Exporting Pets out of Taiwan

[Stray Dog]

I am in the middle of preparing my three dogs and one cat for transportation to the UK. I'll post my experiences here to help others going through the process.

Well, the first step is microchipping your pet (cat, dog, ferret) at least seven months prior to travel. The first problem you'll encounter is trying to establish which kind of chip should be implanted.

I called the DEFRA helpline (+44 [0]870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time)) and they were extremely helpful. They said that customs at both Heathrow and Gatwick have universal chip readers that can read 99.9% of all ISO chips meeting specifications 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785.

My vet was very helpful and pointed out that there are two main chips here: AVID and TROVAN. The latter is not ISO standard. The former has two forms - ISO standard and non-ISO standard. Unfortunately, the kind used in Taiwan is non-ISO standard. But there is a third kind which did not have a name but was ISO standard. Basically, an ISO-standard chip will bear a 16-digit number. Non-ISO-standard chips bear a 10-digit number.

So, you have two options to consider: (a) get the non-ISO-standard chip and buy a reader to take with you on the plane to assist customs, or (b) insist your vet gives you the ISO-standard chip. Personally, I think (b) is the best option, because if your pet was ever to get lost in the UK, you'd want the chip to be readable by people other than yourself.

My pets already have TROVAN chips, but for the NT$200 - NT$300 per chip, I'll get the ISO-standard ones put in as well.

Get the vet to check the chip is readable before and after insertion. All vets must read the chip and verify the number at each of the next steps (which I will update you on as I go).

The next step is vaccination against rabies. (Remember, the microchipping must be done before getting the rabies vaccination.) The post about vaccination will follow, but if you have any questions about the process, you can call a very helpful Dr. Fooks at +44 (0)193 235 7840 or the DEFRA helpline number listed above.

[christhomas]

Hi,

I am leaving Taipei in just 2 weeks and need urgent help moving my small chihuahua.

Originally the plan was to let my friend adopt her - but now it has come down to actually having to give her away I realise I can't.

I have read through the thread and although I can take her to the vets for a rabies jab and to get her tagged I need someone to give her temporary accommodation and to sort out all the paperwork and ultimately get her on a plane to Sydney.

Does anyone know if any company does all this. I have to go to a few other countries first and wont be in Sydney until the middle of May so she will need to stay in Taipei until then.

I really need to know whether it is possible I can still take her or whether I have left it to late and no options are open!

Any help any one can give ASAP will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[almas john]

Yeah,
You don't have enough time to beat the following requirement

2. A rabies vaccination certificate from a vet. This must be given not less than one month before departure, but not more than six months.

Don't you have any friends here that you can ask to handle it? Can't the friend that was going to adopt your critter do that?

Or perhaps you could do a search on forumosa for "kennel".

[Visitor]

Hi there.

I know a lady that works for a company that arranges for animal transport. They actually got us cheaper flights than we were able to get on our own. Her name is Ruthy Peters. ruthpt@telus.net She was very helpful and she helped getting the paper work organized too, providing us with phone numbers and addresses here in Taiwan needed to get the import permits, etc.

Check this out too: www.animaltravel.com

Hope that helps. Bringing your pet home is the right thing to do.

[christhomas]

Thank you both for the information - and the very quick replies!

I expect I can get someone to look after her for 6 weeks but as they work it is probably too much too expect them to take her places, fill out forms and take them to different places, including getting her on a plane.

I can do as much as possible in 2 weeks - which would be the jabs. If I can find her a home, and I get her the rabbies jab and tag, do you think everything else be done while I'm out the country by one of these services - or would they require me to be here?

In the meantime I will email the contact you gave me - thank you so much for the info!!!!

Thanks,

Chris

[Stray Dog]

Chris, well done for deciding not to leave the dog behind!

There is a pet shipper called Joseph Tsai who can take of all the dog's travel requirements, including taking it to get the paperwork, etc. Last time I used him, it cost NT$5,000. He can also arrange to have your dog shipped as freight or as excess baggage (if you have a friend coming your way).

Unfortunately, I can't find his number, but if you call one of the moving companies (Crown World Wide), they should be able to provide you with his contact details.

Good luck - a little stressful now, but picture how you'll feel when it's all over and the little pooch is with you back at home.

Stray Dog

[christhomas]

Thank you all for all the advice you kindly gave so quick....

I have been to the Yang Ming Veterinary hospital today and spoke to Mr Yang who assures me there are ways to take Twiggy to Australia - despite me leaving in 2 weeks.

He can take care of everything in conjunction with Joseph Tsai, and although moving the little mutt won't be cheap, it will definitely be worth the while!

Thanks again!

Chris

[iris]

Thanks, loads of helpful information.

Another pet shipping number I received by email today (no experiences yet):

Aloha Express Co. Ltd.
#296, 7F., Sec 5, Nanjing E. Road,
Taipei,
Taiwan R.O.C.
Tel: 886 -2-27656030
Mobile Amy 886- 919333205
fax: 886 -2-27615742
email: alh369@ms38.hinet.net
Contact: Amy
Better to fax or call, their email is not reliable.

Iris

[Stray Dog]

Thank you all for all the advice you kindly gave so quick....

I have been to the Yang Ming Veterinary hospital today and spoke to Mr Yang who assures me there are ways to take Twiggy to Australia - despite me leaving in 2 weeks.

He can take care of everything in conjunction with Joseph Tsai, and although moving the little mutt won't be cheap, it will definitely be worth the while!

Thanks again!

Chris

Well done - let us know how it goes.

Stray Dog

[bella088]

Help

I am trying to arrange to send my dog back to canada on her own and am not having to much luck. I am looking for Joseph Tsai's (or anyone else who does this) phone number or email address. I have tried contacting Aloha and not had any luck, they don't seem to answer the phone or their email.
I thought I would try to go ahead and do it on my own but it is proving to be a challenge and I think it would easier to pay someone else to take care of. Any help would be appreciated.