Be Kind to Animals Week September 20 to 26

Be Kind to Animals Week was established under the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals so that pet owners understand the habits and nature of their pets, continue to raise them with love, and take responsibility for them throughout their lives.

Minato City rules about having dogs

• Ensure that the dog uses the toilet before taking a walk. Under the Minato City Ordinance, pet owners must clean up after their pets. Dog feces should be taken home. For urine, dog owners should dry and rinse over the spot properly.
• Keep the dog on a short leash when taking a walk. Under the Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance, dog owners must keep dogs on a leash. The leash is important to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and pets. Make sure to use a leash when you walk with your dog.
• To prevent dogs from contracting rabies, all dog owners are required by law to register and have them vaccinated against rabies annually. Notify the Residents Support Section at Regional City Office to receive the vaccination tag and put them on your dog’s collar.

Prepare for disaster for your pets

When preparing for any potential disasters, please also consider your pets.

• Prepare at least five days of pet food, water, medicine, a dish, a collar, a leash, and toilet sheets.
• Make sure that your dog is vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
• Have your dog’s vaccination tag, identification card, and a microchip.
• Properly housetrain your dog and teach other manners, including going into a cage without reluctance and not being afraid of other people or animals.

Raise Cats Indoors

Leaving a cat outside can cause traffic accidents or spread disease. They can also cause neighborhood disputes, as they can scratch other residents’ cars, or leave excrement around the area, so please raise cats indoors.