New Pet Policy Alert: Cat Owners in TW Must Microchip Their Pets

(中央社訊息服務20250708 10:29:50)With over 146,000 cats officially registered nationwide, far surpassing the 86,000 registered dogs, Taiwan is introducing new regulations to strengthen the management of pet cats. Beginning January 1, 2026, all cat owners will be legally required to register their pets and have them microchipped, or face fines of up to NT$15,000. In addition, a new policy taking effect on July 1, 2025, will allow some household cats to be exempt from rabies vaccinations, provided they meet strict safety criteria. The Hualien County Government is actively promoting these changes and urges cat owners to complete the registration process as early as possible.

Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei emphasized that as society evolves and public awareness of animal welfare grows, pet registration and microchipping have become a critical way to establish a “legal identity” for companion animals. “A microchip may be small—a simple string of numbers—but it carries with it a promise of responsibility, a connection to home, and a chance to reunite lost pets with their families,” Hsu said. “It can also help resolve ownership disputes and clarify accountability. We encourage everyone to register their cats promptly and help build a safer, more compassionate community.”

Chen Shu-Wen, Director-General of the Hualien County Agriculture Department, explained that the new policy mandates microchipping and allows, under specific conditions, exemptions from rabies vaccination. However, she cautioned that rabies remains a threat in the region, especially among wildlife such as ferret-badgers, which can pose risks to both pets and humans. “Caring for a cat is no different from caring for a child—regular vaccinations against infectious diseases remain essential,” she said. “When in doubt, pet owners should consult their local veterinarian for professional advice.”

Chou Huang Te-Jung, Director of the Hualien Animal and Plant Disease Control Center, noted that the county has officially revised its rabies vaccination guidelines. Starting July 1, 2025, cats kept exclusively indoors and transported in fully enclosed carriers that prevent any part of the cat’s body from extending or escaping may be exempt from rabies vaccination. The definition of “indoors” includes any enclosed space with a roof or ceiling and barriers that prevent the cat from escaping. However, if an exempted indoor cat becomes lost, the owner will then be required to vaccinate it against rabies in accordance with the Animal Infectious Disease Control Act. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000.

To promote responsible pet ownership, the central government has implemented a one-year grace period for microchip compliance. Until December 31, 2025, owners only need to complete microchipping and registration. Rabies vaccination during this period is optional. However, starting January 1, 2026, failure to register and microchip a cat will be considered a violation of the Animal Protection Act, and owners may be fined between NT$3,000 and NT$15,000.

Contact:
Chou Huang Te-Jung
Director, Hualien County Animal and Plant Disease Control Center
Tel: 03-8227431 ext. 201