Pet Glossary

Taking an animal that needs a home into your family and becoming its new owner. In Taiwan, the terms 領養 and 認養 are used interchangeably for adoption.

The process by which an owner or carer finds a new owner for an animal. Responsible rehoming includes screening adopters, signing an adoption contract and updating the owner details on the pet registration.

A person or place that temporarily cares for an animal until it finds a permanent home. Fosters usually know the animal's personality and health best.

Letting the animal live with the adopter for a while before the adoption is final, to make sure it's a good match. Whether to have a trial and how long it lasts is agreed between the rehomer and adopter.

The rehomer visits the adopter's home to check the living environment, such as window guards and space. It's one of the screening methods used by many private rehoming groups.

A written agreement between the rehomer and adopter. Common terms include care obligations, spay/neuter, no transferring the animal, sending updates, and what happens if the adopter can no longer keep the pet.

From the English word "mix" — a cat or dog that isn't a single pure breed. Most animals rehomed by shelters and fosters in Taiwan are mixed breeds.

An affectionate Taiwanese nickname for stray animals — cats and dogs without an owner living outdoors.

A facility that takes in stray, lost or surrendered animals. Public shelters are run by city and county governments and are often called "Animal Homes" or "Animal Protection Offices".

An Ashera Pet app feature that lets you create a dedicated profile for your pet with photos, personality and health information, and list it for rehoming in one tap.

Under Taiwan's Animal Protection Act, dog and cat owners must microchip and register their pets, and update the records when a pet is transferred, lost or dies. Penalties for unregistered cats apply from 1 January 2026.

A small electronic chip implanted under an animal's skin that stores an ID number. Vet clinics and shelters can read it with a scanner to look up the registered owner.

An owner dumping or giving up an animal. Under Article 5(3) of the Animal Protection Act, owners may not abandon animals; the current penalty is a fine of NT$30,000–150,000 (a draft amendment proposes raising this; the promulgated law prevails).

Public shelters do not euthanise animals in their care, except in circumstances set by law. Taiwan introduced this in February 2017.

Short for Trap, Neuter, Return; adding Vaccinate makes TNVR. It controls stray populations through sterilisation, and sterilised cats and dogs are often marked with an ear tip.

A business that breeds, sells or boards dogs and cats for profit. Under the Animal Protection Act, it must obtain a licence from the authorities.

Surgery that stops an animal from being able to reproduce. The Animal Protection Act requires owners to spay/neuter their dogs and cats, or file a report if they don't. Ask your vet about the right timing; some cities and counties offer subsidies.

A vaccine that prevents rabies. Under Taiwan's regulations, dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies regularly; follow your vet's advice and official announcements on the schedule.

A highly contagious viral disease that is especially dangerous for kittens. It can be prevented with vaccination.

Spread mainly through deep bite wounds and not transmissible to humans. Cats with FIV can still live for a long time with proper care — ask your vet about how to care for them.

Spread mainly through close contact such as saliva, and not transmissible to humans. Ask your vet whether testing is needed before adopting or bringing a new cat home.

A highly contagious viral disease that often causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea. It is especially dangerous for puppies and can be prevented with vaccination.

A viral disease that can affect the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. Puppies without complete vaccinations are at higher risk; it can be prevented with vaccination.

A mosquito-borne parasite that mainly infects dogs, and can also infect cats, affecting the heart and lungs. It can be prevented with regular medication — follow your vet's advice.

Preventing or treating parasites. Internal treatment targets intestinal worms and similar parasites; external treatment targets fleas, ticks and so on. Follow your vet's advice on frequency and medication.

Restaurants, cafés, accommodation or attractions that welcome pets. Rules vary (for example, whether pets must be in a carrier or on a leash), so it's best to ask before you go.

Where a cat goes to the toilet. A common rule of thumb is "number of cats + 1" litter boxes, placed in quiet, easy-to-reach spots.

Gradually and positively introducing a dog (or cat) to different people, animals, sounds and environments, so it's less likely to be nervous about new things. Early life is an important period, but adult dogs can practise too.

A walking aid that fits around a dog's chest and back. Compared with a collar around the neck, it puts less pressure on the windpipe. It should fit well so the dog can't slip out.

When an animal becomes overly distressed when its owner leaves — for example, constant barking, destroying things or peeing indoors. If you suspect separation anxiety, talk to a vet or animal behaviour professional.