I would like to have a pet in Ibaraki. What rules are there?

Carly Bode, International Affairs Division

General rules on pets

* Dogs must be kept chained.
* If your dog bites someone, report the matter to the Ibaraki Prefectural Animal Administration Center within 24 hours. Ibaraki Prefectural Animal Administration Center
47 Hizawa, Kasama-shi Tel 0296-72-1200
* Never abandon your pet.
If you can no longer maintain your pet, notify the Animal Administration Center.
* Most apartment house landlords forbid pets, so when renting a house be sure to inspect the contract carefully.

Registration and immunization

Dogs over 3 months old must receive immunizations and be registered annually. When you get a dog, it must receive immunizations at an animal clinic and be registered at the City Office. Once registered, you will receive a license and certificate of immunization. You will also receive updates from the City Office every April about further immunizations.

Death of a pet

There are two ways available for disposing of the body; cremation and burial. The body will be collected by your local Environmental Cleaning Project Bureau.