Pet Adoption in Japan
Finding Your New Furbaby
Whether you’re a long-term or permanent resident, this guide will help you find reputable pet shelters, rescue organizations, adoption platforms, as well as help you prepare for your new furbaby in Japan.
There’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail, a soft purr or a joyful hop. In a country where loneliness can quietly settle into daily life, adopting a furry friend can bring much joy and needed companionship. Yet, the pet adoption process in Japan isn’t without its challenges, and many people often look elsewhere before considering it as an option.
As more pets are abandoned—often due to irresponsible puppy/kitten mill breeders, unsold animals from shops or struggling elderly owners—countless animals are waiting for a loving home. While Japan’s pet shops remain popular, a growing “no-kill” movement around the world is encouraging people to rethink where we get our pets from, and how we care for sheltered animals that are still healthy and full of life.
Whether you’re a long-term or permanent resident, this guide will help you find reputable pet shelters, rescue organizations and pet adoption platforms, as well as help you prepare for your new furbaby in Japan.
Things To Consider Before Adopting A Pet In Japan
© Photo by iStock: kohei_haraWelcoming a pet into your life is a wonderful long-term commitment. But living in Japan comes with its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to housing regulations and adoption organization requirements. Here are some things to consider:
Housing Restrictions
Many apartments in Japan have rules regarding pet ownership, so it’s a good idea to check with your landlord or look over your contract to see if pets are welcome. Some may only allow smaller pets or have a strict no-pet policy, so keep inquiring until you find the perfect home!
Size & Breed
What is your future pet’s size and personality? Small dogs, cats or rabbits may be overjoyed to roam cozy apartment spaces, but larger, adventurous pets may need a bit more room to run freely and explore.
Adoption Costs
The cost of adopting can vary from shelter to shelter, and they may cover essential services like vaccinations and neutering. It’s also a good idea to plan for ongoing expenses, such as food, veterinary visits and supplies that help keep your furbaby happy and healthy.
Maintenance Costs
In a 2023 survey, the annual overall cost of owning a dog in Japan was around ¥340,000, while a cat was around ¥170,000. Rabbits were estimated to cost around ¥130,302 and other small animals were ¥95,602. These annual costs take into account medical expenses, food and snacks, supplements, shampoo and haircuts, pet insurance, vaccinations, pet hotels and sitters, collars, leads and clothes, toys and play facilities, disaster prevention supplies, transportation expenses and more.
Application Process
Many organizations require interviews or home visits. If your lifestyle or future plans don’t align with their criteria, such as planning to move to another country, your application may not be accepted. But don’t be discouraged! A loving pet is still out there waiting for you.
Finding a Reputable Adoption Organization
© Photo by iStock: petesphotographyFinding a trustworthy shelter, adoption organization or ethical breeder is an important step in welcoming a new furry friend into your life. Whether you’re searching online, attending an adoption event or visiting a local rescue group, it’s essential to choose an organization that truly cares about the well-being of animals.
Useful Phrases for Web Searching
When searching for pets online, knowing a few Japanese phrases can be helpful:
| Japanese Phrases | English Translation |
| 里親募集 (sato oya boshuu) | Foster parents wanted |
| 保護 ・犬 ・ 猫 ・ 兎(hogo inu, neko, usagi) | Rescue dog, cat, rabbit |
| 動物愛護団体 (doubutsu aigo dantai) | Animal welfare organization |
You can use these phrases to research sites that connect prospective pet parents with furbabies in need of a home. Read the profiles of pets carefully to understand their individual personalities and needs. Here are some organizaitions to get you started:
Society for the Protection of Animals
© Photo by Society for the Protection of AnimalsSociety for the Protection of Animals is a non-profit rescue organization that stands out for its clean, well-maintained shelters. SPA is working to put a stop to “dream boxes,” a machine that puts animals to rest. With their app, you can see adorable photos of rescued pets patiently waiting to be adopted. Join a meet-and-greet to interact with your future furry friend in a comfortable environment.
- Location: 3-28-2 Sanno, Ota-ku, Tokyo and 4-27-14 Ikegami, Ota, Tokyo
- Adoption Fee: ¥60,000
Buddies
© Photo by BuddiesBuddies is a Tokyo-based rescue group dedicated to saving dogs from shelters that will soon put them to rest, even if they have many years left. Rescued animals live with foster parents until they’re ready for adoption, and their health is thoroughly checked before heading to a new home. Buddies also provide educational resources for first-time pet owners and holds stress-relieving, pet bonding events like doga—aka. dog yoga.
- Location: 2-14 Nishikata, Bunkyo, Tokyo
- Adoption Fee: ¥20,000
Japan Cat Network
© Photo by Japan Cat NetworkThe Japan Cat Network (JCN) is a non-profit organization devoted to rescuing and rehoming stray cats across Japan. Cats are cared for by foster parents before finding their forever homes. JCN also promotes Trap-Neuter-Return programs to help manage the stray population and offer ongoing support to adopters. They also have a cat cafe in a Kyoto machiya (traditional Japanese home).
- Location: Shelters/cat cafes in Tokyo and Kyoto. Contact for details.
- Adoption Fee: ¥20,000
Animal Refuge Kansai
© Photo by Animal Refuge KansaiAnimal Refuge Kansai (ARK) is one of the most well-established animal rescue organizations in Japan. It is dedicated to rescuing dogs, cats and small animals from situations of neglect, and its process ensures that each pet finds its perfect human. A trial period gives you a chance to bond and see if you’re a good match. ARK hosts adoption events, pet food drives, animal safety workshops and more. It is also caring for pets affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
- Location: 595 Nomaohara, Nose, Toyono District, Osaka
- Adoption Fee: Rabbits ¥3,000; Dogs and cats ¥30,000 (covers vaccination, microchip and spay/neuter)
Heart Tokushima
© Photo by Heart TokushimaHeart Tokushima is a dog and cat shelter with a three-step vetting process that ensures each pet parent is a perfect fit. You take a questionnaire, have your home checked and sign a contract to bring your furbaby home. Their Tokushima Spay Clinic helps vaccinate and neuter pets before adoption. With donations, they have been able to rebuild their oldest shelter.
- Location: Minamidani, 95 Shibunocho, Tokushima
- Adoption Fee: ¥30,000 (dogs); ¥20,000 (cats)
Pet Home
© Photo by Pet HomePet Home is a platform that connects adopters with animals in need of a loving home. Their site allows individuals and organizations to showcase pets available for adoption. Whether you’re looking for a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile or other exotic animal, you’ll find profiles highlighting each pet’s age, health and personality. Search by pet type or by location.
- Location: Nationwide (online platform)
- Adoption Fee: Varies by shelter or individual
Others Platforms & Shelters
Preparing Your Home
© Photo by iStock: Kunihito IkedaYour furry friend is ready to come home! Now, it’s time to create a safe and welcoming environment. A little preparation can go a long way in helping your pet feel comfortable.
Pet Supplies
Gather food, bowls, bedding, toys and grooming supplies. For dogs, make sure to get a leash and collar with an ID tag. Cats need a litter box and scratching post. Rabbits need a litter box and organic toys that are safe for biting/ingesting. Supplies can be found at local pet shops and the pet section in large department stores. These days, most 100-yen shops also have various affordable pet goods!
Pet-proofing
Take a moment to secure electrical cords and potentially harmful objects. Keep breakable items out of reach, especially if your pet can jump up high!
Quiet Space
Set up a calm, quiet space where your pet can retreat, especially during the first few overwhelming days in their new home.
Completing the Adoption
© Photo by iStock: Alida GarciaPet adoption in Japan involves a few very important steps. Here’s what to expect:
- Application: Most shelters will ask you to fill out an application form detailing your living situation, schedule and current/previous pets. Some may even visit your home to ensure it’s a good fit.
- Government registration: In Japan, cats and small animals don’t require official registration. But all dogs must be registered with your local ward within 30 days. At the ward, you’ll fill out a form and pay a small fee.
- Veterinary care: Now that your new pet is finally home, schedule a check-up with your local vet. Staying on top of vet visits will help keep your furbaby healthy and happy!
By choosing a trustworthy shelter, adoption organization or ethical breeder, you’ll be well on your way to giving a deserving animal a loving home!
After 20 years, my sweet adopted pup passed away. Getting a bunny in Japan was the best decision I ever made. Are you interested in pet adoption in Japan? Let us know in the comments!
Thank you for a well researched article.
I notice that ARK is listed as being in Osaka. We have an office in Tokyo and conduct adoption fairs 2 or 3 times a month.