Job Discussion Forums

Appletreesrtall · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

Hello! I am about to graduate college, and my goal ever since I have heard of JET was to be a part of it. I feel like I have a pretty impressive resume to give, but the only thing that scares me are my two cats. I know I -will not- leave them in the US. It was my choice to get them, and a pet is a life-long friend and responsibility. So to sum it up, how does JET, or any ALT program look at bringing pets into Japan? I know the process of bringing a pet into Japan (shots, certificates, quarantine, ect ect), but anyone with experience with this, plleeaasseee tell me anything. I don't want to leave little Yoshi and Hoshi behind!

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

You might think that this is a unique situation but it isn't.
Look here for info and it isn't enough, put pets into a search (don't forget to only search the Japan forum, if you seach China forums you only get recipes)

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

I don't know of any current JETs with pets and it doesn't seem like a good idea to bring them to me. Many landlords here do not allow pets and while it probably wouldn't be impossible to find an apartment or housing situation that allowed pets, it would be more work for whatever BOE would hire you, and BOEs typically do not like anything that might require more work. Thus, your chances of being accepted decrease.

Appletreesrtall · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

You don't choose your location. It�s more like you are placed somewhere. You request one via the application, but many people do not get their requested location.

I'm not sure when you would mention it. You probably don't even have to, until you show up for the plane (cause a rep from the consulate will be there and I doubt you could hide your animal carrier), but if you get over here and the apartment you're placed in doesn't allow pets.....ummmm.....yeah, problem. It�s a good bet they won't cancel your contract, but if they have to get you a new apartment, they could make you find one on your own, pay key money and a deposit. All very expensive and there might even be a fee to cancel the apartment they had arranged for you. Also, I'm not sure on the logistics of what would happen when you get here. We stay in Tokyo for a few days first and then head to different prefectures, some via train, some via bus, and some via a domestic airline. Each of which would have their own rules regarding animal transportation.

Also, have your cats traveled before? A 12 to 15 some hour flight is very hard on animals.

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

Hi, we thought about bringing our cat when we came to japan but it was about a one year expensive process so we decided not to. I was super sad but I realize now it was for the best. BUT if you had to bring your cats I would do like Kita said above, dont tell them. It would stress them out... Most apartments dont allow pets and it may be hard to have a cat somewhere where there are paper walls and tatami floors.
Maybe you could request a leo palace? I read on the Leo Palaces website (the japanese version) that some leo palaces are designed for pets. It is a new thing so you might want to look into it. But we have two cats (and two rabbits) in our leo palace now. I think our neighbor has a dog... There really isnt anything that the cats can mess us (we are getting rid of the rabbits) so I am not that worried. But if I lived somewhere that had things that cats could mess up then I would be more worried. We didnt plan on having the cats, I cant pass up a sick tiny kitten..so that is how we got our cats.
There are leo palaces everywhere...so maybe requesting one wouldnt be that big of a deal....

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

The situation for pets is pretty simple.

Most apartments prohibit cats and dogs, even for Japanese people. Even if you find a rare apartment that permits pets, you will have to pay more in rent. (Not all JET ALTs get free rent anyway.) ANd, JET can't tell you whether you will have a house or an apartment. Don't plan on bringing your pets. If you are that set on not leaving them behind, I suggest that you should reconsider coming here at all. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is reality.

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

Ehhhh. I'm not really suggesting not telling them. Just not until you've been accepted/short listed. It�s then that you'll want to bring it up. The way it works is that after you get short listed, you should be contacted by your contracting organization (usually always a BOE). Once contacted you should probably mention you're brining animals so that they can figure things out. But as I warned above, they may make you pay for things, and they probably won't be very happy with you.

My advice? Leave them in the States with a friend or family member. It�s almost a guarantee that bringing them will be a huge hassle.

Also, keep in mind you'll have to start the quarantine process and what not before you get accepted and/or know your placement.

Appletreesrtall · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

Appletreesrtall · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

OK now for a little brutality...

You are commited to bringing your cats, fine. Are you prepared to lose your JET placement? (Not saying for certain that it will happen but are you prepared for it?)

Are you prepared to potentially p iss off your hosting BOE (assuming they take you). I mean they organise your accomodation and everything then you turn around and say they have to sort out your cat situation. These days BOEs are just looking for an excuse to ditch the JET program and get cheaper dispatch teachers.

Finally have you thought of this from the cats perspective, you are transplanting them to a completely new environment, they will most likely be kept indoors indefinitley and have to deal with a new diet, climate etc. I know you love your cats but do they love you?

chollimaspeed · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 120

Listen,

You don't get a choice on this!

If you are going with JET then they will tell you where you stay. If pets can't stay there they can't stay there.

JET or pet. That is your choice.

Appletreesrtall · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

Man I'm slow at posting. By the time I type up my response there are another 4 or 5 posts! Ha!

Anyway.....

First, the JET program has a fairly strict timeline as to what happens and when you go to Japan. Everyone arrives sometime in late June or early July (though some alternates arrive in later groups). If that doesn't work with your timeline, you'll have to go to Japan via some other method. And if you do, know that its difficult to get a job around Oct-Dec. Not much hiring happens during this time.

Also, one of the biggest things that sucks about trying to bring an animal is that it will be almost impossible to prepare for completely. There are quite a few unknowns when dealing with JET. For instance, I didn't know where I was staying or even what type of school I was working at until I showed up in Tokyo. It's not like this for everyone, but it is for some. Also, what do you do with the cats when you get off the plane? Cause I doubt they'd let you keep them in the hotel where the orientation conference is held. And they also might not be allowed on the bus/train/whatever method of transport you'd have to take to get to your prefecture. They might not even let them on the bus you have to take from the airport to Tokyo.

As for placement, the BOE that hires you decides where you go. Think of JET more as a recruitment service than an employer. Yes you are a JET, but you are an employee of the BOE that hires you, not JET. I think all BOEs are required to send you a copy of your contract and the contact information for your supervisor before you leave for visa purposes. But in my case, my supervisor didn't speak English, so even though I email him, I didn't hear back. All I got was an intro letter telling me his work address, email, and number and my contract. It's the BOE who decides where you stay and most people usually just move into where the JET they're replacing lived. It is possible to change apartments with a lot of complaining and what not, but it could take time to find a new place and where would your cats stay during that time?

Also, while its good to hear you aren't worried about the expense, don't forget that it will make a poor first impression if you inconvenience your BOE right off the bat. They may not say anything to you directly, but everyone will know and talk about 'that ALT that caused us so many problems'. Markle brought this up, but its really important, especially if you want to stay for 5 years. Because the BOE won't renew your contract if they don't like you.

Regarding the cats, beyond just a new environment, you need to consider whether they can handled the 12 hour minimum flight (unless you're in Hawaii). I asked before, but have your cats ever traveled? Most don't travel very well and some have problems breathing while on planes and may need sedation. Have you spoken with your vet about your plans? Also, if you have to switch planes, they could get lost in the transfer. Once there, beyond food, what will you do if they get sick (which given all the changes they'd go through, could be quite likely)? Could you contact and communicate with a vet?

kita · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Japan

We're not trying to accuse you of being cruel per se, we just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Honestly, the best thing for your cats would be to not move at all.

I seriously fear that if you bring them over, you'll either have to go back home with them or ditch them and stay.