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City Embarks on ‘Dog Doctors’ Training Program

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Post date:2016-04-14

Updates:2016-04-14

Press bureau:Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government

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City Embarks on ‘Dog Doctors’ Training Program

City Embarks on ‘Dog Doctors’ Training Program

The Animal Protection Office (APO) announced that it is launching the “Stray Animal Stars” program in collaboration with the Taiwan Dr. Dogs during a press event on April 11. A total of 20 to 30 canines with potentials to become therapy dogs will be selected from Neihu’s Taipei Animal Shelter and undergo training in 2016.

The program will incorporate strays adoption procedures based on those from countries with strict standards for matchmaking animals with households. Professional trainers will then help the dogs adapt to a new domestic life, seeking to increase successful adoption rates.

To show his support for the program as part of his objective to build Taipei into an animal-friendly metropolis, Mayor Ko Wen-je joined eight ‘dog doctors’ at a promotional clip filming session, featuring the furry companions demonstrating their skills at providing medical assistance neither humans nor equipment can accomplish. (https://youtu.be/u6LXfPNrBXY)

During the press event, Dr. Ko also took part in a session performing “Animal Assisted Therapy” with his canine counterparts, involving muscle coordination, finger dexterity enhancement, cognitive functioning, among others. The therapy dog program not only helps strays find happiness in a new home, but also helps to alleviate the shortage of senior care and rehabilitation personnel, the mayor noted.

APO Director Yen Yi-feng reckoned that hopefully the program will allow the public to recognize the value of strays and promote the concept of “Adoption, Cultivation, and Zero Abandonment.” Considering the scale of the initiative, APO plans to draw private resources through online platforms into the implementation of the program.


  • Source: Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government

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