In-Person Explanation Guide (18 Required Items)
Eighteen items breeders must explain in person before selling dogs, cats, birds, or reptiles.
⚠️Online-only transactions, missing written documentation, and refusal to display the animal all violate Japan's Animal Welfare Act.
The 18 Required Items
Breed name and identifying info
Breed, coat color, sex, birth date.
Adult weight/length
Expected size at maturity.
Average lifespan
Breed-specific lifespan.
Standard care cost
Monthly cost estimate.
Appropriate facility structure/size
Cage size, exercise area, climate.
Feeding and watering method
Frequency, amount.
Exercise and rest
Daily walk, indoor activity, sleep.
Diseases and prevention
Vaccines, parasite control, zoonoses.
Spay/neuter method and cost
Timing, fee, pros/cons.
Vaccination, parasite, checkup methods
Core vaccines and schedule.
Sex determination
Male/female.
Birth date (or estimate)
Actual or estimated DOB.
Spay/neuter status
Done or not.
Breeder identification
Breeder name, address, license number.
If imported, date and origin country
Imported individuals only.
Hereditary disease in parents/siblings
History of relatives.
Vaccination record
Doses given, dates, next due.
Medical history and current treatment
Past illness, current meds.
Buyer Check Points
- ☑Explanation given by the breeder or licensed handling manager.
- ☑Written explanation document provided (oral only is illegal).
- ☑Time given to understand before signing.
- ☑Clear answers about parents' health and genetic testing.
- ☑Original vaccination certificate, pedigree (PED), health certificate shown.
- ☑Medical record disclosure on request.
- ☑No vague or evasive answers.
- ☑Price, transfer terms, health warranty in writing.
Red Flags
- ⚠️Tries to close the sale with photos/videos only.
- ⚠️Claims 'online is enough' for the explanation (illegal).
- ⚠️Won't provide written documentation.
- ⚠️Refuses to show parents or facility.
- ⚠️Suggests transfer before 56 days (outside the Japanese-breed exception).
- ⚠️Won't show vaccination, pedigree, or health docs.
- ⚠️Pressures for immediate decision.
On-Site Steps
Facility tour
Inspect cage cleanliness, climate, exercise area, parents.
Hands-on inspection
Gait, breathing, eyes/nose, coat, limb balance.
Receive the 18-item written explanation
Compare oral and written content.
Verify vaccine, pedigree, health docs
Confirm originals; arrange copies.
Review contract and sign
Price, transfer date, warranty, cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the explanation be done online (Zoom)?
No. The law explicitly requires in-person display and explanation. Online viewing supplements pre-screening but cannot replace the on-site explanation.
Who can deliver the explanation?
The breeder themselves, the licensed Animal Handling Manager, or a qualified staff member of the same business. Untrained part-timers alone is non-compliant.
What if I bought one without receiving the explanation?
It is the breeder's violation. Report to your local animal welfare center. It can be grounds for contract cancellation or refund negotiation.
Are reptiles and birds also subject?
Mammals, birds, and reptiles are subject. Fish/amphibians/insects are exempt.
What is the 56-day exception for Japanese breeds?
Designated Japanese native breeds (Shiba, Akita, Kai, Kishu, Hokkaido, Shikoku) may be transferred from 49 days (7 weeks) under a transitional rule when acquired directly from a specialist breeder, though 56+ days is preferable for socialization.