Have you considered welcoming a companion animal into your home during your time in Japan, but didn’t know where to start? Pets make for wonderful family members, and with so many different types of animals and pet equipment available, there is a pet to suit any expat lifestyle!
Did you know that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression? Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help calm and relax. Pet owners are also proven to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than those without pets. With mental as well as physical health benefits like these, how can you say no to those adorable little puppy eyes?
Some rental properties in Japan don’t allow dogs or cats, so it’s worth checking your housing contract before you commit to anything. However, small pets like hamsters, birds, Guinea pigs and rabbits are usually allowed. Hamsters can provide hours of entertainment with their funny antics, birds can be trained to mimic human voices, and Guinea pigs and rabbits give the fluffiest, sweetest cuddles.
There are plenty of English-speaking animal shelters throughout Tokyo and Japan that not only house dogs and cats, but also smaller animals, ranging from turtles to chickens and even snakes! But before buying from a pet shop, why not see if your local animal shelter has any animals available?
There are many pet items available these days that make pet owner’s lives drastically easier. These include self-cleaning litter boxes for cats, automatic feeding machines and microphone-equipped pet cameras that give out pet treats and allow you to talk to your pets when you are away from home. Caring for a pet doesn’t have to take a huge chunk of time out of your busy day.
There’s also no need to worry about keeping your pet’s space clean with Kurashinity housekeeping service*. Our skilled, fluent English-speaking housekeepers can spruce up your companion animal’s space, making sure your home stays pet-hair free and clean of unwanted odors. Enjoy precious time with your beloved pet in your comfortable, spotless house, with Kurashinity.
*Pet walking services and clearing up of animal waste is not available. The pet should be caged or safely kept in another room when the housekeeper visits.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Jessica is a writer and translator now living happily by the sea just south of Tokyo in Kamakura, Japan.
