If you have a dog that is more than 90 days old, you must register the dog at the city, ward, town or village office. After completing the registration, you will be given a dog license tag (certification). Since the license tag is required for the life of the dog, it would be good to attach the license tag to the dog’s collar. In the event that the dog runs away from home or becomes lost somewhere, if the person who finds it contacts the municipal administrative office or the public health center, it is almost certain that the dog can be returned to the registered owner.
The pet owner is responsible for cleaning up after the dog when out for a walk. You should take such supplies along with you when you go out for a walk. Also, there are very few apartment or condominium buildings in Japan that allow pets. Before moving in with your pet, it would be advisable for you to first confirm with the building manager or owner whether pets are allowed. Dogs that are left unleashed may cause accidents or be a nuisance to others, so please keep your dog on a leash.

The owner of a dog that is more than 90 days old is required by law to have their pet vaccinated against rabies once a year. Rabies shots are given collectively once a year, and all registered dog owners will be notified of the vaccination period. A notice about vaccinations is also published in the newsletter issued by the municipal administrative office. If you cannot have your pet vaccinated during the group vaccination period, you can have the animal vaccinated at a local veterinary hospital. You will receive a vaccination certificate from the veterinary hospital, which you must then bring to the municipal administrative office to apply for a certification tag for rabies vaccination.

Pets should be treated like a family member. You are obliged to keep them with care until the end of their life. If a situation arises that force you to part with your pets, you should first find the next owner. Only if you cannot find the prospective owner despite all efforts, consult a healthcare center as to how to dispose of them.

When your dog or cat dies, in some municipalities you can have it cremated at funeral hall (fees required). For details, please refer to the municipal administrative office.