Dog keeping laws and regulations in Japan
In Japan, there are various laws and regulations that pet owners must follow to own dogs. If you are considering getting a dog in Japan, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with these rules beforehand. Below is an outline of the requirements for keeping a dog in the country.
What all dog owners are required to do under the dog keeping laws
ID Registration at local government
(Kai-Inu no Touroku 飼い犬の登録)
Register your dog at the municipal office in the city you live, and get a license tag "犬鑑札" issued to identify your ownership. (Required once in life)The registration fee will be about 3000 JPY.
You can also microchip your dog at a veterinary clinic for the identification instead of putting the licence tag. In fact, the microchipping system will be installed to replace the tag attachment soon near future. The fee for microchipping & registration will be somewhere between 4000 and 10,000 JPY.
Vaccination to prevent rabies
(Kyokenbyo Yobo Chuusha 狂犬病予防注射)
All dogs aged 90 days or over are obligated to be vaccinated under the Rabies Prevention Act, required once every year. If a pet owner fails to get a rabies vaccination, they may be subject to a fine of up to 200,000 JPY.
Get your dog vaccinated and receive the injection certificate "注射済票".
The vaccination is required once a year between April and June. Local government conducts immunizations at designated locations such as public facilities and parks. The fee is 3,650 JPY, which includes 3,100 JPY for the injection and an additional amount for the certificate. (As of May 2025)
The owners who register their dogs are typically informed by mail. Additionally, the schedule will be announced via a leaflet or on the website.
In the case you missed the scheduled days, go to a veterinary hospital to get the injection. The fee may vary depending on the hospital.
Carrying license tag and injection certificate
Put both the licence tag (or microchip) and the injection certificate tag on your dog, usually on the dog collar as dogs must wear a dog collar and leash (lead) outside, like when the owner takes them for walking.
Notifications: Death, Change of address
If a dog dies, the owner is required to notify the death at the municipal office. A notification is also required when the owner (with the dog) changes living place.
Follow the dog-Keeping rules and manners
The website of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, provides the information on dog-keeping rules and manners in Japan. The website is to learn about assistance dogs for persons with physical disabilities", but it helps dog owners to understand what they should know to have a dog.
"Assistance Dogs for Persons with Physical Disabilities" Portal Site by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/care-welfare/welfare-disabilities/assistance_dogs/rules_manners.html
Related Information
Animal quarantine information for travellers to Japan by Animal Quarantine Service
https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/languages/info.html
Japan Veterinary Medical Association
https://jvma-vet.jp/en/
Microchipping of your pets by Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan
https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/pickup/chip.html
