10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet in Japan

10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet in Japan

Getting a pet in Japan can be a rewarding experience, but it is also a serious long-term commitment. Whether you are considering a dog, cat or another companion animal, there are practical issues to think about before bringing one home. Housing rules, the size of Japanese apartments, veterinary costs, registration requirements and what happens when you travel can all affect your decision.

If you are living in Japan and thinking about becoming a pet owner, taking some time to consider the following ten points can help you decide whether you are ready for the responsibility.

1. Think About Whether a Pet Fits Your Life

The first question is not which pet you want, but whether having a pet is right for your current circumstances. Dogs and cats can live with their owners for many years, so getting one is a commitment that needs to fit your plans rather than simply your current situation.

If you are unsure how long you will remain in Japan, consider what would happen if you eventually moved abroad. Taking an animal overseas involves preparation, paperwork and expense, so it is worth thinking about this before you become a pet owner.

You should also consider the time involved in feeding, cleaning, exercise, grooming and veterinary appointments. If loneliness is the main reason you are considering an animal, alternatives such as volunteering with an animal welfare organisation or visiting responsible animal cafés may allow you to spend time with animals without taking on a long-term commitment.

2. Adoption or Buying From a Pet Shop?

Japan has many pet shops, but buying an animal is not the only option. Adoption organisations and animal shelters across the country work to find homes for cats, dogs and other animals that have been abandoned, rescued or surrendered.

Organisations such as Japan Cat Network, Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) and Heart Tokushima are among the groups that have worked with animals needing new homes. Local animal welfare organisations and veterinary clinics can also be useful places to ask about animals available for adoption.

If you are considering buying from a pet shop or breeder, take the time to investigate how the animals are housed and cared for. Responsible sourcing matters regardless of where you obtain your pet, and prospective owners should avoid supporting businesses where animal welfare appears to be neglected.

3. Make Sure Your Apartment Allows Pets

Finding suitable accommodation can be one of the biggest challenges for pet owners in Japan. Many rental properties have strict no-pet rules, while properties that permit animals may impose additional conditions.

Pet-friendly properties are often described as “petto ok” in Japanese rental listings. Depending on the property, allowing a pet may mean paying additional deposits, fees or rent. There may also be restrictions concerning the number of animals, their size or the type of pet permitted.

Never assume that a landlord will overlook an unauthorised animal. Keeping a pet against the terms of your rental agreement can create serious problems and could potentially put your tenancy at risk. Check the rules before bringing an animal home.

4. Consider How Much Space You Have

Space is another important consideration, particularly if you live in one of Japan's larger cities. Apartments can be considerably smaller than homes in some other countries, meaning there may not be much room for a large animal to move around comfortably.

Think about the space your pet will actually have access to rather than simply the size of the apartment. A dog may need room to move as well as regular outdoor exercise, while cats need somewhere comfortable to sleep, play and use their litter box.

Before choosing a pet, look honestly at your home and consider whether both you and the animal will be comfortable there. The smallest or cheapest apartment is not necessarily the most suitable place for every type of pet.

5. Don't Underestimate Noise Problems

Noise can become a significant issue when living with an animal in an apartment building. Japanese housing can involve close neighbours and relatively thin walls, making repeated barking, scratching or other loud noises more noticeable to people living nearby.

Dogs in particular may create problems if they bark frequently when left alone. Before getting a pet, think about your working hours and whether the animal could become distressed or noisy while you are away.

Cats can sometimes be easier to accommodate in an apartment because they generally do not require the same amount of outdoor exercise as dogs. However, every animal has its own personality and needs, so there is no universal solution.

6. Budget for Veterinary Treatment and Insurance

Veterinary care needs to be included in your pet budget from the beginning. Routine examinations, vaccinations, medication and emergency treatment can all add to the cost of keeping an animal.

Pet insurance is available in Japan and can help with some eligible veterinary expenses, although policies differ considerably. Some plans have limits, exclusions, deductibles or conditions concerning age and pre-existing illnesses, so read the policy carefully before buying it.

It is also worth finding a veterinary clinic before you actually need one. Having a local clinic you trust can make dealing with illness or an emergency considerably less stressful. If your Japanese is limited, finding a clinic where communication is possible in a language you understand may also be important.

7. Understand Registration and Microchipping Requirements

Dog ownership in Japan comes with legal requirements that owners need to understand. Dogs must be registered with the appropriate local authority, and owners are also required to comply with Japan's rabies vaccination rules.

Dog registration is generally handled through the relevant municipal or ward authority. Owners receive identification associated with the registration, while annual rabies vaccination is also required under Japanese law.

Microchipping is another important part of pet identification. Japan has requirements concerning microchips in dogs and cats sold by breeders and pet shops, while owners should also understand the procedures that apply when acquiring or transferring ownership of an animal.

Cats are treated differently from dogs in terms of local registration, so prospective owners should check the current rules that apply to their particular animal and municipality.

8. Work Out the Monthly Cost

The purchase or adoption of an animal is only the beginning of the financial commitment. Food, litter, toys, grooming products and other everyday supplies create regular expenses that continue throughout the animal's life.

The amount you spend will depend heavily on the type and size of your pet. A household with two cats, for example, will need more food and litter than someone with one cat. Premium brands and specialist products can also increase the monthly bill.

It is important to keep money aside for unexpected expenses as well. An animal becoming ill or being injured can result in a veterinary bill that is considerably higher than your normal monthly pet budget. Having an emergency fund can make these situations much easier to manage.

9. Plan for Holidays, Work and Other Absences

Having a pet can make spontaneous travel more difficult. If you regularly travel for work, take holidays abroad or spend long periods away from home, you need a reliable plan for your animal's care.

Japan has pet sitters, boarding facilities, pet hotels and other services that can help owners when they are away. Prices vary depending on the location, type of facility and level of care, so investigate your options before you actually need them.

Boarding costs can become significant during a longer trip. A week away, for example, can mean several days of boarding charges on top of the cost of your own travel. Some animals may also find being moved to an unfamiliar environment stressful.

Before getting a pet, think about who would look after it if you had to leave Japan unexpectedly or were unable to return home at the planned time.

10. Bringing a Pet to Japan From Overseas

If you already own a pet and are planning to move to Japan, the process becomes more complicated. Japan has detailed rules governing the importation of dogs, cats and other animals, and the requirements need to be dealt with before travelling.

Depending on the circumstances, owners may need vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, blood tests, advance notification and other documentation. The exact requirements can depend on the animal and the country from which it is being imported.

Quarantine arrangements can also be involved, and failing to complete the required procedures correctly can result in significant delays. In some circumstances, the process can take months to complete, so leaving preparations until just before your flight is a bad idea.

Anyone planning to move to Japan with a pet should check the latest requirements with the Japanese authorities well before travelling. Starting early gives you time to complete vaccinations, documentation and any other procedures without putting unnecessary stress on either you or your animal.

Is Getting a Pet in Japan Right for You?

Owning a pet in Japan can bring companionship and become an important part of everyday life, but it requires more planning than simply choosing an animal and taking it home. Housing restrictions, available space, veterinary care, ongoing expenses, travel arrangements and legal requirements all need to be considered.

For people who are prepared for those responsibilities, having a dog, cat or another companion animal can be a rewarding part of life in Japan. The important thing is to make the decision based on the needs of the animal as well as your own circumstances.

If you are still unsure, taking some time to research adoption organisations, local veterinary clinics and pet-friendly housing before making a commitment can give you a much clearer picture of what pet ownership in Japan will involve.

Original source: GaijinPot