Domestic Adoptions

1. Welcoming a pet into your home is a joyful and lifelong commitment. Cats and dogs can live more than 10 years, and they deserve to be loved, cared for, and respected every single day. Please give them a safe, happy life — no cages at home, use a leash outdoors, and always keep an eye on their wellbeing.

2. Adopters must be at least 20 years old (for men in Taiwan, completion of compulsory military service is preferred). If under 20, please have a parent accompany you. Adopting a pet is a family matter, so having the support and understanding of everyone in the household is very important. This helps ensure a safe and harmonious environment for both people and pets.

3. Life can bring many changes such as moving, studying abroad, marriage, or children. We hope adopters will embrace their pets as family through every stage of life, including when they grow older or need medical care. Please also make sure no one at home has severe allergies to animals before adopting.

4. After adoption, pets need regular veterinary care — yearly vaccinations, monthly heartworm preventatives, and protection against external parasites. This is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy.

5. Dogs love going out for walks! We encourage adopters to take them out 2–3 times a day for about half an hour each time. Exercise keeps dogs physically healthy and emotionally balanced.

6. For safety, always keep dogs on a leash when outdoors. Accidents can happen in an instant, and a leash is a simple way to protect them while also respecting other people and animals.

7. Cats are curious adventurers. Please make sure windows and doors are secured so they stay safe at home and avoid accidental falls or escapes.

8. Every animal has their own personality. Patience, understanding, and positive training are the best ways to guide them. If training challenges come up, it often means there’s an underlying need we can help them with — there’s never a need for scolding or punishment.

9. After adoption, the TSPCA team will keep in touch from time to time. These updates are simply to make sure everything is going well and to offer support if needed. Together, we can ensure your pet continues to thrive in their new home.

Dog Size:

Extra small – under 5kg
Small – 6~10kg
Medium – 11~24kg
Large – 25~34kg
Extra-large – 35kg or above

Cat Size:

Typical adult cats 4~6kg

※If you would like to find out more about our adoption procedures, please contact us at 02-2738-2130 or email: adoptions@spca.org.tw。
※We also warmly welcome foster volunteers and pet supply donations. Together, we can help these rescued animals find loving forever homes!

International Adoption

The TSPCA warmly welcomes overseas adopters! In Taiwan, many families prefer purebred dogs, which makes it harder for certain dogs — like black dogs, tabby dogs, white-pawed dogs, and medium-to-large dogs — to find homes. International adoption gives these wonderful dogs another chance to be loved.

Even though international adoptions may take more time and cost more, for some animals this could be their only chance to join a forever family. We are deeply grateful to everyone who opens their heart and home through this program.

Most international adopters come from Canada and the United States. TSPCA carefully reviews applications to find the best matches, and we continue to follow up after the animal arrives in their new country to ensure their smooth transition.

What kind of dog is suitable for international adoption?

Most animals at the TSPCA are rescued from abuse or neglect. Some dogs may not be healthy enough for long flights (for example, with heart conditions, infectious diseases, or asthma). Likewise, very timid or anxious dogs may struggle with such big changes. For these reasons, we usually recommend dogs who are healthy, adaptable, and have a steady temperament.

If you are considering adopting, we will gladly guide you and suggest dogs that are well-suited for international adoption.
※At present, TSPCA only recommends dogs for international adoption. Dogs generally adapt more easily to new environments, training, and meeting new people compared to cats.

International Adoption Q&A

Q1. How long do I have to wait to meet the adopted animal?
A1. The waiting time may take up to six months or longer. Thank you for your patience — this wait will bring the joyful moment of meeting your new family member.

Q2. Are there any restrictions according to country/region?
A2. Currently, we have experience with Vancouver, Canada, and are familiar with their import requirements. For other countries, regulations vary by local government. Once in touch, TSPCA will help confirm both export and import requirements to make sure everything is in order.

Q3. What is a flight guardian? Why does it take time to find one?
A3. Airlines require animals to travel under the name of a passenger on the same flight — this person is called a flight guardian. They kindly agree to register the animal as part of their luggage and provide necessary information. Because we depend on volunteers traveling to your destination, it may take time to find a flight guardian, but this role is essential for safe travel.

Q4. Before the adopted animal flies abroad, do they undergo any specific examinations?
A4. Yes. In addition to vaccinations required by destination countries, TSPCA arranges a full health check including PCR tests, blood work, rabies and multi-vaccines to ensure your new companion is fit to travel.

Q5. Why does TSPCA ask for home photos and videos?
A5. Normally, adoption includes a home visit to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Since we cannot always do this in person overseas, we ask for photos and videos instead. This helps us support you with tips and ensures your new friend will be safe and comfortable.

Q6. If I am certain I want to adopt, what else do I need to prepare?
A6. You will need:
a. Patience: Flights may take six months or more to arrange. We will do our best to reunite you as soon as possible.
b. Adoption cost: NT $8000, which helps cover surgery, vaccinations, tests, and quarantine preparations.
c. Flight cost: Charged by the airline as excess baggage, depending on size and destination. Example: An 18kg dog flying to Vancouver cost about NT $12,000 in 2021.
d. Transport cage: Must follow international rules, allowing the dog to stand, lie down, and turn comfortably. Example: an R300 cage for an 18kg dog costs about NT $2,800.
e. Taxes/entry fees: Vary by country. Example: in 2021, entry tax for an 18kg dog in Vancouver was about CDN $32 (NT $700).
f. Additional vaccinations: Some countries require extra vaccines, e.g., Lyme disease. We will ensure these are completed before departure.

Q7. Can I get a refund if I cannot continue with adoption?
A7. Once your application is approved, fees are collected to begin paperwork, medical exams, and flight planning. If after six months no flight is available and you decide to withdraw, flight and entry fees (A6 c,e) can be refunded, but medical and cage costs (A6 b,d,f) are non-refundable as they will already have been provided. If you withdraw after all arrangements are complete and a flight is booked, refunds cannot be given. We appreciate your kind understanding.

※References:
Eva Air – Traveling with Pets: https://www.evaair.com/zh-tw/fly-prepare/baggage/travelling-with-pets/
China Airlines – Traveling with Pets: https://www.china-airlines.com/au/zh/fly/prepare-for-the-fly/baggage/pets

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