Decisions to make before the dog arrives
Life with a dog lasts ten years or more. Before the welcome day, agree as a household on who walks, feeds and cleans up, how long the dog will be home alone, and what you can spend each month. You can get a full picture of the money side with our Initial Cost Simulator.
If you rent, confirm in writing that your contract allows pets - including any limits on size or number of animals.
Timeline to welcome day
- 2 weeks beforeSet the house rules (who does what, which rooms are open to the dog) and shortlist a vet clinic near home.
- 1 week beforeBuy the equipment - see the list below. For food, get the same brand the breeder or shelter has been feeding.
- The day beforeClear the floor: cables, small objects and houseplants go out of reach. Make the dog's space safe.
- Welcome dayPick the dog up in the morning if you can, and once home, resist the urge to fuss - let the newcomer rest quietly.
Worried about forgetting something? The New Pet Preparation Checklist builds a personalised list from a few questions.
Basic equipment to have ready
| Item | How to choose |
|---|---|
| Pen / crate cage | Size it for the adult dog, with room to separate toilet and bed Find pens |
| Travel crate | The dog's private room - also used for vet trips and evacuation. Start crate training early Find crates |
| Dog food | Start with the same brand the dog has been eating; switch gradually over 1-2 weeks Find food |
| Bowls | Heavy ceramic or raised bowls are hardest to tip over Find bowls |
| Toilet tray & pet sheets | A mesh-topped tray prevents chewing; stock plenty of sheets Find pet sheets |
| Collar / harness & lead | Puppies grow fast, so choose adjustable sizes and practise indoors before the first walk Find harnesses |
| Brush | Match the coat: rubber brush for short hair, slicker for long hair Find brushes |
| Toys | Two or three sturdy chew toys double as teething-bite outlets Find toys |
Legal formalities (dogs only, in Japan)
Japanese law places obligations on dog owners that do not exist for cats:
- Dog registration: dogs over 90 days old must be registered with your city office within 30 days of arrival. You receive a license tag (kansatsu)
- Rabies vaccination: compulsory once a year, at spring mass-vaccination events or at any vet clinic
- Microchip: dogs from shops and breeders come chipped - remember to transfer the registration to your name online
See Vet Visits & Vaccinations for the full vaccine schedule.
The first week at home
However lively the puppy looks, the move is a major stress. For the first two or three days keep handling and photo sessions to a minimum and let the dog rest in its pen. Play can wait until appetite and toilet habits have settled.
Toilet training starts on day one: guide the dog to the tray after waking, after meals and after play, and praise on the spot when it works. Full step-by-step guidance is in Dog Training Basics.
Related pages
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum equipment for welcoming a dog?
A pen or cage, a toilet tray with pet sheets, food and bowls, a water dispenser, a collar or harness with a lead, and a travel crate cover the first week. A brush and a couple of toys are worth adding early.
How much does it cost to get started?
Excluding the price of the dog itself, plan roughly 50,000-100,000 yen for equipment, registration and vaccinations. Our Initial Cost Simulator breaks the figure down by item.
When is a good time to welcome a dog?
A period when someone can be home for the first few days - long weekends work well. Avoid times of upheaval such as right after moving house or just before a long trip.
Can I switch to a food I prefer right away?
A sudden switch often upsets the stomach. Keep the current food at first and, if you change, mix the new food in gradually over one to two weeks.
What happens if I skip dog registration?
Registration and the annual rabies shot are legal duties under Japan's Rabies Prevention Act, and neglecting them can incur fines. Register at your city office within 30 days.