TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Cats will be included in the mandatory pet registration system in Taiwan starting Jan. 1, 2025, following the rising number of domestic cats in recent years, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) announced on Monday (Dec. 16). However, cat owners will have a one-year grace period to comply with the new regulations.
The ministry emphasized that microchipping and registering pets can significantly increase the chances of reuniting lost cats with their owners. If a registered cat goes missing, scanning the microchip allows authorities to promptly notify the owner. This measure aims to strengthen the management of cats from the source.
The ministry also warned that starting Jan. 1, 2026, owners who fail to register and microchip their cats will face fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$15,000, as stipulated by the "Animal Protection Act" (動物保護法). Owners will have a deadline to comply, and repeated offenses will incur additional penalties. The registration process no longer requires rabies vaccination documentation.
Since 2021, the number of newly registered cats has surpassed that of dogs annually, highlighting the growing popularity of cats as pets. The Ministry of Agriculture reminded owners to complete the microchipping and registration process for their cats without the need for simultaneous rabies vaccination.