Hsinchu City government is subsidizing pet insurance for citizens who adopt dogs from their city shelter. With lots of dogs waiting for a new home, there’s a perennial shortage of adoptive owners. But from October, the free insurance will make adopting a stray a more financially viable option for dog lovers.
The first meeting between a child and their new dog: it’s a bit scary, but so exciting.
The dog jumps for joy, teasing his friend and looking for attention from the shelter employee. There are currently 180 homeless dogs in Hsinchu’s Animal Protection Office shelter. Dog lovers who want to adopt a stray can have them neutered, de-wormed and vaccinated for rabies for free. And this year, Hsinchu City government will even give you a free year of pet insurance.
Yang Chia-min
Hsinchu Animal Protection Office head
Starting on Oct. 1, we officially launch a program giving free pet insurance to adoptions of stray dogs from the shelter. It will include financial subsidies for vet visits and medical procedures.
The plan gets families discounts for vet visits, hospital stays and medical treatments. There are other payouts too, for putting up “wanted posters” if your dog goes missing, for instance.
Member of public
When a dog is sick, their health is the owner’s biggest concern. But money is something else. We will feel more inclined to adopt a pet if the government provides insurance.
But not everyone is eligible to adopt a pet. The shelter only accepts applicants over the age of 20, who’ve completed an adoption training course, an interview and eligibility checks, as well as a one-week cooling-off period.
Member of public
There are so many stray dogs now. We all want them to find a good home so they can live happily and don’t have to wander the streets.
The shelter welcomes inquiries from all animal lovers. Now the new insurance offers aims to make it an affordable choice for more families.