Job Discussion Forums

[valkyrie]

First, I have already thought about the pros / cons of trying to take the dogs, and since I know them best, I don't really need advice on WHETHER to take them. But, I would really appreciate advice on how to get a position where the employer will be the most helpful in assisting me work out the issues.

I am intending to move to Japan to teach and have applied to the JET Program. However, knowing that it is difficult to find housing that allows pets there, does anyone know if they will work with you on finding housing that allows dogs? Anyone in the JET program now or currently who took dogs?

Does anyone have personal experience with another company or school that was tollerant and helpful in working with someone with dogs?

I could leave the dogs with relatives for a few months if I needed to work out different housing once I was there, but knowing that it is very hard to work out housing changes, I would prefer to KNOW going in that the employer would work with me.

Any advice??

[Nismo]

Your only option is to (if you get accepted to JET) inform the JET employees who are hiring you. I knew a girl who went on JET and took her bird with her, so it seemed to work out well for her. All she did was inform the JET program about her needs.

It also depends greatly on the school you are placed at. Some schools will already have an apartment for you and living there is a requirement (at least paying the rent is). If a school has already secured housing, they will not look for another place for you as that would mean another investment in key money, etc. You would end up footing the cost.

One tip I might offer: Through the JET application process (or any other application process), don't conveniently neglect to inform the interviewers of your animal - that would be very unprofessional. Tell them up front when the time feels right. If they ask you about any concerns you might have about going to Japan, that is the time to mention your dog.

[valkyrie]

Thanks for the advice. I had planned on discussing the issue with them when (if) I got to the interview. However, since the process is so long, I was considering applying to some other programs so that I would have some options in-process in case they could NOT work with me. Any other advice would be appreciated as well.

[Nismo]

Well, I am not sure about how all of the large schools work, but some of them explicitly state "No Pets". There is no exception to the rule, they don't want you to bring your pet along. You can contact the recruiting agency nearest to you and inquire about their policy. When you look at resources like OhayoSensei.com, some ads state whether or not pets are allowed. If it doesn't state it, then you can contact them by their listed email.

[valkyrie]

Thanks, I've looked at their listings as well as a few other places. I'll keep up the search!

Is there anyone who HAS taken dogs? I would appreciate any feedback.

[TokyoLiz]

My coworker in Canada was a JET in Iwate-ken, and is sure she was the first JET participant to bring two cats. I've heard tales of others JET people bringing cats.

Dogs?

[valkyrie]

Thanks for the info. So at least they are not TOTALLY unwilling to work with you about pets. But people often look at dogs differently. Of course, having had cats, I have MY opinion about which can be more destructive!! Even if they ARE smaller!

[homersimpson]

Yes, but cats are easier to conceal. There are many cats roaming around neighborhoods. I presume you are going to be walking your dogs. When you are gone all day I hope they don't bark. If you do go with JET you are effectively screwed, unless you get placed in a big city. If you are in a small city or the countryside, everyone will know your brand of toothpaste and most certainly be aware of your dog ownership. Besides, why would you want to put your dogs through a 13 hour flight and (possible) quarantine?