《TAIPEI TIMES》 Kaohsiung unveils program to try pet adoption for month

By Chen Wen-chan and Kayleigh Madjar / Staff reporter, with staff writer

A 30-day trial pet adoption period and — for people who adopt certain types of dogs — up to NT$3,000 toward pet insurance are part of a plan that the Kaohsiung Animal Protection Office outlined yesterday.

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The trial period offers prospective pet owners a chance to see if the animal is a good fit before formally adopting, the office said in a statement about the program, which is to run until Nov. 30.

In addition, those adopting a large dog aged three years or older with less popular coloring can get up to NT$3,000 toward pet insurance for the first year, it said.

Adopters must be 18 or older and have no record of breaking animal protection laws, it said.

The Kaohsiung City Animal Shelter’s two locations in Yanchao District （燕巢） and the Shoushan （壽山） facility in Gushan District （鼓山） are participating in the program, it said.

Office director Yeh Kun-sung （葉坤松） said that people who want to adopt from a public shelter have said that they would like time to allow their new pet to acquaint themselves to a new environment at their own pace.

However, there are sometimes unforeseen issues, such as pets having an unsuitable temperament or behavioral problems, or objections from family members, Yeh said.

Such problems can extinguish the excitement of having a pet and lead to doubts, especially for new owners, he said.

The 30-day trial benefits the adopters and the pets, as it reduces pressure on the adoption process and gives the animals a chance to meet more people, increasing their chances of being adopted, Yeh said.

Meanwhile, the office said it is offering the insurance subsidy to ease concerns about medical costs and encourage adoption of less popular breeds.

Along with the trial period, adopters would have enough time to get to know their pet risk-free to see if it is a match, the office said.

Pets can be returned to the shelter at any time during the trial for whatever reason and the office would help find a new match, if sought, it said.

Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau Director-General Chang Ching-jung （張清榮） said that pet ownership makes people understand the importance of caring for animals.

Instilling this philosophy from an early age would help reduce the number of strays, Chang said.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES