Cat I take my cat on the train in Japan?

November 17, 2011 10:57 PM

Can I take my cat in a cat carrier on the subway/train in Japan?

My cat is sick and my regular, walking-distance vet is closed. I am looking at taking her to an emergency vet, but it's pretty far so I'd be looking at taking the cat on the train for a few stops. Is that allowed? Do people do this? I can just take a cab there but it will be pretty expensive.

It would be on a line operated by the East Japan Railway Company, if that makes a difference.

posted by ZeroDivides to Pets & Animals (4 answers total)

Best answer: I have seen many cats, and many (small) dogs on the train. Nearly always in the pet carrier bags. Sometimes carried in jacket, like smuggling. Especially since one nearby stop is to Yoyogi where there is a large dog walking area.

Officially, I have no idea :)
posted by lundman at 11:14 PM on November 17, 2011

Best answer: From the website: "Small dogs, cats, pigeons and similar small animals may be brought on board for a fee as long as they are kept in a carrying case that is no more than 70 centimeters long and has a total length, width and height of no more than around 90 centimeters."
posted by gingerest at 11:35 PM on November 17, 2011

Best answer: Yeah, put it in a carrying case, I've seen them lots of times. And, one thing, don't hide it. In case someone is allergic, they should be able to see you and give you a wide berth if necessary.
posted by planetkyoto at 1:37 AM on November 18, 2011

Response by poster: Thank you! I don't take the train all that much so I wasn't sure, and google failed me. I'm still figuring things out and trying not to do illegal/rude things without meaning to.
posted by ZeroDivides at 4:25 AM on November 18, 2011 [1 favorite]