Pets In Japan

[dogsbody70]

Over here we have something called Pets as therapy, and these pets can visit old people in HOMES or I have heard even in hospitals. The dogs-- (Its mostly Dogs) have to be checked out of course to see if they are the right temperament. Many people have to part with a loved pet when they move into flats or HOMES etc. That is very hard for them I think.

I've heard of rabbits and guinea pigs etc visiting-- its nice for children. Its not so easy with cats I would think. they would not like to be carried around in a carrier. very interesting to hear about the cat cafes.

[kaitlyndoll]

That is so true.. They love dressing up their dogs, I heard they also held a fashion show for dogs! That is so cool. Although dogs with LV is so expensive..

Originally Posted by Sangetsu

I believe there are now more pets in the metro Tokyo area than there are children. Pet stores, grooming shops, and pet accessory shops are everywhere, and all convenience stores carry pet food and such.

Unfortunately, people in Japan like to dress up their dogs as much as they like to dress up themselves, and many (if not most) pet dogs will wear shirts or sweaters of some type. I've dogs with Louis Vuitton or Coach leashes, which is hilarious.

There are many restaurants now which serve people and pets, coincidentally I visited such a place just the other day. There is food for both people and their dogs (or cats). It's interesting, but maybe a little too much.

Another interesting thing is how many people in Tokyo take their cats with them to the park or beach, or other places. Cats don't take well to leashes, but I've seen them being walked with them.

The most popular dog in Tokyo is still the miniature Dachshund, followed by the miniature poodle, and the Yorki. Big dogs are not that common, but you occasionally see labradors, or golden retrievers.

[dogsbody70]

I have to say that I thoroughly dislike dogs being dressed up. That is not what nature intended at all. They are not dolls they are animals. they must feel so unhappy and how can they walk or run properly when often their legs have these leggings on. Its making a fool of dogs-- sorry I dislike it very much. Most dogs were designed to work- hunt etc.

Cosplay is greaat but the humans make that choice-- the animals don't have any say in the matter.

[GoNative]

Pets are definitely treated well in Japan, perhaps a little too well with all the dressing up and stuff.
Up here in Hokkaido I do feel sorry for a lot of dogs though. Most houses do not have any fencing as fences don't really last long in a Hokkaido winter so dogs that don't live in the house are continually chained up. Sure they usually get walked once or twice a day but for the remaining time they are chained up. Can't imagine it's all that exciting for the dogs.

[MissMisa]

Originally Posted by dogsbody70

I have to say that I thoroughly dislike dogs being dressed up. That is not what nature intended at all. They are not dolls they are animals. they must feel so unhappy and how can they walk or run properly when often their legs have these leggings on. Its making a fool of dogs-- sorry I dislike it very much. Most dogs were designed to work- hunt etc.

Cosplay is greaat but the humans make that choice-- the animals don't have any say in the matter.

I agree. I think it's really odd. I don't mind so much if it's like a winter coat to keep the dog warm, if the climate is colder. But dressing dogs up for aesthetic reasons is just something I find really twee.

[dogsbody70]

Originally Posted by GoNative

Pets are definitely treated well in Japan, perhaps a little too well with all the dressing up and stuff.
Up here in Hokkaido I do feel sorry for a lot of dogs though. Most houses do not have any fencing as fences don't really last long in a Hokkaido winter so dogs that don't live in the house are continually chained up. Sure they usually get walked once or twice a day but for the remaining time they are chained up. Can't imagine it's all that exciting for the dogs.

YES its a shame to keep dogs chained up. Obviously if there is not a fence etc then can#t allow the animal to roam. Not so bad if a dog has a decent kennel to sleep in and gets exercised. over here as most couples work---it means that dogs ar eoften alone all day. I suppose they get used to a routine so long as they are cared for when their owners return.

too many cats are kept in flats here-- very unnatural.

Dressing a dog up is not LOVING them-- its using them as a sort of status symbol isn't it? I have seen programmes where SOME Americans also dress their dogs up. Its not loving the animal at all.

I expect there are those over here who also dress their dogs up. Yes its fine to have a wet weather coat or warm coat when taking them out.

I often used to go to dog shows and long haired breeds had to wear a coat that covered every part of them-- so they would not get dirty or untidy.

Even have bootees but remove them when showing the dog of course.

Still-- it takes all sorts doesn't it?

[kaitlyndoll]

That is so depressing.
But at least they got to walk outside that is something they look forward too.

Originally Posted by GoNative

Pets are definitely treated well in Japan, perhaps a little too well with all the dressing up and stuff.
Up here in Hokkaido I do feel sorry for a lot of dogs though. Most houses do not have any fencing as fences don't really last long in a Hokkaido winter so dogs that don't live in the house are continually chained up. Sure they usually get walked once or twice a day but for the remaining time they are chained up. Can't imagine it's all that exciting for the dogs.

[samokan]

Originally Posted by ayumiyuu

Yeah. I heard about CatCafes!! i saw a film about one.
I think it's a great idea^^

Does it exist for other animals??..maybe for dogs too??

i think dog cafe actually came first.. i saw a couple of them..

[Neffiline]

Originally Posted by dogsbody70

about the cat cafes, gosh I have never heard of them before-- it sounds intriguing. Are the cats treated well?

It sounds like a good idea if people can't have their own cats.

Not sure if we have them in the UK never heard of them anyway.

There are plenty of dog shows in UK where people can go look at all the different breeds, but thats not the same as the cafe you describe. Is that in Japan?

The ones I went to, cats were extremely well treated!

They have litter boxes hidden in an area, and one place had this closed off area (with windows) for the kitties to go in and sleep without being disturbed, we could only watch them there. It said not to knock on the window.

When paying, they always handed over a paper with the rules, basic stuff like, don't pick up the cats, don't pull tail, remove shoes, put bags in locker before going in, etc, etc.

[Polar]

Outside my hotel was dog run park that was busy everyday