Job Discussion Forums

[Micky]

I am interested in teaching English in Japan, but I have wrinkle I have a deeply loved pet that I don't want to leave it behind. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with pets over. Does anyone know of any company that will allow a person to bring their pets into their apartments.

[Rhialto]

Landlords that allow gaijin are unusual in Japan. Landlords that allow pets (anything larger than a goldfish) are also unusual in Japan. Landlords that allow both are rarer than hen's teeth. You might find one, but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I'd serously suggest finding a friend to look after your pet; travel is very stressful on animals in any case.

Supplies for cats and dogs aren't hard to find though, once you find a suitable apartment.

[mc]

What kind of pet is it? Dog? Cat? Other? What country are you coming from?

In addition to the stress of air travel, animals are subject to quarantine periods ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. Are you sure you want to put your beloved pet through all this?

Please provide more details so that we can give you a better view of the situation.

[Micky]

More info regarding bringing my pet.
I would like to bring my cat with me. I have discussed flying her with her vet and that should not be a problem.
I am from Canada.

[Glenski]

Micky,

I would really urge you not to bring your cat. As mentioned, the vast majority of landlords do not permit them, even to Japanese, and your visa sponsor will find it very difficult to accept you (not the cat), so you are just reducing your job possibilities. Please look at these sites for more info.

http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/
http://workabroad.monster.com/articles/bringingfido/

[SJW]

Mickey . what part of Japan are you thinking of coming to ?

If its "countryside" then you might be ok ( Tho' I agree with what the
others have written re: quarantine and stress)

If its ANY kind of city, town (even a small town) Then I have just one
word of advice : DON'T !!

I lived in Tokyo for 7 years , and "adopted" a whole series of stray cats,
and their numerous kittens , that came my way. This relationship
really opened my eyes as to how animals are treated , and the way
other people feel about them.

Financially vets are expensive. Believe me , I paid a wad of money for
my animals . Many of the vets I met were unscrupulous and only out
to get as many yen out of you as possible .....they rarely spoke English
(unlike the Drs) and although my Japanese was so-so , you can imagine
how difficult describing symptoms , understanding vetinary lingo was .......I did find a great vet in the end ....but this was 3 years down the line , although you may get lucky quicker than that.

If cats are found without a collar / address then they are rounded up and
put down . The pounds where they are kept are truely awful places ...I
had to go a couple of times to see if they had "collected" one of my cats
(I had them wearing those detachable collars , and sometimes they lost
them.) There were no individual pens as such , and sometimes they put dogs in with the cats .......

Your cat may be an "indoor cat" (?) in which case ignore the next bit.......
traffic was so much heavier where I was living (and I'm a Londoner) that
a couple were knocked down , whilst others simply "dissapeared".......

I looked after and cared for these animals as best I could because they
were already there . But I never felt that the quality of their lives was
very good . Unless there is nobody to leave your cat with , I would
seriously advise not taking her/him with you .