It is easy to buy a pet in Beijing and you will encounter hawkers near subway stations or in markets selling puppies out of cardboard boxes. For a less casual transaction, start your search with a qualified veterinarian. Unfortunately, most animals found in pet shops and animal markets are unhealthy. A reputable vet should be able to recommend a licensed breeder or reliable rescue centre. Check postings online at www.thebeijinger.com, as well as noticeboards at expat shops like April Gourmet, Jenny Lou’s, and The Friendship Store to inherit or purchase a pet from a private owner. The Beijing Human & Animal Environmental Education Center (010 6179 1908, www.animalschina.org) is a respected rescue centre where you can adopt older, abandoned pets. At Carepets (010 8677 8529, http://carepets.blog.com.cn) and Beijing Cat (010 6679 6620, www.beijingcat.org) you can adopt stray and abandoned cats. These and other rescue centres vaccinate and spay or neuter their animals. Purebred animals can be found at select pet shops.