How do you bring a pet to Taiwan in 2026?

Dogs and cats need a functioning microchip that matches every certificate. Rabies vaccination must use an inactivated vaccine or one APHIA lists as approved for Taiwan, given when the animal is at least 90 days old, and timed so the shot falls within the 30-day to 1-year window before import (primary shots from rabies-risk origins can carry longer waiting rules; read the live APHIA sheet for your case). Apply for the dog or cat import quarantine permit on APHIA's e-permit portal well ahead of travel; incomplete packs stall at Guanyin or Pingtung, not at the airline desk.

APHIA treats Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Guam, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Iceland, Norway (except Svalbard), Estonia, and the Czech Republic as rabies-free origins with a lighter pack. From other countries, you also need a rabies neutralizing antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml from a WOAH reference or APHIA-designated laboratory, with blood sampled in the 90-day to 1-year window before arrival. Pit bull type dogs remain banned from import under Ministry of Agriculture notices. Confirm the current official checklist on aphia.gov.tw before you book crates.

Designated entry points on the e-permit form include Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE), Taipei Songshan (TSA), Taichung (RMQ), and Kaohsiung (KHH). Present the animal and original veterinary certificate at the APHIA quarantine counter. Standard post-entry quarantine for dogs and cats from rabies-risk origins is 7 days at an assigned premise: Guanyin Inspection Station for TPE, TSA, Taipei Port, or Taichung arrivals, and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology for Kaohsiung arrivals. APHIA can waive detention when titre timing and permit lead times meet the published waiver routes (including early permit filing or direct lab transmission of results). Shipping from airport to quarantine premise is a separate published fee schedule; check the live APHIA fare sheet rather than guessing a number.

After release, register with a local veterinarian and learn leash habits in parks around living in Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung. Finish human stay documents in parallel: Paperwork after moving and Apply for a residence permit.