How to Rehome or Adopt a Dog in Taiwan

Whether a dog settles well often depends on how its size, energy and behavior fit the new family's life. When rehoming, describe these honestly and use walks and trial periods to check the fit. To adopt a dog, start with online platforms, animal welfare groups or public shelters.

This article was written by the Ashera Pet team. Ashera Pet is our own platform, so please keep that in mind as you read.

This article covers what is specific to dogs. For the full steps, including contracts and pet registration, see how to rehome a pet responsibly.

Start with size and energy

Item	How to describe it
Size	Current weight and height; for puppies, note that adult size is only an estimate
Energy	Roughly how many walks a day, and how long
Going out	Whether it wears a leash, pulls, or fears traffic or thunder
Toileting	Whether it uses one spot indoors or prefers to go outside
Being alone	How long it can stay alone, and whether it barks or destroys things

Connect these details to real life. For a medium or large dog, confirm the landlord, building and family are all fine with it. For a high-energy dog, make sure the adopter has time to go out every day.

How to describe behavior problems

Describe specific situations instead of writing "a bit fierce" or "very good":

Barking: When it happens, such as at the doorbell, around other dogs or when alone
Guarding food or objects: What triggers it and how strong the reaction is
Fear of people or dogs: Who makes it nervous and how you usually avoid problems
Biting: How many times it happened, what the situation was and how serious the injury was

If a problem affects safety, talk to a vet or animal behavior professional first. This also helps the adopter understand what comes next.

Use a walk to check the fit

When you meet, choose a quiet public place and walk a short distance together. Watch for:

Whether the adopter lets the dog sniff first instead of rushing to pet it
Whether they hold the leash steadily and keep a distance from other people and dogs
How the dog interacts with each family member who comes along
If they already have a dog, whether the dogs can meet slowly in a neutral place

Agree on a trial period first

A trial isn't always needed, but if both sides agree, write down:

How long it lasts and how the adopter will share updates
Who pays for vet care and supplies
Who takes the dog back, and when, if it doesn't work out
When to sign the final adoption contract and update the pet registration

How to screen adopters

You can ask:

Who walks the dog each day? What happens on rainy days or when they work late?
Where will the dog live? Is there a safe space to move around?
Are they willing to learn and get help with barking, destructive behavior or adjustment problems?

Be careful if someone is in a hurry, shows no interest in the dog's health, or plans to keep the dog tied up long term without enough activity and care.

Where to find a dog to adopt

Online platforms: You can look across areas. On Ashera Pet, you can use a list or map to find dogs and message rehomers in the app. Processes vary by rehomer, so please check carefully
Animal welfare groups and fosters: Ask about the dog's behavior and how it adapts. Conditions vary
Public animal shelters: Check opening hours and conditions first, and spend time watching how the dog reacts

For more comparisons, see where to adopt a pet in Taiwan. Once you decide to adopt, read our first-time dog adoption checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a fee to rehome a dog?

Don't charge more than your actual costs. For money already spent on spay or neuter surgery, vaccines or a microchip, explain this upfront, provide receipts and put it in the contract so both sides can discuss sharing the cost. On Ashera Pet, fee disputes can be reported, and the platform will review them under its community guidelines.

What should I know about adopting a mixed-breed dog?

A mixed-breed dog is not a single pure breed. A puppy's adult size can be hard to predict, so ask a vet or the rehomer for their view, and make sure your home can handle a larger dog.

Should I adopt an adult or senior dog?

An adult or senior dog's size and personality are usually clearer, which makes it easier to judge the fit with your life. Senior dogs may need more vet care, so please check their health and your budget first.

Can a dog with a history of biting be rehomed?

Please talk to a vet or animal behavior professional first to understand the cause and risks, then tell adopters everything. Don't hide it to make rehoming easier.

How long should a dog trial period be?

There is no fixed length. Decide together based on how the dog adapts, and write down the length and what happens if it doesn't work out.

Can I list a dog for adoption on Ashera Pet?

Yes. You can create a free profile and list the dog as long as you are currently caring for it. The app is available only in Taiwan, and selling animals under the guise of adoption is prohibited.

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