Official Import Rules
- Taiwan requires an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
- For dogs from rabies-infected countries, the primary rabies vaccination must be given when the dog is at least 90 days old and no less than 90 days before shipment (and no more than 1 year before).
- Booster vaccinations must be given no less than 30 days and no more than 1 year before shipment.
- Only inactivated rabies vaccines are accepted.
- A rabies neutralising antibody titre test (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory is required; blood must be drawn no less than 90 days and no more than 1 year before the shipment date.
- An import permit from APHIA (pet-epermit.aphia.gov.tw) is required — apply at least 20 days before the planned arrival date.
- A government-endorsed health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
- Dogs from rabies-infected countries face a default 7-day post-entry quarantine at a designated facility (reduced from 21 days as of 29 February 2024).
- This 7-day quarantine can be waived if the dog has a passing titre test with blood drawn between 180 days and 1 year before arrival.
- One extra condition must also be met: early permit application, direct authority-to-APHIA titre submission, or direct lab-to-APHIA titre submission.
- If blood was drawn between 90 and 180 days before arrival, the 7-day facility quarantine is still required.
- Dogs from Taiwan's designated rabies-free countries or zones (Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Guam, UK, Sweden, Iceland, Norway excluding Svalbard, Estonia, and Czech Republic) that comply with all relevant regulations require no post-entry quarantine and are released directly after on-site inspection at the port of entry.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Confirm airline pet acceptance, cabin or cargo availability, carrier rules, aircraft limits, and destination entry mode before booking.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
No quarantine (from designated rabies-free countries) or 7 days at facility (from rabies-infected countries, default) or waived (from rabies-infected countries, if quarantine waiver conditions are met)
City & Housing Notes
Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung have excellent vet care. Taiwan is extremely dog-friendly with a booming pet culture. Dog cafes are everywhere. Vet care is high-quality and affordable. Most apartments in urban areas welcome dogs.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Excellent veterinary care at affordable prices. Taipei has world-class veterinary hospitals. 24-hour emergency clinics available. A routine vet visit costs TWD 500–1,500 (~$16–48). Taiwan has a strong animal welfare movement.
Leaving Taiwan With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from an APHIA-approved vet and an export permit. Apply at the local APHIA office at least 7 working days before departure.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taiwan dog-friendly?
Extremely. Taiwan has a passionate dog culture with numerous dog cafes, dog-themed shops, and the famous Houtong Dog Village. Animal welfare laws are strong.
Can I avoid the 7-day facility quarantine if arriving from a rabies-infected country?
Yes, but timing matters. Your dog needs a passing titre test with blood drawn between 180 days and 1 year before arrival. One extra condition must also be met: early permit application, direct authority-to-APHIA titre submission, or direct lab-to-APHIA titre submission. If blood was drawn 90-180 days before arrival, the 7-day facility stay still applies.
Which countries are on Taiwan's rabies-free list?
Taiwan's officially designated rabies-free countries and zones are: Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Guam, UK, Sweden, Iceland, Norway (excluding Svalbard), Estonia, and Czech Republic. Dogs arriving from these places that meet all requirements are released directly after inspection at the port of entry with no quarantine.
Is Taipei good for dog owners?
One of the best cities in Asia for dog owners. Excellent vet care, pet supply stores everywhere, dog cafes on every corner, and a culture that adores dogs.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.