Pets in Tokyo

Registration Importing Pets Pet-Friendly Apartments Veterinarians Daily Life Pet Shops Pet Insurance Dog Parks

Registration & Legal Requirements

What you need to do after getting a pet in Tokyo.

Dog Registration

Register at your local ward/city office within 30 days
Fee: ¥300 (online) or ¥1,000 (by mail)
You'll receive an identification tag — attach to collar
If microchipped and registered with Ministry of Environment, separate ward registration may not be needed

Rabies Vaccination

Required for all dogs aged 91+ days
Must be vaccinated once every year
Failure to vaccinate: fine up to ¥200,000
Vaccination certificate needed for dog parks

Microchipping (2022 Law)

Since June 2022: all dogs & cats sold by breeders/pet shops must be microchipped
Owners must update info in Ministry of Environment database
Registration fee: ¥300 online
Older/rehomed pets: encouraged but not legally required

Leash Laws & Public Rules

Dogs must be leashed at all times in public
No off-leash walking in metropolitan parks
Must carry cleanup bags and pet sheets
Noise complaints from neighbors can be serious

Importing Your Pet to Japan

Planning ahead is crucial — the process takes at least 7 months.

Start Early: The 180-day waiting period between rabies titer test and arrival means you need to begin at least 7 months before your move date.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Must be implanted before rabies vaccination. If your country uses a different chip standard, bring your own reader.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination (x2)

Two vaccinations required, at least 30 days apart. Must be done after microchipping.

Step 3: Blood Titer Test

Must show ≥ 0.5 IU/ml antibody level. Use an approved lab. The 180-day countdown starts from the blood draw date.

Step 4: Notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service (AQS)

Submit notification at least 40 days before arrival. Specify your port of entry.

Step 5: Get Export Health Certificate

From US: USDA APHIS-endorsed certificate. From other countries: equivalent government veterinary certificate. Must accompany your pet.

Step 6: Arrival Inspection

If all documents are in order and 180 days have passed: quick inspection and release (usually within hours). If not: quarantine at AQS facility for remaining days.

Finding Pet-Friendly Apartments

Only 10–20% of Tokyo rentals allow pets — plan ahead.

Extra Costs to Expect

Rent premium: 10–20% higher than non-pet units
Pet deposit: ¥100,000–¥200,000 (often non-refundable)
Monthly pet fee: ¥5,000–¥10,000
Large dogs (10kg+): additional ¥10,000/month

Common Restrictions

Most apartments only allow dogs under 10kg
"Aggressive" breeds often refused by landlords
Usually limited to 1–2 pets per unit
Cats may face stricter rules (scratching damage concerns)

Where to Search

PLAZA HOMES — specializes in pet-friendly expat rentals
Real Estate Japan — filter by "pets allowed"
UR Housing — some pet-friendly public housing
GaijinPot Apartments — English-friendly listings

Tips for Success

Start searching 2–3 months early
Prepare a "pet resume" (breed, size, temperament, photo)
Offer to pay higher deposit to reassure landlords
Consider areas like Setagaya, Meguro, Nerima (more pet-friendly)

English-Speaking Veterinarians

Trusted clinics where you can communicate comfortably.

Japan Animal Medical Center

Established 1966. Central Tokyo. English staff available upon request.

PetLife Veterinary Clinic

Higashi Azabu. Fully bilingual (Japanese/English). General checkups, surgery, dental.

Tokyo Dog Clinic

English-speaking house call vet. Covers all 23 wards. 10 min from Shibuya Station.

Daktari Animal Hospital

Near Shirokanedai Station. 24-hour emergency services.

Tip: Bring your pet's medical records translated into Japanese (or at least English) for the first visit. Vaccination history is especially important.

Daily Life with Pets in Tokyo

From trains to pet cafes — how pet-friendly is Tokyo really?

Pets on Trains

Must be in a rigid carrier (no cloth slings)
Max size: 120cm total (L + W + H)
Pet + carrier: under 10kg
Fee: ¥290 per trip (JR lines)
Pet must stay inside carrier at all times

Walking Etiquette

Always leash your dog
Carry water bottle to wash urine spots
Pick up waste in bags immediately
Avoid narrow residential streets during rush hour
Some areas have designated dog-walking paths

Pet-Friendly Spots

Pet cafes throughout Tokyo (cat, dog, rabbit, owl)
Outdoor restaurant terraces often welcome dogs
Some shopping malls have pet areas (LaLaport, etc.)
Home centers like Cainz allow leashed pets

Apartment Life

Thin walls — barking is a major complaint issue
Consider training classes (many English-speaking trainers)
Keep a regular walking schedule to minimize indoor noise
Introduce yourself to neighbors with a small gift

Pet Shops & Supplies

Where to buy food, toys, and everything your pet needs.

Major Pet Shop Chains

Kojima — Multiple locations, grooming services, premium food
Pet Forest — Wide selection of food & accessories
Aeon Pet — Part of Aeon malls, good for basics
Coo & RIKU — Popular chain with grooming

Home Centers with Pet Sections

Cainz — Large pet aisle + some locations allow pets inside
Joyful Honda — Extensive pet department in suburban locations
Nitori — Pet beds and accessories

Full home centers guide →

Online Shopping

Amazon Japan — Widest selection, next-day delivery
Rakuten — Good deals, point rewards
iHerb Japan — Imported premium pet food brands

Pet Insurance

Vet bills in Japan can be expensive — insurance helps.

Why Insurance Matters: Japan has no national pet health coverage. A single surgery can cost ¥200,000–¥500,000+. Insurance typically covers 50–90% of eligible costs.

Anicom (アニコム)

Japan's largest pet insurer. Direct billing at partnered clinics — no upfront payment needed. Covers accidents, illnesses.

iPet Insurance

Digital-first with mobile app claims. Example: ~¥710/month for 90% coverage up to ¥1,000,000/year.

Rakuten Pet Insurance

Earn Rakuten points on premiums. Flexible plans for accidents, illness, and preventive care.

AXA Direct Japan

Global brand with Japan-specific plans. Broad coverage options and strong customer service.

Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spots

Where to let your dog run free (legally!).

Yoyogi Park Dog Run

Most popular in Tokyo. Three sections by dog size (under 5kg, 5–12kg, 10kg+). Registration required — bring original rabies vaccination certificate. Near Yoyogi-Koen Station.

Komazawa Olympic Park

Spacious dog run with separate areas for small and large dogs. Popular with Setagaya and Meguro residents.

Showa Memorial Park

Massive park in Tachikawa. Dogs welcome on leash throughout most areas. Dog run available.

Inokashira Park

Beautiful lakeside park near Kichijoji. Great for on-leash walks. No dedicated dog run but very dog-friendly atmosphere.

Dog Run Registration: Most Tokyo dog runs require one-time registration. Bring: rabies vaccination certificate (original), proof of dog registration, and your ID. Registration is free at most public parks.