I am allowed to keep a pet?
Keeping pets (excluding a guide dog) in a city, prefectural or public corporation apartment is prohibited. Also, the contracts for many privately owned apartments prohibit renters from keeping pets. Before signing the contract, confirm if you are allowed to keep a pet in your apartment.

 Do I have to register my pet?
Dogs over three months of age must be registered with the Public Health Center; costs 3000 Yen. The dog must have an annual vaccination for rabies.
If your dog dies, or if its owner changes, you must report it to the Public Health Center.
You must keep the dog indoors, or tied up if outdoors.
If you don't want to breed your dog, you must have it spayed or neutered.

 Where can I get counseling and advice on keeping a pet?

Angles With Fur - Owner Support Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AngelsWithFur 
This group provides advice and discussion with other English-speaking Japan-based pet owners. If you are looking for an English-speaking vet, or need someone to look after your pets when you go away on holiday or just want some simple advice, these are the folks to ask.

 Advice on receiving a puppy or kitten and keeping a pet
Nagoya City Animal Protection Center
Heiwa Koen 2-106, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-0022
Tel: 052-762-0380
The Public Health Center of each ward also provides advice on keeping pets.

Unwanted Pets
Nagoya City Animal Protection Center or the Public Health Center
Please note that in case these centers cannot find a new owner for the pet. If you leave an animal with these centers, after two days the pet will be put down. When trying to find a new owner on one's own, it may help to register with the Nagoya City Veterinary Association (Search for a foster-parent 052-263-1010) or put a notice in local publications.
Introduction of animal clinics and breeders
Nagoya City Veterinary Association: (052) 263-1010

 Cremation of pets
Yagoto Cemetery Management Office: (052) 832-1750
Yagoto Urayama 69, Tempaku-cho, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya 468-0071
Place the body of your pet in a cardboard box (maximum size 100 x 70 x 75 cm), tie the box with a string, and bring it to the cemetery.

Bringing Dogs and Cats into Japan
When trying to import dogs or cats, you must submit advance notification of the planned date of arrival, number of animals and other items to the Animal Quarantine Service at your intended port of arrival at least 40 days prior to arrival in Japan.
If you have a certificate for the animal issued by the responsible government agency of the country of export, registered dogs & cats entering Japan from the certain designated regions (including the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, and Hawaii), only have to stay in quarantine for a maximum of 12 hours. Dogs and cats from other regions may have to stay in quarantine for up to 6 months.

 Taking Dogs and Cats out of Japan
When taking a dog or cat abroad, the animal must meet both the exit conditions for Japan and the entry conditions for the country to which you are traveling.

In order to leave Japan, animals must undergo inspection at the Animal Quarantine Station nearest to you. One hour is usually enough to complete the health check and issue a health certificate. Appointments are not necessary, but it is recommended that you contact the Animal Quarantine Station in advance (at least seven days before traveling). The inspection is free, but inoculation costs are bared by the owner.

Chubu Airport Animal Quarantine Service is located inside Centrair - Tel: 0569-38-8577
For further information about this and procedures for other animals, see the Animal Quarantine Service’s English website http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/index.html (updated April 1, 2011).

Pet Hotels
If you go on vacation abroad the following places can look after your pets.
Komaki-based SBS Corporation www.sbspet.com (English site)
From as little as 1500 Yen; includes a free pet-cam service

 Useful Vocabulary
獣医 【じゅうい】 (n) veterinarian
狂犬病 【きょうけんびょう】 (n) rabies
予防注射 【よぼうちゅうしゃ】 (n) immunization
動物検査 【どうぶつけんさ】 (n) animal quarantine