A: An import permit for dogs or cats from animal quarantine authority at the port of entry should be applied at least 20 days prior to shipment.

Q2: How much does it cost to apply a dog/cat import permit?

A: It’s free.

Q3: Is it necessary to solicit a customs broker to apply an import permit?

A: Not necessarily. Applicants can apply for the permit by themselves. Applications by e-mail or fax are also acceptable.

Q4: How to apply an import permit if you want to carry dogs/cats into Taiwan through Kaohsiung International Airport?

A: Please contact Kaohsiung Branch, APHIA, by telephone.

(TEL: 886-7-9720200, 886-7-8057790)

Q5: Is there an easier way to apply a dog/cat import permit?

A: For your convenience, please send all documents by e-mail, or fax.

E-mail: kh0701@khaphia.gov.tw

Fax: 886-7-8068427

Q6: Where can I get the dog/cat import application form?

A: Please download the application form at the APHIA website (Home > Animal > Dogs/Cats Import Quarantine Application Form)

Q7: What documents do I need in order to apply for a dog/cat import permit?

A: Applicants need to submit an application and the following documents:

1. Rabies vaccination certificate issued by a veterinarian of exporting country and certifying vaccination by inactivated vaccines.

2. A copy of passport or identification card of the importer.

3. Report of neutralization antibody titration test for rabies antibody which shall be at least 0.5IU/ml and tested by of the World Organization for Animal Health or laboratories designated by the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine with the blood sampling date no less than 90 days and no more than 1 years prior to shipment (applicable to the dog or cat from rabies-infected country).The rabies vaccination certificate shall be in Chinese, English or bilingual language and stated the breed, sex, age, microchip number, date of rabies vaccination.

Q8: When should sera samples be taken from dogs/cats after rabies vaccination?

A: It depends on the rabies vaccination taken by dogs/cats. Please contact your veterinarian before taking the sera samples.

Q9: What are the current rabies-free countries?

A: Rabies-free country: According to the latest promulgation of Council of Agriculture, Japan, United Kingdom, Sweden, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Norway (not including the archipelago of Svalbard), State of Hawaii and Territory of Guam of the United States of America, Singapore and Estonia are recognized as Rabies-free countries. Countries that are not listed here are considered Rabies-infected countries. Applicants may log on to the website for the latest news.

Q10: Should the post-entry quarantine space be arranged prior to the dog/cat import?

A: The quarantine space will be arranged after the application is permitted. Applicants may check the date and the location of the quarantine on the permit.

Q11: What are the required vaccinations?

A: The dog or cat to be imported shall have been vaccinated with inactivated vaccines against rabies prior to shipment in accordance with the followings:

The dog or cat from rabies-infected countries shall be vaccinated, in the case of a primary vaccination, at the age of at least 90 days old, and the period between the day of vaccination and the day of shipment shall be no less than 90 days and no more than one year. In the case of a booster vaccination, the period between the day of vaccination and the day of shipment shall be no less than 30 days and no more than one year.

The dog or cat from rabies-free countries shall have been vaccinated when at the age of at least 90 days old; and the period between the day of vaccination and the day of shipment shall be no less than 30 days and no more than one year.

Q12: How long will it take to process an import permit?

A: After the APHIA, Kaohsiung Branch officials get the application, they will issue the import permit as soon as possible.

Q13: What will happen if dog/cat owners with the dog/cat arrive at the airport without the import permit?

A: For the dog/cat without import permit, it shall be re-exported or destroyed.

Q14: Can applicant alter the date of import after getting the import permit?

A: If the scheduled date of entry has to be changed after the import permit is issued, the importer shall submit an application with a copy of the original import permit and apply to the original issuance authority for the change within 20 days before the expiry of the original import permit.

Q15: What will happen if the dog /cat imported from rabies-free countries is transshipped through rabies-infected countries?

A: If the dog or cat is transshipped through rabies-infected countries, it shall be re-exported, destroyed or detained at the designated post-entry quarantine premise for 7 days.

Q16: Is there a limitation upon the number of dogs/cats imported to Taiwan?

A: No. However, if the dog/cat is imported from rabies-infected countries, applicants should check with the APHIA, Kaohsiung Branch officials first for the post-entry quarantine space.

Q17: Should an imported dog/cat be implanted with a microchip?

A: Positive.

Q18: Does the applicant have to accompany the dog/cat to Taiwan?

A: Not necessarily.

Q19: How can we carry dogs/cats to Taiwan and what are the expenses?

A: Dogs/cats can be carried by passengers via air cargo or carry-on. Please check the expenses with the airlines.

Q20: If I want to import dog/cat from rabies-infected countries, where can the neutralization antibody titration test of dogs/cats be taken?

A: Report of neutralization antibody titration test for rabies antibody which shall be at least 0.5IU/ml and tested by of the World Organization for Animal Health or laboratories designated by the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine with the blood sampling date no less than 90 days and no more than 1 years prior to shipment (applicable to the dog or cat from rabies-infected country).

Q21: How to ensure the dog/cat’s health during the shipment?

A: Please contact your veterinarian before the shipment.

Q22: Is there any limitation of the age of dog/cat when shipping into Taiwan?

A: The dog/cat shall be at least 90 days old.

Q23: What documents does the importer need in order to apply the quarantine inspection when the dog/cat arrives at the Kaohsiung International Airport?

A: On the arrival of the dog or cat at the port of entry, the importer shall apply to the animal quarantine authority for quarantine inspection and submit the import permit, original veterinary certificate issued by the animal quarantine authority of exporting country, and the bill of lading or custom declaration form. Dogs/cats without an original veterinary certificate issued by the animal quarantine authority of exporting country shall be re-exported or destroyed.

Q24: What documents does the importer need in order to re-import dogs/cats that have been exported from Taiwan to rabies-free countries for less than 6 months?

A:

1.For the dog or cat that has been exported from Taiwan to rabies-free countries for less than 6 months to be re-imported, the importer shall apply for an import permit and submit an application with the following documents to Kaohsiung Airport Inspection Station of Kaohsiung Branch or Hsinchu Branch:

(1) A copy of export veterinary certificate issued from the Branch of Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine.

(2) A copy of passport or identification card of the importer.

(3) The I.D. for registered pet of the dog (in the case of re-importing dog).

2. The importer shall apply for quarantine inspection on arrival of the dog or cat. The veterinary certificate accompanied with the re-imported dog or cat shall be in Chinese, English or bilingual language and include statement the following information:

(1) Breed, sex, age, and color of the dog or cat, and date of the vaccination against rabies.

(2) Microchip number of the dogs or cats.

(3) The dog or cat has not been to the third country since it arrived in this country.

Q25: Is the neutralization antibody titration test required if the importer want to re-import dogs/cats that have been exported from Taiwan to rabies-free countries for less than 6 months?

A: If the dog/cat was exported to rabies-free countries, and has not been to the third country since it arrived in this country, no neutralization antibody titration test is required. If the dog/cat was exported to rabies-infected countries, neutralization antibody titration tests are required.

Q26: Is quarantine required if the report of neutralization antibody titration test for rabies antibody is at least 0.5 IU/ml?

A: Yes. Quarantine is required for all dogs/cats imported from rabies-infected countries.

Q27: What are the choices of the post-entry quarantine premises?

A: For dogs/cats entering via CKS airport, quarantine premise at Animal and Plant Quarantine Center and National Chung Hsing University is available. For dogs/cats entering via Kaohsiung airport, quarantine premise at National PingTung University of Science and Technology is available.

Q28: After arriving the Kaohsiung International Airport, can dogs/cats be transported to the designated post-entry quarantine premise immediately?

A: If the dog/cat arrives the airport before 15:00 during the week, it will be transported to the designated post-entry quarantine premise immediately. If the dog/cat arrives the airport after 15:00 or after National PingTung University of Science and Technology office hours, it will be detained at the airport or at the air cargo terminal for the moment.

Q29: What are the transportation expenses?

A: Applicants shall provide or pay for the transportation vehicles. The APHIA, Kaohsiung Branch officials will accompany applicants and the dog/cat to the designated post-entry quarantine premise.

Q30: Should owners prepare food for dogs/cats during quarantine?

A: Not necessarily. If pet owners want to prepare food for dogs/cats, they can send the food to the quarantine premise.

Q31: Is there any possible way to shorten quarantine period for the dog/cat?

A: Negative.

Q32: How much does the quarantine cost?

A: It depends on the location you pick. Please contact your designated quarantine premise staff for the cost.

1. Animal and Plant Quarantine Center: TEL 03-4761711#600

2. National Chung Hsing University: TEL 04-22870180

3. National PingTung University of Science and Technology: TEL 08-7740270

Q33: Is it okay for the imported dog/cat to take the Modified live virus vaccine against rabies approved by the USDA?

A: Negative.

Q34: If the dog/cat is from rabies-free countries, shall it also be vaccinated with inactivated vaccine against rabies?

A: Positive.

Q35: Why does the dog/cat still need to be revaccinated with inactivated rabies vaccine during quarantine detention if necessary?

A: During quarantine detention, the blood of the dog or cat may be sampled after entry and tested again for rabies antibody. If the rabies antibody is under 0.5 IU/ml, the dog or cat shall be revaccinated with inactivated rabies vaccine.

Q36: Can the sera sample for neutralization antibody titration test be taken in Taiwan?

A: Negative.

The original veterinary certificate provided by applicants must be in compliance with Rules for importation of Dogs or Cats into Taiwan:

1. The information stated in the original veterinary certificate must be in compliance with the dog/cat import permit issued by APHIA officials.

2. The original veterinary certificate doesn’t state the rabies vaccine type: it should be either Inactivated virus or Killed virus.

3. The original veterinary certificate doesn’t state the vaccination was either Primary or Booster.

If you have further questions, please contact us:

1. Kaohsiung Branch, APHIA

Animal Quarantine Section

TEL：886-7-9720509

FAX：886-7-9726612

Kaohsiung Airport Quarantine Station

TEL：886-7-8057790

FAX：886-7-8068427

E-mail： kh0701@khaphia.gov.tw

2. Taoyuan Branch, APHIA

TEL：886-3-3982431

FAX：886-3-3982310