[Complete guide to rabies prevention in Taiwan] Essential reading for pet owners: vaccines, boarding prep, and care tips

Must-read for Taiwan cat and dog owners! Everything you need to know about rabies prevention, vaccinations, and boarding requirements — plus in-home pet sitter options for worry-free travel.

Rabies in Taiwan: why does it matter every year?

While Taiwan has gone many years without a large-scale rabies outbreak, sporadic cases continue to appear in wildlife in mountainous areas such as Hualien, Pingtung, and Nantou.
The Animal Protection Authority reminds owners: even if your pet rarely goes outside, any possibility of contact with other animals is reason enough to ensure annual rabies vaccination.
This protects not only your pet, but also forms the foundation of Taiwan’s disease prevention system.

Do both dogs and cats need rabies vaccines?

✅ Yes, absolutely.
Under the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, all dogs and cats aged three months or older are required to receive a rabies vaccine once a year.
Free vaccination sites are available in every county and city across Taiwan, and many animal hospitals also offer paid vaccinations.

📍 If your cat is planning to stay at a pet hotel,
make sure to confirm in advance that the vaccine is still within its one-year validity period.

Cat boarding and rabies prevention: why do hotels always ask for vaccine records?

Most pet hotels and boarding facilities require the following before check-in:

• Proof of rabies vaccination

• Proof of 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 vaccination

• Health check records

This is to prevent cross-infection between animals from different households.
If your cat hasn’t been vaccinated or isn’t suitable for travel, we recommend an in-home care service instead, to avoid the risks of transport and exposure.

How to care for an unvaccinated pet during travel, relocation, or trips abroad

Some cats are temporarily unable to receive vaccines due to age or health conditions (such as chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or post-surgery recovery).
In these cases, the safest option is:
👉 Having a professional Fluv pet sitter come to your home.

The sitter can help with:

• In-home feeding, water changes, and litter box cleaning

• Daily photo and video updates

• Playtime, comfort, and health monitoring

• Keeping the environment clean and isolated from other animals

Compared to boarding at a hotel, this kind of “stay-home care” keeps your cat in a familiar, safe, and stress-free environment.

Taiwan rabies prevention quick reference

• March–October each year: free vaccination period run by animal protection offices in each county and city

• Bring: your pet’s vaccination booklet and microchip number

• Official resource: Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture

• Recommended to vaccinate in the same month each year to avoid expired records affecting boarding eligibility

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do cats need rabies vaccines too?

Yes. Under Taiwan’s Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, all dogs and cats aged three months or older must receive a rabies vaccine once a year.
Even indoor cats are recommended to vaccinate regularly if they ever go outside, stay at a boarding facility, visit a groomer, or come into contact with other animals.

Q2: Can my cat stay at a pet hotel without a rabies vaccine?

Most hotels require proof of rabies and 3-in-1 vaccination before check-in.
If your cat is temporarily unable to be vaccinated due to age or health reasons, we recommend choosing “Fluv in-home pet sitting,”
where a sitter comes to your home to feed, play, and clean the litter box — avoiding the risks of going out.

Q3: How often does the rabies vaccine need to be given?

The rabies vaccine requires one dose every year.
If more than a year has passed, a booster will be needed before the next boarding stay, trip abroad, or vaccination appointment.
It’s a good idea to schedule it for the same month each year and keep a record of vaccinations.

Q4: Are there side effects from the rabies vaccine for cats?

Most cats experience only mild reactions after vaccination, such as:

• Reduced energy or appetite on the day of vaccination

• Slight swelling at the injection site
  These typically resolve on their own within 1–2 days.
  If you notice severe allergic reactions, rapid breathing, or general weakness, contact your vet immediately.

Q5: How far in advance does my cat need a rabies vaccine before traveling abroad?

If you plan to travel abroad with your cat, most countries require a valid vaccine certificate issued at least 30 days before entry and within the past year.
Exceeding the deadline may result in delays at customs quarantine.
Check with your local animal health inspection office or a Fluv-partnered vet for confirmation.

Q6: What if my cat is shy or not suitable for going outside?

In that case, “Fluv in-home pet sitting” is the perfect solution.
A sitter can visit daily to provide care and send photo updates, letting your cat stay in a familiar environment,
without the risk of going out — while keeping both disease prevention and emotional wellbeing in check.

Q7: How do I find rabies vaccination locations in Taiwan?

Visit the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine website to search for partnered animal hospitals and free vaccination sites in your county or city.
The free vaccination season runs from March to October each year — remember to bring your pet’s microchip number and vaccination booklet.

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