Department of Sports, Taipei City Government

Free Rabies Vaccination Tour for Pets in Taipei City's Mountain Communities Begins June 18

The Taipei City Animal Protection Office launched its annual Free Rabies Vaccination Tour for Pets on June 18. Runing through September 4, the program includes 44 vaccination events across Taipei’s mountain communities. Up to 100 free rabies vaccinations are available at each event, and pet owners are encouraged to take advantage of this service to keep their pets protected against rabies.

According to the Animal Protection Office, seven districts of Taipei City, Xinyi, Wenshan, Neihu, Nangang, Shilin, Beitou, and Da’an, are located adjacent to mountain areas. This year, the office will once again partner with local neighborhood offices to bring free rabies vaccination services directly to community residents.

Dogs and cats aged three months and older are eligible to receive vaccinations at the tour events. Pet registration services are also available on site. Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can infect all mammals. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected saliva, usually through bites or open wounds. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. Annual rabies vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease.

The Animal Protection Office will send text-message reminders to pet owners when their pets are due for the annual rabies vaccination. Under Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease, owners who fail to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies every year may face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000.

The Animal Protection Office added that recent rabies cases in Taiwan have mainly been found in wildlife, particularly ferret-badgers and masked palm civets. Since pets may come into contact with wild animals during outdoor activities, the public is urged to follow the rabies prevention principle of “Two Don'ts and One Do”:

Do not touch wild animals. 

Do not abandon pets. 

Do take your dogs and cats for the annual rabies vaccination. 

By following these simple precautions, pet owners can help protect both animal and public health. For more information about rabies prevention and a schedule of free vaccination sessions, please visit TCAPO’s dedicated rabies prevention webpage at: