A complete vaccination schedule for dogs and cats in Taiwan — core vaccines, boosters, heartworm prevention, and what your vet will recommend on your first visit.
Taiwan's disease environment is specific. Several conditions common in Taiwan are less prevalent in temperate climates, and any pet owner — especially one who has relocated from another country — should understand the local disease landscape before assuming their animal's existing prevention plan is sufficient.
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) — The foundational combination vaccine. Puppies receive a series starting at 6–8 weeks; adults need annual or triennial boosters depending on the vaccine type and your vet's protocol. Rabies — Required by Taiwan law. Annual vaccination. All dogs must be registered and vaccinated. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — Recommended if your dog attends daycare, uses boarding, visits dog parks, or has contact with other dogs. Leptospirosis — Recommended in Taiwan, where the bacterium is present in soil and water particularly after flooding.
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — The foundational cat combination vaccine. Kittens receive a series; adults need boosters every 1–3 years. Rabies — Required by Taiwan law for cats. Annual vaccination. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) — Recommended for cats with any outdoor access or contact with other cats. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) — Discuss with your vet; recommended for outdoor or multi-cat households with unknown histories.
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is endemic throughout Taiwan and transmitted by mosquitoes, which are present year-round in Taiwan's subtropical climate. Heartworm infection is serious, progressive, and expensive to treat — but entirely preventable with monthly oral or topical prevention. This is not optional. Year-round prevention is the standard of care. Cost: approximately NT$300–600/month depending on product and dog size.
For rescue dogs: All dogs should be tested for heartworm before starting prevention, and annually thereafter. A dog that has heartworm requires treatment before prevention can begin safely — starting prevention on an infected dog can cause a serious reaction.
Taiwan has significant populations of ticks carrying Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Anaplasma — all potentially serious diseases. Monthly tick prevention (oral or topical) is recommended for all dogs with any outdoor access. Check your dog for ticks after walks in vegetated areas. Symptoms of tick-borne disease: lethargy, reduced appetite, pale gums, fever. If you notice these after tick exposure, contact your vet promptly.
Puppies: DHPP at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, 14–16 weeks. Rabies at 12–16 weeks. Begin heartworm and parasite prevention from 8 weeks. Adult dogs (annual review): Rabies annually. DHPP annually or every 3 years per vet assessment. Heartworm test annually. Continue monthly prevention year-round. Kittens: FVRCP at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Rabies at 12–16 weeks. FeLV if outdoor access planned. Adult cats (annual review): Rabies annually. FVRCP every 1–3 years per vet assessment.
Most rescue animals in Taiwan arrive already vaccinated for core diseases by the rescue organisation. Ask for the vaccination record and bring it to your first vet visit. Your vet will review what has been given, what is due, and recommend any Taiwan-specific additions. Do not assume a vaccination record from another country covers everything relevant in Taiwan — heartworm prevention in particular may not have been on the protocol.
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