TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will begin enforcing mandatory cat registration on Jan. 1, ending a one-year grace period and imposing fines of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000 (US$96–US$480) on owners who fail to register their pets and implant a microchip.
According to the New Taipei Animal Protection Office, the registration process is simple. Owners only need to bring identification documents and their cat to a designated station to complete microchipping and the registration of the owner and pet.
The office cited a recent case involving a cat owner surnamed Liao (廖) in New Taipei’s Xizhi District, who accidentally left his door open, allowing his cat to slip outside. Despite searching the neighborhood, Liao could not locate the animal.
The next day, a passerby found the cat near Renai Road and notified the Animal Protection Office. Staff transported the cat to the Xindian Animal Shelter, where a microchip scan revealed Liao’s contact information. He retrieved his pet shortly afterward.
The office said microchipping significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. It also reminded owners to secure doors and windows, as pets that wander outdoors are at higher risk of traffic accidents or injuries.
Owners can also access the Pet Registration Management Information Network via mobile phone or computer to check their pet’s microchip number. A quick check can also reveal sterilization status and other records at any time.
The office said that “registration, sterilization, and disease prevention” are fundamental responsibilities of pet owners. In addition to regular registration stations, eight public animal shelters also provide registration and microchipping services.
Information on mobile vaccination and registration events will be posted on the office’s website. This will help cat owners stay informed and complete microchipping and vaccinations more conveniently.
The office said that cat registration not only enables lost pets to be quickly returned to their owners but also provides accurate data for animal management. Microchips improve source tracking and help prevent malicious abandonment.
