Taiwan's farm ministry is dangling prizes to get more dogs and cats officially registered — good news for pet owners, and part of a push to cut the stray dog population.

• Starting in September, registered dog and cat owners can enter a draw for 30,000 gift cards worth about NT$300 each, plus 100 free pet health checks.
• Gift cards work at 436 shops selling pet food and farm products; the health checks are redeemable at licensed vets.
• Owners who have not registered yet can still enter if they sign up by the end of September, with the draw held Oct. 2.
• Registration is already required by law — dogs and cats must be signed up within four months of birth, or owners face fines.
• Microchipping rates have been climbing for both dogs and cats, but roughly a quarter of dogs and a third of cats still have no chip.

Outlook: Expect a jump in sign-ups during September, especially among cat owners, since cat registration only became mandatory at the start of this year.