Dogs in Japan?

[Marukyusu]

Hi! I'm going to move to Japan with Marukyusu some day, and I'd like to take a dog with us. How common is it to have a dog in Japan and what it costs having one (eg. dog taxes etc.)? If I bring a dog from Finland how long would the quarantine be? If I wanted to take/buy a stray dog, how easy would it be to find one (in Japan) and what kind of paperwork etc would it require? Are there many stary dogs/cats in Japan in general?

Thanks for your answers in advance!

-Marika (Marukyusu no kanojo)

[Nyororin]

You asked this at a very good time. I don`t have any dogs, so normally I wouldn`t know this... But yesterday the fliers came around for the dog vaccinations/fees. So I just happen to have the paper on hand.

The registration itself appears to be about 5000 yen, with yearly vaccinations at about 3000 yen. When you move, you have to register again and pay the new fee in your new town.

Stray cats aren`t too rare, but stray dogs are. You certainly won`t be able to go out and just find a dog on the street. If you were interested in mix-breed puppies though, it`s quite common for people to give them away. There are some sites online that show lists and give contact information so that you can take one in.
I can`t say I recommend bringing a dog over here. I`m not 100% certain for dogs, but for cats it is 20 days of quarantine at 8000yen/day plus food costs. We decided not to bring my cat from the US because of the length and price. I doubt it`s all that much different for dogs - maybe even longer and more expensive.

Most apartments in Japan do not allow pets. And often those who do will allow rabbits and cats, but no dogs (as the barking may disturb neighbors). You may have a lot of trouble finding a place, and it will probably be more expensive than a normal apartment.

[Marukyusu]

Cheers for the reply, Nyoo-san ^^

[Gerard]

#1

Answer = Dogs don't exist in Japan

[SgtBeavis]

@Gerard

I hope you're joking. There ARE dogs in Japan. They're quite the rage too.

@Marukyusu

You can take your dog with you but I highly advise against it unless you are US Military. The quarantine is long and expensive. The kennels are at Narita or the port of entry. They are expensive for dogs, they don't treat your pet that well either IMO.

US Military is quite different because the quarantine is on post and is free to service member (last time I was there anyways)

Nyororin brought up the point of apartments. He is dead on right. Most apartments are not going to let you have a dog. Most Gaijin start off sharing an apartment with other foreigners. Those apartments are like dormatories and pets simply are not allowed.

My advice is for you to find a good home for your dog. Hopefully you will be lucky like I was and find a relative that doesn't mind caring for your dog in the long term.

Point blank: DONT take your dog. Consider the hardships placed on your dog. If you love your dog, don't put him/her through it.

[wildcat]

Originally Posted by Gerard

#1

Answer = Dogs don't exist in Japan

You kidding me? Dogs are in Japan and we don't eat these.

[Gerard]

Originally Posted by wildcat

You kidding me? Dogs are in Japan and we don't eat these.

lol really... i always thought there wasn't any dogs in Japan...

OMG.. how stupid lol..

and what do u mean by u don't eat them?.. Arent Japanese peopels the same as Chinese?

[wildcat]

[quote=Marukyusu;84059]I'd like to take a dog with us. How common is it to have a dog in Japan and what it costs having one (eg. dog taxes etc.)?


All you need to consider is where you are going to live in Japan.
I live in the US now and thinking about going back to JPN this winter.
I really wanna a dog and it's easy to get one here, but here is prob for me.
I found places that pets are ok, but these places are apartment w/o yard (of course.)
If I get a dog like an English Bulldog, it wouldn't be a prob for a dog b/c an English Bulldog doesn't need a yard.

Well, all I wanna say is that it depends where you live and what dog you wanna own.

[wildcat]

and what do u mean by u don't eat them?.. Arent Japanese peopels the same as Chinese?[/quote]

I am sure that we (japanese) eat crazy stuffs. But Chinese people eat all most everything...(that's my buddy who dates w/ chinese said..)
They eat dogs, but we don't.

[Gerard]

Originally Posted by wildcat

and what do u mean by u don't eat them?.. Arent Japanese peopels the same as Chinese?

I am sure that we (japanese) eat crazy stuffs. But Chinese people eat all most everything...(that's my buddy who dates w/ chinese said..)
They eat dogs, but we don't.[/quote]
ohh i see
i actually thought there wasn't any dogs in japan because they were food..
but now that i know Japanese Peeps are NON Dog Eaters.. it explains everything..

thx very much for your lesson.. i learned alot, Arigato