Tokyoites may not have much space, but they love their pets. In general, pets sold in shops are pedigree, and come with a certificate. However, there is often no way to be sure if they haven’t come from a puppy mill, so asking a friend about breeders, or consulting a pedigree association, is the best way to go about it. Ask about any vaccinations the pet may have had or will need. Depending on your home country, you may need to have your pet microchipped, and vets can tell you more about this. Popular pets include cats, dogs, fish and reptiles. A big hit with kids are stag beetles, and you can see a dazzling and possibly stomach-turning array of them in most pet shops. Most pet shops will also carry supplies and accessories. Tokyu Hands and Loft also have a wide range of stylish dog fashions, and Costco carries pet supplies imported from the States.

There are many strays looking for homes in Tokyo, so it’s worth checking with your local ward office about animal rescue programmes in your area. Sadly, pet abandonment is a growing problem, although more and more animal rescue organisations are springing up to meet the growing demand. These organisations are mostly grassroots and are spread out all over the country, but there are some in the Tokyo area. Check out http://angelswithfurjapan.wordpress.com for more information on organisations, volunteering, and animals who are looking for homes.