Taiwan Eases Rules for Veterinary Assistants to Serve in Animal Shelters

Taiwan's Animal Protection and Disease Control Agency (APDC) is expanding the scope of practice for veterinary assistants to include animal shelters. This initiative seeks to alleviate the burden on public veterinarians and combat staffing shortages within animal welfare facilities.

Previously, veterinary assistants were restricted to working only in veterinary clinics. The APDC has now amended regulations to permit them to serve in animal shelters as well. This change was prompted by requests from local governments seeking to bolster shelter manpower. "Last June, local governments proposed the need to expand the service locations for veterinary assistants to animal shelters," explained Fu Hsueh-li, deputy director of the APDC. "Therefore, we recently amended the 'Regulations on the Certification and Recognition of Certification Institutions for Animal Medical Assistants.'"

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Last June, local governments proposed the need to expand the service locations for veterinary assistants to animal shelters. Therefore, we recently amended the 'Regulations on the Certification and Recognition of Certification Institutions for Animal Medical Assistants.'

Furthermore, the eligibility requirements for veterinary assistants have been broadened. While previously a high school diploma was mandatory, the APDC now accepts individuals with equivalent high school education. Those who complete a 216-hour training course in veterinary and animal-related knowledge and pass a competency test can now work as veterinary assistants. "The work of a veterinary assistant is to assist in performing veterinary duties under the guidance of a veterinarian," Fu noted. "The primary role of veterinary assistants is animal care, while tasks such as animal medical treatment and euthanasia remain the responsibility of veterinarians."

As of June 16 this year, Taiwan had 1,186 certified veterinary assistants. Their monthly salaries vary based on experience, ranging from over NT$30,000 to NT$60,000.

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The work of a veterinary assistant is to assist in performing veterinary duties under the guidance of a veterinarian. The primary role of veterinary assistants is animal care, while tasks such as animal medical treatment and euthanasia remain the responsibility of veterinarians.