There are three main ways to adopt a pet in Taiwan: online adoption platforms (including apps and social media), private animal welfare groups and fosters, and public animal shelters run by each city or county. All three have animals waiting for a home. The differences are how strict the process is, how much you can learn about the animal beforehand, and how much support you get afterwards.
This article was written by the Ashera Pet team. We run one of the online adoption platforms, so please keep that in mind as you read.
1. Online adoption platforms and social media
This includes adoption apps and websites, as well as rehoming posts on social media. The benefit is that you can see pets waiting for a home around Taiwan without visiting anywhere first.
Good for: People who want to browse across regions, filter by location, species or age, or get to know a pet through photos and a profile before reaching out.
How Ashera Pet works (our own platform): Ashera Pet is a pet social and adoption app in Taiwan. Owners can record their pets' daily life and health; individuals and fosters can also list pets for adoption and connect directly with adopters. The app is free to download. Its adoption features are:
- Browse by city and district: see cats, dogs and rabbits waiting for a home near you, in list or map view
- Pet profiles: rehomers share photos, personality and health records, so you know the pet before you meet
- Contact the rehomer directly: ask questions and arrange a meeting in the in-app chat, without swapping personal contact details first
- Keeping listings current: if a rehomer's account is inactive for 3 days, the platform sends a reminder; after more than 5 days, the listing may be temporarily hidden until they log back in. This reduces unanswered listings, but it doesn't guarantee a pet is still available, so please confirm when you get in touch
- Pet sales are prohibited: platform rules prohibit buying or selling animals under the guise of adoption. Users can report violations, and if a report is verified, the platform can remove the content and suspend the account
If you need to rehome a pet, you can also create a free profile and list it for adoption. Download links are at the end of this article.
Pros: You can browse across regions and read the public details before deciding whether to get in touch.
Watch out for: Rehomers on online platforms may be individuals, fosters or rescue groups, so how strict the process is varies, and that includes Ashera Pet. If you'd prefer an organization to assess the animal, run the process and offer advice afterwards, the two options below may suit you better. If you adopt through an online platform, do your own checks:
- Before meeting, check the animal's health records and whether it has been spayed/neutered and microchipped
- Meet for the first time in a public place or at a vet clinic
- Never transfer money before you've met the animal
- Sign a written adoption agreement — see our adoption contract template
- Remember to update the pet registration (in Chinese) when you take the animal home
2. Private rescue groups and fosters
Private associations and individual fosters take in, care for and rehome animals.
Good for: People who want to know the animal's personality well before adopting, and who'd like advice from the rehomer afterwards.
Typical process: Most involve a questionnaire, an interview or home visit, signing an adoption contract, and a trial period or follow-up.
Pros: Fosters have usually lived with the animal for a while, so they know its personality, habits and health best.
Watch out for:
- Every group has its own requirements (for example, family agreement, window screens or guards, and agreeing to follow-up). These are there to protect the animal, not to make things difficult
- If a fee is requested, ask exactly what it covers (for example, the actual cost of spay/neuter, vaccines and microchipping) and keep a record
- Always sign a written adoption contract. You can use our adoption contract template
3. Public animal shelters
Every city and county government runs an animal shelter (often called an "Animal Home" or "Animal Protection Office").
Good for: People who want a transparent process overseen by a government agency.
Typical process:
- Browse animals available for adoption online or on site
- Meet the animal in person and ask about its personality and health
- Fill in an application and show proof of identity
- Complete the steps required by that city or county (some require an owner responsibility class)
- Take your pet home and update the pet registration records
Pros: Animals have usually had a basic health check and been microchipped. The paperwork is legal and clear.
Watch out for: Opening hours, adoption requirements and whether you need an appointment all vary by city and county, so check the local animal protection office's website before you go. Shelter animals from across Taiwan can be searched on the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Protection Information Network (in Chinese).
Comparison at a glance
| Online platform (e.g. Ashera Pet) | Rescue group / foster | Public shelter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowing the animal's personality | Photos and profile up front | High | Medium |
| How strict the process is | Depends on the rehomer | Usually the strictest | Depends on city/county rules |
| Range of animals | Across regions | Mostly that group | Mostly that city/county |
| Support afterwards | Contact the rehomer directly | Usually available | Limited |
Wherever you adopt, ask yourself these questions first
- Will your life be stable enough to care for a pet for the next 10–15 years?
- Does your home allow pets? Does everyone you live with agree?
- Is your budget enough for monthly food, litter and vet care?
- Who will look after your pet when you travel?
For a fuller self-assessment and preparation checklist, see our Pet Adoption Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to adopt a pet?
Adopting from a public shelter is usually free or involves a small administrative fee, depending on the city or county. Some private groups and individuals ask adopters to share the actual medical costs, such as spay/neuter and vaccines. Be cautious if the fee is far higher than the real medical costs, or if you're asked to pay before you can meet the animal.
What are the requirements for adopting?
It depends on where you adopt. Public shelters usually require you to be at least 18 and to show ID. Private groups may also ask for your family's agreement, a home visit or follow-up updates. These requirements are there to make sure the animal has a stable home.
What do I need to do after adopting?
Dogs and cats must be registered. After adopting, update the owner details at a pet registration station or through the Pet Registration Management Information Network, so the microchip is registered under your name.
References
Find your new family member on Ashera Pet
Browse cats, dogs and rabbits waiting for a home across Taiwan, or create a profile for your pet and list it for rehoming. Free to download.