Hi everyone. I'm relocating to Tokyo in May for work (office in Roppongi, ~3 days WFH after settling in) and seriously torn about bringing my dog.
He's a 15kg, genuinely the goodest boi. Never barks, causes zero trouble, big city boy, a little timid but loves people and other dogs once he warms up. Outdoor-only pee pee and poop, so 2 walks a day minimum.
The problem: I always assumed bringing him was non-negotiable, he's my baby. But Tokyo's reality is hitting hard. Budget started at ¥150,000/month for 33m²+ in a 1K or 1LDK, bumped to ¥200,000… and almost every pet-friendly listing still caps at 10kg. I've searched Ichigaya, near Yoyogi park first, then Shibuya, Shinjuku, Setagaya, Meguro…barely anything for medium dogs.
Practical questions:
- Dog walkers / pet hotels / sitters / pet taxis — how available and reliable for a mid-sized dog? i've searched quite a bit, but not sure for a 15kg dog tbh.
- What's the general attitude towards medium dogs in Tokyo?
What I could realistically do: ¥200,000 rent (up to 40 min commute) near a riverside or park, dog walker 2-3x/week, occasional pet taxi but just giving up on going out & staying in the hood.
The alternative I'm genuinely considering: My hometown isn't far. My parents have babysat him 2-3 days/week since i brought him, and my dad/sibling regularly take him on drives for long walks and nature. He loves going to cafes and stores to say hello and getting petted. He has a genuinely good life here.
Would his quality of life be better staying with family while I try to visit every 1-2 months, even though I'm his main caretaker?
Would love real-life experiences and advices if you have any.
by kokumakuma