Owning Large Pets or Multiple Pets in Japan
Are you planning to move to Japan with your pets, or are you already living in Japan and thinking of buying one? If you only plan on owning one small dog in Japan, you shouldn't face too much trouble, but if you want to keep multiple pets or a large dog, there are more challenges that you will face.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about owning multiple or large pets in Japan, plus some tips on how to keep your pets happy and healthy during Japan's hot and humid summer.
Owning Multiple Pets in Japan
In Japan, owning multiple pets is generally harder than in some other countries due to space constraints, laws, and cultural expectations.
In big cities like Tokyo, homes tend to be small, meaning there is often not enough space for more than one pet. As a result, sometimes even pet-friendly apartment buildings will not allow you to own multiple pets.
Japanese pet ownership laws are also quite strict, so often you will need to prove that your home has enough space to accommodate multiple animals to be able to buy or register another pet. You'll need to do a lot of paperwork and make sure that your pets are all properly registered with your local city hall or ward office.
On top of all this, an important part of Japanese culture is not inconveniencing or bothering others. For pet owners, this means making sure your home doesn't smell and that your pets are not making too much noise. The more pets you have, the more noise that may come from your home, which may lead to neighbors complaining. This is one big reason why many apartment buildings in Japan do not allow pets.
Now, this does not mean it is impossible to have multiple pets in Japan. It just means that if you want to do so, you will need to jump through many more hoops and be very considerate of your neighbors, especially if you are living in an apartment.
Owning a Large Dog in Japan
If you want to own a large dog, like a German shepherd or golden retriever, you will also face some challenges in Japan.
Large dog breeds have a ton of energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy. Again, living space in Japan is generally limited unless you are wealthy or live in the countryside. Homes tend to be smaller than what you might find in countries like the United States, and usually, houses won't have big backyards or front yards where pets can run around. A large dog could get antsy and restless living in a small space, leading to it behaving badly and causing problems for others.
This is part of why many pet-friendly apartment buildings only allow for small dogs, not large dogs. When searching for a pet-friendly apartment, be sure to confirm if the building is also friendly to large dogs.
Public transportation in Japan is also not generally designed with large pets in mind. Train lines generally do not allow you to bring a pet on board unless it can fit completely inside a carrier bag, so it will be tough to travel around Japan with a large dog.
One concern that may never even occur to you is what happens if your large dog passes away. Japan has strict laws regarding the cremation or burial of pet remains, so finding a final resting place for your dog may also be a challenge. If you want to have a large dog in Japan, you should look into this in advance and plan accordingly.
Again, this is not to say that you cannot own a large dog in Japanーthere are many people who do. But the reason why you see so many people with one small dog or cat is largely because it is much easier to just have one small pet in Japan.
Taking Care of Your Pets in the Summer
Japanese summer is hot and humid, which takes its toll on both owners and their pets. Here are some things to keep in mind to keep your pets healthy during the summer. It is especially important to think about these things if you come from a country that does not get as hot as Japan does.
・Keep Your Pets Cool and Hydrated
Dogs and cats get hot under all their fur during the summer. Put water dishes in multiple places around your home and keep the AC on to keep them comfortable. If your pets need to go outside, try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
・Exercise in the Early Morning or Late Night
In the summer in Japan, it is common to see people walking their dogs very early in the morning or late at night long after the sun has set. You really want to avoid taking your dog out for a walk between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. as that is usually the hottest time of the day.
・Make Sure Your Pets Are Eating Enough
The hot temperatures can make your pets lose their appetite. If they aren't getting enough of the nutrients they need, a trip to the vet might be in order.
・Use Sunscreen
The sunlight in the summer is strong and relentless, so pick up some pet-friendly sunscreen to put on your furry friend if you are taking them out. Again, spending time in the shade when possible is also best.
・Watch Out for Parasites
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms are more active during warm months. Your pet may need to have regular preventative treatments to keep these parasites at bay.
There is a lot to consider if you are thinking about bringing multiple pets or a large dog with you to Japan, or if you are living here and hoping to adopt another furry friend. While it may be more challenging to own multiple pets or a large pet in Japan compared to some other countries, it is not at all impossible.
For even more information on owning pets in Japan, including rules you need to know and cultural expectations that come with owning pets, as well as a list of English-speaking vets in Tokyo, check out our article all about pets in Japan, linked below.
