Animal Handling Business Basics
An overview of Japan's animal handling business registration system and key regulations for aspiring breeders.
⚠️This page provides a general overview. For the latest and most accurate information, contact the animal welfare center of your local prefecture or designated city.
What is the Animal Handling Business?
The Animal Handling Business refers to commercially engaging in the sale, boarding, rental, training, exhibition, auction, or paid custody of animals. Under the Animal Welfare Act, Type 1 businesses (for-profit) must register with the prefectural governor, while Type 2 businesses (non-profit) must notify. Breeders who sell animals need Type 1 'Sales' registration.
License Types (7 Categories)
Sales
Businesses that sell animals. Includes pet shops, breeders (breeding and selling), and online sellers.
Examples: Pet shops, breeders, online sellers
Boarding
Businesses that keep animals on behalf of others. Includes pet hotels and pet sitting services.
Examples: Pet hotels, pet sitters
Rental
Businesses that rent out animals. Includes pet rental services and animal talent agencies.
Examples: Pet rental services, animal talent agencies
Training
Businesses that train animals. Includes obedience classes and training facilities.
Examples: Dog training classes, animal training facilities
Exhibition
Businesses that exhibit animals. Includes zoos, aquariums, petting facilities, and animal cafes.
Examples: Zoos, aquariums, cat cafes, petting facilities
Auction
Businesses that provide auction or bidding venues for animals.
Examples: Animal auction operators
Paid Custody
Businesses that take in and care for animals for a fee. Includes senior pet care homes.
Examples: Senior dog homes, senior cat homes
Registration Process
Meet the Animal Handling Manager qualifications
You must meet one of these requirements: (1) Veterinary or veterinary nursing license, (2) Graduation from an animal-related school + 6 months of practical experience, (3) Specified qualification + 6 months of practical experience, (4) 1 year of practical experience + specified qualification. Requirements were tightened by the 2020 legal revision.
Confirm facility standards
Your facility must meet standards for space, sanitation, temperature control, and escape prevention. Some municipalities have additional requirements.
Apply to your local prefecture or designated city
Submit the required documents to the animal welfare center of the prefecture or designated city where your business is located. An application fee is required.
Facility inspection and registration
After application, an inspector will visit your facility. If standards are met, a registration certificate is issued. Registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed.
Key Regulations
In-person explanation and animal display requirement
When selling mammals, birds, or reptiles, sellers must show the animal in person and provide written explanations about care methods to the buyer.
Restrictions on selling young animals
Dogs and cats cannot be sold or transferred until 56 days (8 weeks) of age (with some exceptions). Other animals should also be sold only after proper weaning.
Record-keeping obligations
Sellers must maintain records of species, quantities, and buyer information for all animals sold, and keep these records for 5 years.
Signage display requirement
Business premises must display a sign showing the registration number, business name, business type, registration date, expiration date, and the name of the animal handling manager.
Animal care management standards
The 2021 management standards (numerical regulations) specify minimum space per animal, breeding frequency limits, and maximum animals per employee.
Microchip requirement
Since June 2022, breeders and pet shops are required to implant microchips in dogs and cats before sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do individual breeders need to register?
If you sell animals as a business (repeatedly and continuously), registration is required even as an individual. Casual hobbyists who occasionally give away animals may be exempt, but consult your local government if unsure.
Is registration required for selling fish, insects, or plants?
Under the Animal Welfare Act, 'animals' refers to mammals, birds, and reptiles. Fish, amphibians, and insects are not covered, so registration is not required. Plant sales generally don't require special permits either, though CITES-listed species have separate regulations.
How much does registration cost?
Application fees vary by municipality but are typically around 15,000 yen per business type. Additional fees apply for multiple types. Also budget for facility improvements and animal handling manager training costs.
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