证, yǎngquǎn dēngjìzhèng) is Shanghai's official dog registration certificate. It ties your dog to a microchip, your address, and the city's pet database — and it's legally required for every dog in the city.

How you get one:

Rabies vaccine + microchip at a licensed vet — they issue the vaccination certificate.
Register via the Suishouban app (养犬登记) or at your local police station, with passport, vaccination certificate and proof of address.
Receive the certificate and carry it (digital copy is fine) when walking the dog.

Why it matters:

Legal: unregistered dogs risk fines and impoundment.
Identity: the chip + certificate is how a lost dog gets home.
Services: vets, boarding, and travel within China ask for it.

Shanghai also bans certain large/aggressive breeds and size limits — check the city's published list before choosing a puppy. Walking rules: leash required, clean up after your dog, and check park rules (many parks ban dogs).