Can I keep a pet in a shared house?
Some shared houses allow pets.
In line with the recent pet boom, the number of shared houses that allow residents to live with their pets is increasing. While the number is still relatively small, there are more pet-friendly properties available in urban areas.
Finding a pet-friendly apartment in a regular rental property can often result in high rent and initial costs, but with a share house, it's possible to keep costs down.
What kinds of pet-friendly shared housing are available?
There are two main types of pet-friendly shared housing.
One type of property is one where residents keep their own pets. In this type of property, the number of pets living in one building will inevitably be large, potentially resulting in a variety of pet types living together.
Another type involves all residents taking care of pets owned by the share house management company. In this type, there are usually one or two pets, and all residents take turns caring for them. Also, in this type, pet supplies are usually provided in the common areas.
Furthermore, some pet-friendly share houses operate under specific concepts such as "cats only" or "dogs only." If your pet doesn't get along well with other types of pets and they fight, it's a good idea to consider a share house with such a concept.
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Four benefits of living in a pet-friendly share house
Here are four benefits of living in a pet-friendly shared house.
Benefit ① You can share equipment and goods.
If you're planning to live in a shared house with your pet, you'll naturally be concerned about the amenities in your room. Some pet-friendly shared houses offer amenities such as rooftop dog runs, dedicated pet shower rooms, pet waste bins, cat towers, and cat walks, providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment for your beloved family member.
The usage and maintenance fees for equipment are often included in the rent and common area fees. It's great to be able to easily use equipment that would be expensive or require a large space to purchase personally.
Benefit ② Pets can live comfortably and freely.
One of the advantages of living in a pet-friendly share house is the freedom to live comfortably and without restraint.
Pet-friendly share houses offer more spacious layouts than typical single-person rental properties. Because they are designed to allow pets to roam freely, you can choose a room that feels open and spacious.
Furthermore, in a pet-friendly share house, residents and their pets don't have to worry about disturbing their neighbors with noises like barking, saving them unnecessary stress. However, if your pet barks excessively or is aggressive, it may be difficult to find a pet-friendly share house.
Benefit ③ You can help and interact with other residents.
One of the biggest advantages of living in a pet-friendly share house is the opportunity to help each other with pet care and to interact with other residents.
Sharing a love for pets expands the range of topics you can share, making life more enjoyable. You can take walks with other residents, travel together, discuss training issues, and broaden your social circle through your pets. Even if your lifestyles differ, the common ground of loving pets makes for a very comfortable and harmonious living environment.
If a single person owns a pet, they would need to ask an acquaintance to look after their pet or use a pet hotel when they are away from home for extended periods. However, if they live in a pet-friendly share house, they could ask other residents to take care of their pet.
Benefit ④ You can imagine what life would be like with a pet.
One of the advantages of living in a pet-friendly share house is that it allows people who have never owned a pet before to imagine what it would be like to live with one.
Even if you don't currently own a pet, there are pet-friendly share houses available. Therefore, if you're considering getting a pet in the future, living in a pet-friendly share house allows you to experience life with a pet. You might also receive advice on pet ownership from your housemates.
Three disadvantages of living in a pet-friendly shared house
Pet-friendly share houses where you can live with dogs and cats are attractive accommodations, but there are several points to be aware of in addition to the advantages. When searching for vacancies on property information websites, especially in the Tokyo area, it is important to pay attention to the following disadvantages.
Disadvantage ① There are still few pet-friendly shared houses.
In popular areas such as near Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, there is high demand for pet-friendly properties, but the number of share houses where you can actually live with a dog or cat is limited. For example, if you narrow down the conditions to "female only," "Japanese-style room with tatami mats," "separate bathroom and toilet," and "within a 5-minute walk," the chances of finding a vacant room will decrease even further.
Properties located within a 3-10 minute walk of a train station, as well as those with terraces and excellent amenities, are often fully occupied, so frequent checks for vacancies are necessary.
Disadvantage ②: You may be concerned about the noise, smell, and dirt.
In properties where multiple residents each own dogs or cats, noise from barking, dirt in common areas, and odors can be a concern. This is especially true in shared houses with many shared spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and terraces, where residents who do not follow proper etiquette can easily lead to problems.
Properties with extensive shared facilities tend to have well-established management systems, so it's a good idea to check for information such as "full building cleaning service" or "pet-friendly area" beforehand.
Disadvantage ③ Compatibility issues between pets
If residents bring their dogs or cats, there's a possibility of conflict due to incompatible personalities. Ideally, they would get along, but there's always a chance they might bark incessantly or get into fights.
When viewing a property, check if pets are allowed, and if so, bring your pet along to see how they get along with any existing pets. When searching for properties throughout Tokyo, also consider whether the layout allows for sufficient distance between pets and whether each room is clearly separated.
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Points to keep in mind when living in a pet-friendly share house
Pet-friendly shared housing where you can live with dogs and cats is very appealing, but because it's a space where people and animals live together, there are several rules and considerations that must be followed. By paying attention to the following points, both pets and people can live comfortably.
Point to note ① Follow the rules of the share house.
Even though pets are allowed, it doesn't mean complete freedom.
For example, there may be rules like the following:
- Pets are not allowed in shared spaces.
- Take measures to control noise and odor.
- Take proper care of your dog's walks and toilet habits, etc.
Failure to follow the rules can lead to problems with other residents. It's a good idea to check whether the "rules regarding pets" are clearly written down before moving in.
Point to note ②: Vaccination and neutering are often mandatory.
Many pet-friendly shared houses require that pets be vaccinated and spayed/neutered as a condition of residency. This is to prevent problems caused by infectious diseases and estrus cycles. You may be asked to submit proof of these procedures, so be sure to have it ready.
Point 3: Make sure your pet is well-behaved.
It is assumed that the dog has received basic training, such as being able to use the toilet properly and not barking or biting unnecessarily.
If pets are not properly trained, it can cause stress not only in their relationship with the residents but also for the pets themselves.
Point 4 to note: Check compatibility with existing pets beforehand.
If other residents already own dogs or cats, it's important to consider whether your pet will get along with them.
If possible, bring your pet with you when you view the property to see how well they get along.
How to find a pet-friendly shared house
"How do I find a shared house where I can live with my dog or cat?"
For those of you with such questions, here are a few tips on how to find a suitable property. Since there are fewer options available compared to regular rentals, you'll need a few tricks to find the right one.
① Use specialized websites or shared housing search websites.
First, check out websites specializing in shared housing information.
Many websites allow you to refine your search by criteria such as "pets allowed" or "dogs and cats OK."
Typical website examples:
Each property listing includes detailed information such as "Pets allowed (consultation required)," "Dogs only," "Cats OK," and "Pet supplies available in common areas," so be sure to check all the specific conditions.
② Check out websites for "pet-friendly rental properties" as well.
In fact, even general pet-friendly rental property websites sometimes list shared housing options.
You might find something by searching using terms like "housing, share house, pet-friendly, Tokyo" and checking across various rental websites.
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summary
Pet-friendly share houses, where you can live with dogs and cats, offer many advantages, including facilities, costs, and opportunities for interaction among residents. However, there are also drawbacks, such as the limited number of available properties and the need to consider compatibility between pets, so prior confirmation is essential. By following the rules and being considerate of others, you can enjoy a comfortable life with your pet. Find a home that suits your lifestyle and pet, and start your enjoyable share house life!
