Pet Sitting and Boarding Services in Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

If you're a foreign resident in Japan with a beloved cat or dog, you've probably wondered what to do when you travel for work, take a vacation, or face a situation where you simply can't be home. Japan's pet care industry has grown rapidly, offering everything from luxury pet hotels to home-based pet sitting services — but navigating it as a non-Japanese speaker requires some insider knowledge.

This guide covers everything you need to know about pet sitting and boarding services in Japan, from choosing the right platform to understanding costs and cultural norms. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or small animal, we've got you covered.

Why Pet Care Services Matter for Expats in Japan

Japan is generally a pet-friendly country — the pet market is huge and growing. Boarding was the largest revenue-generating pet service type in Japan in 2023, and globally, the pet hotel market was valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 12.5 billion by 2035.

For foreigners living in Japan, leaving a pet while traveling presents unique challenges:

• Language barriers: Most Japanese pet care facilities and apps operate primarily in Japanese
• Trust and cultural norms: Japan has very high standards for pet care etiquette — barking complaints after 9 PM can cause serious issues with neighbors
• Apartment restrictions: Many rental apartments in Japan have strict no-pet policies, and violations (especially damage to tatami flooring from scratches) can cost upward of ¥100,000 to repair
• Limited English support: Not all platforms or facilities offer bilingual assistance

Fortunately, several excellent platforms and services cater specifically to the expat community, offering bilingual support and reliable care for your furry friends.

For more on pet-friendly housing and navigating daily life in Japan, check out our guide on daily life in Japan for foreigners and finding housing in Japan.

Top Pet Sitting Platforms in Japan

1. HappyWanNyan (ハッピーワンニャン)

HappyWanNyan is the most popular bilingual pet sitting platform in Japan, specifically catering to English-speaking pet owners and foreign residents. It uses a postcode-based search system, so you can easily find local sitters near your home.

Coverage areas: Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Tochigi, Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa, Kanagawa, Hyogo, and Fukuoka

Services offered: Daycare, boarding (overnight pet homestay), dog walking, bathing, grooming, feeding, and house sitting

The platform connects you with vetted local sitters who send regular updates (photos and messages) while you're away, giving you peace of mind during travel.

2. Pet Backer

Pet Backer is a global app-based platform with over 100 registered sitters across Japan. It's particularly user-friendly for English speakers and offers a wide range of services:

• Pet boarding and daycare
• Dog walking and feeding
• Grooming and pet-taxi services

The app allows you to browse sitter profiles, read reviews, and communicate directly. It's great for one-time needs and last-minute bookings.

3. TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters operates on a unique model: rather than paying per service, you pay an annual membership fee (ranging from ¥13,999–¥27,999 per year), and sitters provide care in exchange for free accommodation in your home. Background checks are mandatory for all sitters on the platform.

This is ideal for longer trips where you want someone trustworthy living in your home while caring for your pet.

4. Sewakl

Sewakl is a Japanese-language platform that features rigorously vetted professional pet sitters. It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee and thorough sitter screening — sitters must pass multiple verification steps before joining. While the interface is primarily in Japanese, the quality of care is consistently high.

5. Nyatching

Nyatching is a community-focused platform specifically for cats, often free to use. It matches cat owners with local cat lovers who want to spend time with felines. Best for casual, short-term cat sitting arrangements.

Pet Boarding Facilities in Tokyo and Beyond

Beyond app-based platforms, Japan has numerous dedicated pet hotels and boarding facilities — especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. These range from basic kennels to luxury "pet resorts" with private rooms, live cameras, and in-house veterinary staff.

English-Friendly Boarding Facilities

Several boarding facilities in Tokyo cater specifically to English-speaking foreigners:

• Azabu Pet: Two locations (Azabu and Yoyogi Park areas), offering pet boarding, pet sitting, and temporary stays. Known for English-speaking staff.
• Dog Inc Tamagawa (Kanagawa): Specializes in boarding and grooming with bilingual support.
• Pet Boarding Tokyo: A facility in Tokyo offering cage-free and cage-based boarding options, with live webcam access for owners.
• Pooch (Chiba): Comprehensive services including training, daycare, and boarding.

For a directory of boarding options beyond Tokyo, BringFido's Japan directory is a useful starting point.

Pricing Guide: What to Expect

Understanding costs upfront will help you budget and avoid surprises. Prices vary by location, pet size, and service level.

Note: Prices in Tokyo and other major urban areas tend to be higher. Prices also depend on pet size — larger dogs generally cost more to board.

Community Resources: Facebook Groups and Forums

One underrated resource for expat pet owners in Japan is the Facebook group "House-sitting and pet-sitting Japan", which has over 2,500 members. In this group, you can:

• Post requests for pet sitters directly
• Find certified sitters who post their availability
• Get recommendations from other foreign residents

The community is active and members are generally helpful and responsive. This can be especially useful in smaller cities where professional platforms have fewer registered sitters.

Another community to check is Expat.com's Japan forum, where expats share recommendations and experiences with pet care services across Japan.

Tips for Foreigners Using Pet Care Services in Japan

Navigating pet care in Japan requires understanding a few cultural nuances. Here are essential tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Before Booking

1. Check for English support: Not all platforms or sitters speak English. HappyWanNyan and Pet Backer are your safest bets for bilingual communication.
2. Read reviews carefully: Japanese pet care standards are high — look for sitters with detailed, positive reviews from multiple customers.
3. Schedule a meet-and-greet: Most reputable platforms and sitters will arrange an initial meeting. This helps your pet get comfortable and allows you to assess the sitter's experience.
4. Verify vaccination records: Many sitters and facilities require up-to-date vaccination documents, especially for dogs (rabies, distemper, parvovirus).
5. Ask about emergency protocols: Confirm the sitter or facility has a plan for veterinary emergencies, including which vet clinic they use.

During the Service

• Request regular photo and video updates
• Provide emergency contact information and your vet's details in writing
• Leave food, medication, and care instructions clearly labeled (in Japanese if possible)

Cultural Etiquette

• Always use poop bags and carry a small water bottle to wash away urine — this is standard courtesy in Japan
• Inform your sitter about your pet's barking habits — noise complaints, especially after 9 PM, are taken seriously in Japanese apartment buildings
• Do not assume your pet is welcome in all outdoor spaces — check pet policies before visiting parks or cafes

For more on navigating Japanese cultural expectations, our guide on Japanese culture and etiquette offers valuable insight.

What to Do If Your Pet Has a Medical Emergency

One practical consideration for pet owners in Japan is finding English-speaking veterinary care. While most major cities have competent vet clinics, English-speaking vets can be harder to find outside of Tokyo.

Resources for finding English-friendly vet care:

• The Navigator Japan expat pet guide has a useful section on veterinary services
• Ask your pet sitter or boarding facility for their preferred vet contact
• Japan's PLAZA HOMES real estate service maintains a list of English-friendly pet services in Tokyo

Always carry your pet's vaccination records and any relevant medical history in Japanese — you can get these translated through your vet clinic.

Additional Resources for Expat Pet Owners

Managing life with a pet in Japan as a foreigner involves more than just finding a sitter. Here are some additional resources:

• Living in Nihon offers comprehensive guides for foreigners settling in Japan: Living in Nihon
• For Work in Japan has useful guides on navigating life as a working expat, including managing responsibilities like pet ownership: For Work in Japan
• Ittenshoku covers aspects of job changes and relocation in Japan that may affect your pet care arrangements: Ittenshoku

For the broader picture of living in Japan as a foreigner — including healthcare, banking, and daily life — our complete guide to daily life in Japan and cost of living guide are excellent starting points.

Conclusion

Japan offers a wide range of pet sitting and boarding services, and the industry is becoming increasingly accessible to English-speaking foreigners. Whether you prefer the flexibility of app-based platforms like HappyWanNyan and Pet Backer, the community-driven approach of TrustedHousesitters, or the reliability of professional pet hotels, there's a solution that fits your needs and budget.

The key to a stress-free experience is preparation: book early, do a trial run with your chosen sitter, keep your pet's documents up to date, and communicate clearly. With the right setup, you can travel or manage life's demands without worrying about your furry companion's wellbeing.

Japan's pet care professionals are dedicated, detail-oriented, and genuinely love animals — qualities that align perfectly with the high standards Japan is known for in every service industry.