Japan Pet Owners Rules, Regulations
By Mark Elrod, CFAY Public Affairs

Pets are fairly popular with people and can offer companionship to individuals or families. According to the U.S. Humane Society, 39 percent of U.S. households own at least one dog and 33 percent own at least one cat.

However, living in an overseas military community, there are restrictions as to what types of companions people can keep in Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) housing, and its affiliated housing detachments.

“Dogs, cats, rabbits and domestically-bred pets of the rodent family are allowed at all MFH (military family housing) sites. Non-poisonous fish, frogs, crab, snails and turtles, which are properly caged in a domicile designed for their habitation are allowed at all MFH sites,” said CFAY Housing Office Housing Director Walter “Lucky” Hawkins. “Exotic or non-domesticated species or animals, to include snakes, spiders, squirrels, bats, monkeys, tanuki (Japanese raccoon), or species designated as wildlife, will not be allowed within the jurisdiction of CFAY.”

In addition to the types of pets, there are restrictions as to the number of pets allowed in CFAY housing. According to Commander Fleet Activities Instruction COMFLEACTINST 6200.1, “The number of dogs and cats per household is limited to two in Yokosuka and Ikego (e.g. two dogs, two cats, or one dog and one cat) and three for Negishi.”

According to Hawkins, Negishi residents can have an extra animal because the yards in the housing detachment are larger and farther spaced from each other, and allow more room for animals to roam around. Additionally, an extra pet is allowed for residents going to Negishi, as an added incentive to move into the detachment.

Also, residents living in high-rises or towers are not allowed to have dogs even for a visit, but they can own up to two spayed or neutered cats.

The instruction also states that animals onboard CFAY, and its detachments are required to be examined and registered by a veterinary treatment facility upon entry into Japan or when a new animal is acquired, and shot records must be kept current.

Pet owners are required to provide proper restraint control of their animals. All animals are required to be on a leash held by a responsible individual whenever the animal is outside of a fenced yard. Dogs may exercise off a leash in established and authorized dog parks only. Pets are not allowed to be tethered, chained, or tied in front yards, on any common ground or any part of a housing unit.

Animals are not permitted to disturb the peace, cause a public nuisance or health hazard.

Pet owners are responsible for removing their pets’ excrements immediately after excretion wherever that may be.

Animals are required to be humanely treated at all times. All pets must be provided with sanitary and sufficient shelter, readily available source of clean, potable water and at least daily feeding in a quantity and quality sufficient to maintain the animal in suitable health. Additionally, breeding any animals for any purpose is prohibited.

Pet owners are responsible for controlling possible flea or tick problems. Owners will be required to purchase fumigation products and show the empty canister to a inspector during final inspection as proof that quarters have been treated, or provide documentation that they have contacted and paid for pest control to prove that the quarters and grounds have been treated within 30 days prior to vacating housing quarters. Any damage to government property or pest infestation caused by pets will be the owner’s financial responsibility.

“Pet ownership is a conditional privilege extended to those personnel assigned to pet eligible quarters onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka to include Negishi and Ikego housing areas,” said Hawkins. “Responsible behavior must be exhibited in the control of pets or the privilege may be revoked.”