Taipei intensifies rabies vaccination for pets

台北加強寵物狂犬病疫苗接種

Initiatives include random public inspections and follow-up checks on pets with overdue vaccinations


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei City Animal Protection Office said Wednesday that it will step up inspections to ensure pet owners comply with rabies vaccination regulations.

Under the law, pet owners must vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies annually. Failure to comply may result in fines from NT$30,000 (US$913) to NT$150,000, per CNA.

Rabies, a disease transmissible between animals and humans, has an extremely high fatality rate once symptoms appear, according to the TCAPO. In Taiwan, cases are detected each year in wild animals such as ferret badgers and masked palm civets.

While recent outbreaks have shifted to Miaoli County, authorities urge the public to remain cautious.

Last year, the TCAPO investigated 923 suspected cases of unvaccinated pets, including 644 dogs and 279 cats. Seven pet owners received fines of NT$30,000 each for overdue vaccinations, as they were first-time offenders.

To enhance rabies prevention efforts, officials plan to conduct more frequent inspections this year, including random checks in public spaces. They will also send vaccination reminders via messages, post, and phone calls.

Pets overdue for vaccinations will be subject to further checks. Owners in breach of the law will be fined.

To encourage compliance, the city will host a free rabies vaccination event at Daan Forest Park on March 15, inviting pet owners to bring their pets for immunization.

Authorities stress the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals, not abandoning pets, and ensuring dogs and cats receive timely rabies vaccinations to safeguard both animal and public health.