Taipei, Sept. 21 (CNA) — Taipei’s Animal Protection Office announced Thursday that it will offer pet insurance subsidies of up to NT$3,000 (approximately US$10) for at least 200 cats and dogs adopted from the city’s animal shelter this year.
Applications for the subsidy will be accepted until December 20, 2023, or until the allocated budget is exhausted. The subsidy is limited to one payment per pet.
To qualify for the subsidy, pets must be neutered, have received rabies vaccinations, and possess valid pet insurance, according to the office’s statement.
As of now, 30 applications have been submitted this year, following text notifications sent to eligible owners on August 20. Most of the pets involved are between four and five years old, and their owners report annual insurance premiums ranging from NT$4,000 to NT$5,000.
The office emphasized the importance of pet insurance, noting that pets lack health coverage and owners can incur substantial medical costs if their animals become ill or injured. Pet insurance typically covers a portion of outpatient care, hospitalization, surgical procedures, expenses for locating lost pets, and funeral costs. The office recommends that owners secure insurance for their pets while they are still puppies or kittens.
Additionally, the insurance policies may cover the cost of pet hotel stays if an owner is hospitalized, as well as compensation for injuries, fatalities, or property damage caused by the pet to third parties.
Currently, four insurance companies in Taiwan offer varying pet insurance plans, the office stated.
Pet owners can apply for the subsidy through an online application, by mailing their application to the office, or by visiting the animal shelter located in the Neihu District of the city.
The Animal Protection Office has promoted pet insurance since 2011, initially providing vouchers to encourage pet owners to purchase insurance. In 2019, these programs were expanded to include adopted pets, and this year, the office introduced cash subsidies based on public feedback suggesting a preference for cash rewards over vouchers for subsidizing insurance premiums.
