Owning a Dog in Japan: A Guide for Expats

Owning a dog in Japan (犬の飼育, inu no shiiku) as a foreign resident involves legal obligations, registration procedures, and everyday life considerations that vary depending on where in the country you live.

Japan had approximately 6.8 million registered dogs as of 2024, and its total dog and cat population reached 15.95 million, surpassing the number of children under 15 in the country.

Dog owners in Japan must register their pet dog with the local municipal office, ensure annual rabies vaccination, and comply with leash laws and microchip registration requirements introduced in June 2022.

This guide covers every essential aspect of dog ownership in Japan: registration, vaccination, microchipping, bringing a dog from your home country, what to do if your dog hurts someone, pet-friendly apartment rules, dog runs, animal hospitals, and more.

Registering a dog in Japan

Dog owners must register their dogs within 30 days of acquiring a dog 91 days of age or older. The purpose of dog registration is to identify the dog's owner and allow the municipality to inform dog owners in case of a rabies outbreak. Once registered, the registration is valid for life.

While registration happens only once in a dog's lifetime, if you move locations or if the dog dies, you must notify the city office so records can be updated. According to the Rabies Prevention Act, failure to register one's dog may result in a ¥200,000 fine.

Registration at a city office typically costs ¥3,000. 

Note: if you purchase a dog from a pet store or breeder after June 2022 and register your owner information in the Ministry of the Environment's microchip database, your municipal office is automatically notified, and you do not need to complete a separate city office registration. The microchip registration fee is ¥300 online or ¥1,000 by mail.

Most city offices have a page on their site where dog registration details can be found. Search for [your city] + 犬の登録.

Image. According to Rakuten Insight in a survey of pet ownership, the average cost of care for dogs in Japan is ¥9,360 per month.

Rabies vaccination for dogs in Japan 

Dog owners must have their dogs receive a rabies shot. Typically, this occurs between April 1 and June 30 every year. The dog is then issued a tag which it must wear to show proof of vaccination.

The injection certificate tag (注射済票, chushazumihyo) fee is ¥550.

At municipal vaccination campaign sites, the combined fee (injection plus certificate) is approximately ¥3,750 as of 2026, according to local government guidance. Fees at private animal hospitals may vary depending on the clinic.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the last case of rabies infection in Japan occurred in 2006, when an individual incurred a dog bite in the Philippines. After returning to Japan, the individual developed rabies and died. Before this, the last known rabies case in Japan occurred in 1970. 

Pet clinics throughout Japan administer the rabies vaccine shot (狂犬病ワクチン = kyoukenbyou wakuchin). Go here for a nationwide directory of pet clinics to find one in your area. 

Bringing a dog to Japan

If you are moving to Japan and plan to bring your dog, you must follow import procedures based on whether you reside in a designated or non-designated region.

Japan's Animal Quarantine Section provides detailed guidance in English on the matter. Click here if you are a dog owner in a designated region (Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, Guam), or here if you reside in a non-designated region (all other regions).

Image. Step by step how to import your dog from a designated region to Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Image. Step by step how to import your dog from a non-designated region to Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Video. "How to Bring Your Pets to Japan" by Eatyourkimchi Studio.

What to do if your dog hurts others or causes damage in Japan

If a dog has injured another person through the owner's negligence, the owner may be held legally liable under Article 209 of the Penal Code, subject to a ¥300,000 fine. 

Article 718 of the Civil Code also states, "The possessor of an animal shall be liable to compensate for damages caused by the animal to another person." 

If your dog bites another dog, the case would legally be considered the same as if it had damaged property. And the dog owner would be responsible for paying for damages, i.e., reimbursement for medical treatment and fees. Correct etiquette here is to offer your contact information so the injured party can follow up with you in the future. 

If you or your pet has been injured by a dog, you can file a police report (被害届 = higaitodoke) and report the case to your local city office so they can launch a rabies investigation. 

Etiquette at dog runs in Japan

Japan has leash laws in place, which means that unless you are at a dog run or dog parks that allows unleashed dogs, your dog must always be on a leash.

Thankfully, there are many dog runs for your dog to enjoy. Dog-ful.com (Japanese site) lists dog runs, dog cafes, dog hotels, and dog salons for dog owners in Japan.

The following are dog-run etiquette points recommended by various dog sites in Japan.

1. Allow your dog to take care of toilet business before entering the dog run. 

2. Put a manner band on your dog if the situation warrants it. 

3. Ensure your dog can follow basic commands, such as sit or come. 

4. If your dog excretes in the dog run, clean it up. 

5. Monitor your dog at all times while in the dog run. 

6. Don't give treats to other dogs. 

These are general guidelines, and some dog runs will have their own requirements. Look up the dog run online to learn what rules to follow and prepare accordingly. 

Finding a pet-friendly apartment in Japan with dogs

Finding a pet-friendly apartment (ペット可マンション, petto-ka manshon) in Japan is one of the most common challenges for dog owners, particularly for foreign residents.

According to real estate portal SUUMO, approximately 18% of rental properties listed in Japan were pet-friendly as of January 2024, up from 10% in 2019—but still significantly short of demand.

In Tokyo, only about 10–20% of rental properties allow pets, according to multiple real estate surveys.

Even in pet-friendly apartments, the rules vary depending on the building.

Common restrictions include: small dogs only (typically under 10kg), a limit of one pet per unit, no large or breed-restricted dogs, proof of rabies vaccination and dog registration required before move-in, and a higher security deposit—typically one to two additional months' rent. Rent for pet-friendly properties averages approximately 10–20% higher than equivalent properties without the pet-allowed condition.

For foreign residents, the search involves a double hurdle: finding a property that is both foreigner-friendly and pet-friendly.

Multilingual property search platforms including GaijinPot Apartments, YOLO HOME, and wagaya Japan allow filtering by pet-allowed status. When approaching landlords, presenting a complete pet profile, such as breed, age, weight, vaccination certificate, and registration documents, significantly improves approval chances.

Are dogs allowed on trains in Japan?

Dogs are allowed on trains, provided your dog's total length, width, and height do not exceed 120 centimeters. Additionally, some train lines will charge a fee if you bring the dog on board.

If you use a JR East train, the rules for traveling with your dog are as follows: 

• The animal's total length, width, and height must not exceed 120 centimeters.

• The combined weight of the case and the animal must not exceed 10 kilograms.

• The fee for personal effects is ¥290.

Guidance dogs are the exception to these rules and are allowed to ride free of charge. 

The following is a Google Translated chart of dog allowances for trains in the Kanto area. To see the original in Japanese and dog rules for train lines in other regions in Japan, go here.

Image. Dog carrier sizes and fees for train travel in Kanto by Rentio. 

Note: Most often, Shinkansen pet policy will follow the allowances of the lines they operate under. For instance, the Narita Express is operated by JR East, and, therefore will follow JR East's carry-on fee and size allowance

When you cannot care for your dog in Japan

In principle, dog owners in Japan are expected to care for their dogs until the end of its life (lifetime care). However, if you cannot keep your pet due to unavoidable circumstances, you should look into adoption possibilities for your dog. Many municipalities in Japan will have local resources that may be able to help.

What to do if a pet dies in Japan

When your dog dies, you must submit a death report  (死亡届 = shibou todoke) to the city office within 30 days of the death. You will provide your address, name, date of death, your dog's identification tag, and your dog's rabies vaccination certificate.

Some city offices throughout Japan provide cremation services for pets within a specific size. For example, Minato City will pick up and cremate a pet under 25kg for ¥2600. For pets that weigh more than 25kg, you must call a professional cremation service. 

Japan's law concerning microchip registration for pets

Since June 1, 2022, the revised Animal Protection and Control Law has required dogs and cats sold by breeders and pet stores to be microchipped and registered in the Ministry of the Environment's national database.

When you purchase a dog from a pet store or breeder in Japan, the microchip will already be implanted—you are then legally required to update the registration with your own owner information. Registration costs ¥300 online or ¥1,000 by mail application.

For dogs already owned before June 2022, microchipping is an effort obligation (努力義務, doryoku gimu). This means it is strongly encouraged by the government but not legally mandated for existing pets.

If you do have your dog microchipped and register with the Ministry of the Environment database, your local municipal office is automatically notified, removing the need to separately complete initial registration or address-change procedures at the city office counter.

Pet sitters in Japan for dogs

Looking for a pet sitter if you plan on leaving Japan for an upcoming holiday? Looking for pet sitters who can take care of your furry friend and help with dog walking duties and more while you are in your home country?

PetBacker is a sharing-based service that connects pet guardians to local pet sitters and other services. For PetBacker, pet sitters are screened, and only 30% make the cut. We recommend reading past reviews on sitters and checking out their profiles to find a good match.  

Depending on where in Japan you live, you might have more or fewer options in your area. Keep in mind that there’s a limit to how many pets any sitter can take at one time (particularly if you will be gone for a couple of months).  

Price: From ¥2,500 to ¥5,000 per night

Frequently asked questions

What are the legal requirements for owning a dog in Japan?

Dog owners in Japan have three core legal obligations under the Rabies Prevention Act (狂犬病予防法): register their pet dog with the local municipal office within 30 days of acquiring a dog aged 91 days or older; have their dog vaccinated against rabies once a year; and attach both the license tag (犬鑑札, inukansatsu) and the injection certificate tag (注射済票, chushazumihyo) to the dog's collar. Since June 2022, dogs purchased from breeders or pet stores must also be microchipped and registered in the Ministry of the Environment's national database. Failure to register or vaccinate can result in fines of up to ¥200,000.

How do I register my dog in Japan?

Dog registration is completed at your local municipal office (市区町村役所) within 30 days of acquiring a dog aged 91 days or older. The registration fee is approximately ¥3,000 and the registration is valid for the dog's lifetime. If you move to a different municipality, you must notify both your old and new city offices. If your dog was purchased from a pet store or breeder after June 2022 and you register your owner information in the Ministry of the Environment's microchip database, your municipal office is automatically notified, removing the need to separately complete registration at the city counter. Search for your city's dog registration page using [your city name] + 犬の登録.

Is microchipping mandatory for dogs in Japan?

Since June 1, 2022, all dogs and cats sold by breeders and pet stores in Japan must be microchipped under the revised Animal Protection and Control Law. When you purchase a dog from a pet store, the microchip will already be implanted—you are required to update the registration with your own information in the Ministry of the Environment's database. Registration costs ¥300 online or ¥1,000 by mail. For dogs already owned before June 2022, microchipping is an effort obligation (努力義務, doryoku gimu)—strongly encouraged but not legally required for existing pets.

How much does rabies vaccination cost in Japan?

The annual rabies vaccination for dogs in Japan is administered at municipal vaccination campaign sites between April and June each year. As of 2026, the combined fee at municipal campaign sites is approximately ¥3,750, which includes the injection cost and the injection certificate tag (注射済票, chushazumihyo) fee of ¥550. Fees at private animal hospitals may vary depending on the clinic. Dog owners who miss the municipal campaign window can visit any animal hospital to receive the vaccination outside the standard period.

Can I bring my dog to Japan from my home country?

Yes, but Japan has some of the strictest pet import regulations in the world and planning must begin 7–9 months in advance. The process requires an ISO-standard microchip implanted before the first rabies vaccination, two inactivated rabies vaccinations given at least 30 days apart, a blood titer test (FAVN test) showing immunity of ≥0.5 IU/ml at a Japan-approved laboratory, and a mandatory 180-day waiting period after the blood draw date before arrival. Requirements vary depending on whether you are traveling from a designated region (including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Guam) or a non-designated region. Contact Japan's Animal Quarantine Service well in advance and plan for potential quarantine of up to 180 days at your own expense if any step is missed or out of sequence.

What should I do if my dog bites someone in Japan?

If your dog injures another person through your negligence as the owner, you may be held legally liable under Article 209 of the Penal Code, which carries a fine of up to ¥300,000. Article 718 of the Civil Code additionally states that the possessor of an animal is liable to compensate for damages caused to another person. If your dog bites another dog, it is treated as property damage, and you are responsible for covering veterinary fees. In all cases, exchange contact information with the injured party immediately. The injured person can file a police report (被害届, higaitodoke) and report the incident to the local city office to initiate a rabies investigation.

How do I find a pet-friendly apartment in Japan?

Pet-friendly apartments (ペット可マンション, petto-ka manshon) represent approximately 18% of rental listings in Japan as of 2024 (SUUMO), with only 10–20% of Tokyo rentals allowing pets. Rules vary depending on the building: most pet-friendly apartments restrict dogs to small dogs under 10kg, limit one pet per unit, and require proof of rabies vaccination and dog registration. Rent for pet-friendly properties is typically 10–20% higher than equivalent non-pet properties, and an additional security deposit of one to two months' rent is common. Multilingual platforms including GaijinPot Apartments, YOLO HOME, and wagaya Japan allow filtering by pet-allowed status. Presenting a complete pet profile — breed, weight, age, and vaccination documents — when approaching landlords significantly improves approval chances.

Are there dog parks and dog runs in Japan?

Yes. Japan has many dog runs (ドッグラン, doggu ran) where dogs can exercise off leash. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo has one of the most well-known dog runs in the country, and many urban parks include dedicated fenced areas for dogs. Under Japan's leash laws, dogs must be on a leash at all times in all public spaces outside designated off-leash areas — this applies during dog walking, at parks, and near animal hospitals and pet stores. The site Dog-ful.com (Japanese) lists dog runs, dog cafes, dog hotels, and dog salons across Japan for pet owners. Always check each dog run's individual rules before visiting, as requirements vary.

Are dogs allowed in dog cafes and restaurants in Japan?

Dog cafes (ドッグカフェ, doggu kafe) are a well-established part of everyday life for dog owners in Japan, and many cafes and restaurants in urban areas allow small dogs in outdoor seating areas. Pet stores and some animal hospitals also welcome dogs inside. Rules vary depending on the establishment: most dog cafes require your dog to be vaccinated and have current registration documents, and small dogs are generally easier to accommodate than large breeds. When in doubt, call ahead. Japan Animal Trust and Animal Refuge Kansai are two organizations that also run adoption-focused events where dogs can be met in a public setting.

What happens if I can no longer care for my dog in Japan?

Japanese law requires dog owners to be responsible for their pets for their entire lifetime — abandoning a dog is prohibited and can result in criminal penalties. If you are living abroad temporarily or face unavoidable circumstances such as illness or relocation, you should first explore adoption possibilities through your local municipal office, community groups, or organizations such as Japan Animal Trust and Animal Refuge Kansai, which support rehoming dogs and cats. Many municipalities in Japan have local resources to assist pet owners in these situations. If your dog dies, you must submit a death report (死亡届, shiboutodoke) to the city office within 30 days of the death.

In closing

Owning a dog in Japan as a foreign resident is entirely manageable once you understand the dog keeping rules that govern everyday life with a pet dog in this country.

Register your dog at the municipal office, keep up with the annual rabies vaccination, attach the license tag and injection certificate to the collar, and comply with the microchip registration requirements introduced in June 2022.

Beyond the legal basics, Japan offers dog owners a genuinely rich everyday life: dog runs, dog cafes, pet-friendly apartments, animal hospitals, and dog walking services are all well-established parts of the culture. Finding pet-friendly apartments takes more effort here than in many Western countries, but the market is growing, and organizations such as Japan Animal Trust and Animal Refuge Kansai are available to support pet owners who need help rehoming a furry friend.

If you are bringing a pet dog from your home country, begin the import process at least seven to nine months before your planned arrival date. If you are adopting or purchasing a puppy locally, start with the registration and vaccination steps outlined in this article. Japan takes animal welfare seriously, and dog owners here are expected to do the same.