For Dog Owners

When keeping a dog as a pet, please take the time to understand its nature, habits, and physical needs, and look after it with affection and a strong sense of responsibility throughout its life.
Also, be considerate of your neighbors and those who may feel uncomfortable around animals.

Rules for Keeping Dogs in Minato City

●Encourage your dog to use the toilet at home before going for a walk

If your dog urinates or defecates outdoors, it may soil private property or public spaces. Make it a routine for your dog to relieve itself at home before going out.
If your dog defecates during a walk, be sure to pick it up and take it home.
For urine, simply pouring water over it may cause the urine to spread across the pavement, which some people may find unpleasant. Use a pet sheet to absorb the urine first, then pour water to remove odors, and then use a pet sheet again to absorb the remaining water.

Rules and manners for Living with Dogs

●Keep your dog on a short leash during walks

Walking your dog without a leash is dangerous and may result in injuries to others or lead to traffic accidents. For the safety of your dog and the people around you, always keep your dog on a leash.
Using a long leash could delay your response in emergencies or the leash may become entangled around people or other dogs, causing accidents. Hold the leash short while walking, and if using an extendable leash, keep it locked in the shortest position.

●Rabies vaccinations are required once a year

In Japan, annual rabies vaccination is required by law.
After vaccination, please submit a notification to the Residents Support Section, Health and Welfare Subsection of your local Regional City Office or the Life Hygiene Section, Life Hygiene Counseling Subsection of the Minato Public Health Center. You will receive a vaccination tag, which should be attached to your dog’s collar.
Online applications are also accepted.

Rabies vaccination

Are You Prepared for Disasters?

If you live with a pet, it is important to prepare for emergencies. Please check the following:

• Do you have pet food, water, and medication (at least 5 days’ supply)?
• Do you have feeding dishes, a collar, leash, and toilet supplies?
• Has your pet received the required vaccinations such as rabies?
• Does your pet have some form of identification (vaccination tag, ID tag, microchip)?
• Can you put your dog in a cage without hesitation?
• Is your pet trained to use a designated toilet area?
• Is your pet comfortable around other people and animals?

In case of a disaster, if your home is safe, evacuate at home together with your pet.

If your home is at risk, bring your pet’s emergency supplies and evacuate to a designated shelter that accepts pets.

Caution: Walking Dogs in Summer

Walking your dog during the daytime in summer can lead to heatstroke and burns on their paw pads

Pets, just like people, are also vulnerable to heatstroke. And because they are closer to the ground, they are more exposed to heat from the pavement.
Walk your dog during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Protect Your Pets from Heatstroke!