In this city with a declining birth rate, dogs seem to have taken on the role of the pampered child. Don’t be surprised to see pooches being wheeled about in prams and buggies, or to find them in the chair in the local hair salon, being groomed in the latest style. Be wary of where you shop when looking for a pet, and it’s probably wise to steer clear of the pet shops in the Roppongi area. Animal lovers can adopt cats and dogs through non-profit organisations like ARK and from international noticeboards at foreign supermarkets, where you’ll find ads placed by expats leaving town that can’t take their pet with them when they leave.