TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hsinchu City Government on Tuesday opened a new dog-friendly recreation space in the North District, aiming to make the city more pet-friendly, CNA reported.

Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安) said the city has four dog-friendly spaces. She said the first facility, located in the East District, covers 1.16 hectares and features separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as 26 play structures.

Kao said that as pet ownership rises, the city will continue establishing such facilities and aims to have at least one in each district. She said a facility in Xiangshan District has entered the construction bidding phase.

The city government said the new dog-friendly space features wide grassy areas, separate zones for large and small dogs, play equipment, drinking areas, and dog waste bag stations. It added that staff will regularly clean and maintain the facility.

Kao said the city government has also promoted a program allowing pets in restaurants, with 88 businesses participating. She said the city also runs a 24-hour hotline for animal rescues and inquiries.

Kao said Hsinchu’s stray animal program follows a no-kill policy and focuses on controlling the source of strays. She said people can bring stray animals to the city’s Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office, and the shelter only euthanizes animals that are seriously ill or in extreme pain.

Hsinchu has one animal shelter in the North District, covering about 4,300 square meters. The shelter provides housing for stray animals, adoption services, and pet training workshops. It also includes medical facilities, training rooms, and play areas for dogs.

The city government said people adopting dogs or cats in Hsinchu will receive microchip registration, rabies vaccination, and spaying or neutering.