How to Find Pet-Friendly Housing in Japan: Tips, Websites, and Essential Precautions 🏠🐶

Introdction

Finding a pet-friendly home in Japan can be challenging, especially if you have a dog and aren’t familiar with local rules. Many properties don’t allow pets, and those that do often have specific requirements. In this article, we’ll show you where to look, what to check in the contract, and how to increase your chances of finding the ideal home for you and your furry friend.

🏢 1. What is considered “pet-friendly” in Japan?

Not every apartment that allows pets provides a truly suitable environment. Pet-friendly properties usually include:

• Official permission to keep dogs or cats

• Durable flooring (vinyl or treated wood)

• Outdoor area or balcony

• Clear rules regarding barking and hygiene
  
  

⚠️ Note: Some properties only allow small dogs or a single pet per unit.

🔎 2. Where to look for pet-friendly properties

Main sites and platforms:

• Suumo.jp – use the filter ペット相談可 (permission for pets)

• Homes.co.jp – another platform with a pet search filter

• GaijinPot Housing – aimed at foreigners, allows searches in English

• Local real estate agencies – visit in person and say ペット可の物件を探しています ("I’m looking for a pet-friendly property")
  
  

💡 Tip: Use the term ペット可 (petto ka) in searches, which means “pets allowed.”

📑 3. What to check in the rental contract

When you find a pet-friendly property, pay attention to:

• Additional fees (敷金増額 – shikikin zougaku): usually the security deposit is higher for pets

• Clauses regarding responsibility for damages

• Allowed pet size

• Possibility of home visits with the pet before signing the contract
  
  

🐶 4. Tips to improve acceptance of your pet

• Keep vaccinations up to date and have a current certificate

• Train your dog to avoid excessive barking

• Present yourself as a reliable and organized tenant to the realtor

• Bring photos and information about your pet — it helps in negotiations
  
  

❗ 5. Pay attention to cohabitation rules

Even in pet-friendly buildings, there are strict rules in Japan:

• Use a separate elevator if available

• Carry the dog in a stroller or bag in common areas

• Clean up all waste carefully

• Avoid noise outside permitted hours
  
  

Breaking these rules can lead to complaints or even contract termination.

✅ Conclusion

Finding pet-friendly housing in Japan requires patience and attention to detail, but it is completely possible with the right tools and preparation. By understanding the rules, searching on the right websites, and presenting your pet responsibly, you greatly increase your chances of securing a comfortable home for the whole family — both humans and furry companions! 🐾