Bringing a Pet to TW

Data completeness: 85% · Last updated: April 10, 2026

Can You Bring Your Pet to Taiwan?

Yes, you can import both dogs and cats to Taiwan, but the process is highly regulated. Taiwan is a rabies-free country, which means import requirements are strict to maintain this status. The good news: with proper planning and documentation, your pet can make the move successfully.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from the moment you decide to relocate until your pet arrives in Taiwan.

Key Requirements at a Glance

  • Import permit: Required from Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (30 days lead time)
  • Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard, applied before any vaccinations
  • Rabies vaccination: Required, with titer test proof (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
  • Health certificate: Issued by accredited vet, valid for 10 days
  • Tapeworm treatment: Required for dogs, documented by vet
  • Quarantine: 30 days standard, potentially waived with full compliance
  • Approved entry ports: Taipei Taoyuan International Airport or Kaohsiung International Airport

Step-by-Step Timeline: Working Backwards from Departure

4–5 Months Before Travel

Start here. Contact Taiwan's Council of Agriculture to begin the import permit process. You'll need this permit before your pet can enter the country, and it typically takes 30 days to obtain. Early application prevents last-minute delays.

Simultaneously, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian to review all requirements and plan the vaccination and testing timeline.

3–4 Months Before Travel

If your pet doesn't already have one, have your vet implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. This must be done before any rabies vaccination. The microchip is your pet's permanent identification and is required for entry.

3 Months Before Travel

Schedule your pet's first rabies vaccination. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. After this initial shot, there is a mandatory 21-day waiting period before the vaccine is considered effective for travel purposes.

2.5 Months Before Travel

Once the 21-day waiting period after the first rabies vaccination has passed, schedule a rabies titer test at an approved laboratory. This blood test confirms your pet has developed sufficient rabies antibodies (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). The test must be performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

The titer test is critical—without proof of adequate antibody levels, your pet cannot enter Taiwan.

2 Months Before Travel

Ensure your pet's booster rabies vaccination is current. Boosters are required, and the vaccine must not be older than 12 months at the time of travel.

1 Month Before Travel

Obtain a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian. This document must:

  • Be issued by a licensed, accredited vet in your country of origin
  • Be valid for only 10 days from issuance
  • Be an original document (not a photocopy)
  • Be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for United States, APHA for UK, CFIA for Canada)

Timing tip: Schedule the health certificate appointment for 7–10 days before your departure date to ensure it's still valid when you arrive.

For Dogs: 1 Month Before Travel

Arrange tapeworm treatment with praziquantel. This must be administered by a veterinarian and documented in writing. The treatment window is strict:

  • Minimum: 24 hours before arrival
  • Maximum: 120 hours (5 days) before arrival

Plan this carefully—too early and it won't count; too late and you'll miss the window.

1–2 Weeks Before Travel

Compile all original documents:

  • Import permit from Council of Agriculture
  • Microchip documentation
  • Rabies vaccination certificate(s)
  • Rabies titer test results
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Tapeworm treatment documentation (dogs only)

Make copies of everything and keep originals in a secure folder. Bring both originals and copies to Taiwan.

At Departure

Confirm your pet's airline allows the animal in the cabin or cargo hold. Different airlines have different policies—contact your carrier directly. Popular carriers include British Airways, Air France, Delta, and others.

Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar with ID tags during travel.

Upon Arrival in Taiwan

Your pet will undergo veterinary inspection at the port of entry. Inspections occur at:

  • Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
  • Kaohsiung International Airport

Present all original documents to customs and quarantine officials. Your pet may be held for observation, but with complete documentation, quarantine can often be waived or significantly reduced.

Quarantine Requirements

Taiwan requires a standard 30-day quarantine in an approved facility. However, this is reducible to zero days if all documentation is in perfect order and your pet passes the veterinary inspection.

To maximize your chances of avoiding quarantine:

  • Ensure every document is original and complete
  • Have all certifications properly endorsed by government authorities
  • Arrive with titer test results showing adequate antibody levels
  • Keep documentation organized and easily accessible

Breed Restrictions

Taiwan has breed restrictions for dogs. Specific banned or restricted breeds are not detailed in current publicly available data. Before importing, contact Taiwan's Council of Agriculture to confirm your dog's breed is permitted. This is critical—arriving with a restricted breed could result in denial of entry or forced repatriation.

Cats do not have breed restrictions in Taiwan.

Documents Checklist

  1. Import permit from Council of Agriculture
  2. Microchip implant certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  3. Rabies vaccination certificate(s)
  4. Rabies booster vaccination certificate
  5. Rabies titer test results (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
  6. Health certificate from accredited vet (original, issued within 10 days)
  7. Government endorsement of health certificate
  8. Tapeworm treatment documentation (dogs only)
  9. Airline pet policy confirmation
  10. Copies of all documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying for the import permit too late: The Council of Agriculture needs 30 days minimum. Apply at least 4–5 months before travel.
  • Microchipping after vaccination: The microchip must come first. Vaccinating before microchipping invalidates the timeline.
  • Skipping the titer test: Many people assume vaccination is enough. Taiwan requires proof of antibody levels. Without a titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, entry is denied.
  • Timing the health certificate wrong: It's only valid for 10 days. Issue it too early and it expires before arrival; too late and you won't have time to get it endorsed.
  • Missing the tapeworm treatment window (dogs): 24–120 hours before arrival is narrow. Plan this precisely with your vet.
  • Not confirming breed restrictions: For dogs, verify your breed is allowed before booking travel.
  • Forgetting government endorsement: The health certificate must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority, not just signed by a vet.
  • Arriving at the wrong airport: Only Taipei Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports handle pet imports. Arriving elsewhere will cause serious delays.

Additional Considerations

Taiwan is a rabies-free country, which is why these requirements are so stringent. The government takes disease prevention seriously, and compliance is non-negotiable.

If you're relocating from another country, check that country's export requirements as well—some nations have their own restrictions on pet departures.

For more information on international pet travel, see our documents checklist guide.

Get Professional Help

Pet relocation is complex. Consider working with a professional pet relocation service or your airline's pet services team to ensure nothing is missed.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to streamline the process and receive reminders for each step.


This guide is based on verified data extracted from official government sources as of April 2026. Requirements may change. Always confirm current regulations with Taiwan's Council of Agriculture before finalizing travel plans.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 10, 2026

Microchip

A microchip is required for bringing a pet into TW. Make sure it's implanted before your pet's rabies vaccination, as many countries won't accept the vaccine otherwise.

RequiredYes
Must precede vaccinationYes
ISO standardUnknown

Rabies Vaccination

A current rabies vaccination is mandatory for entering TW with a pet. Plan ahead — there may be a waiting period after vaccination before travel is allowed.

RequiredYes
Waiting period (days)21
Booster requiredYes

Health Certificate

You'll need an official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian to bring your pet to TW. Schedule your vet appointment close to your departure date, as these certificates have a limited validity window.

RequiredYes
Validity (days)10
Government endorsedUnknown

Titer Test (FAVN)

TW requires a rabies titer test (FAVN blood test) proving your pet has adequate antibody levels. This can involve a significant waiting period, so start early.

RequiredYes
Waiting period (days)Unknown

Quarantine

TW enforces a quarantine period for arriving pets. Factor this into your travel plans and budget, as it affects both your pet's comfort and your logistics.

RequiredYes
Duration (days)30

Import Permit

An import permit must be obtained in advance from TW's authorities before your pet can enter. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.

RequiredYes

Breed Restrictions

TW restricts or bans certain dog breeds. If you own a breed commonly classified as dangerous, verify the rules before traveling.

Has breed restrictionsYes

Key Info

Country CodeTW
Data Quality85%
Last VerifiedApril 10, 2026