Taipei City Government

To transform Taipei into an animal-friendly city, Taipei City Animal Protection Office (APO) has joined hands with Department of Education, community colleges, and animal protection organizations to establish the “Taipei Cats and Dogs School.”
Offering a free 12-hour-long training program over six weeks, students will be able to learn more about their furry companions’ behaviors, as well as obtaining better knowledge on animal care. The aim of the program is to enhance the sense of responsibility of pet owners.
According to Economic Development Commissioner Lin Chung-chieh, Taipei Cats and Dogs School seeks to equip would-be owners with basic knowledge about pets and assist those who have difficulty dealing with their furkids’ irregular behaviors, such as barking, house soiling, damaging furniture, aggressiveness, and separation anxiety.
The curriculum spans instructions on how to choose a suitable furry companion, the instincts and habits of dogs, basic care methods, animals’ body language, dog manners, obedience training, cause and solution to pet irregularities, and more. The courses will also incorporate lessons on the Animal Protection Act and related regulations to increase awareness on the responsibilities of pet owners.

Collaborating with 10 community colleges, the program will feature 17 classes across two quarters, each limited to 30 students. Interested individuals can visit the Chinese website of APO (http://www.tcapo.gov.taipei/) for detailed information of the curriculum and then sign up with community colleges involved in the program.