Monday May 28, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Ways to fly cheaper and hassle-free with pets

By Samantha Bomkamp

Travel May. 07, 2009 - 02:27AM JST ( 11 )

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11 Comments

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timorborderMay. 07, 2009 - 09:54AM JST

Grew up in an environment surrounded by dogs. Was taught by my grandfather that the dogs always got priority when it came to food, shelter, and where necessary medical care. These days I have two dogs in the house and I also make regular donations to a number of animal-related charities. At the same time, however, I question the logic of dragging you pets with you on airlines. Guide dogs aside (and they ain't pets), I don't really approve of the idea of hauling fiddo with you across the country for holidays, etc. Let the dog stay home in a familar environment cared for by somebody it knows and trusts, rather than cooping it up in an aircraft and infringing on the rights of those people who are not animal lovers. If you cannot do this, don't go on holiday. Remember being a responsible pet owner means looking after you pet all of the time, not just when you find it convenient.
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cleoMay. 07, 2009 - 10:24AM JST

being a responsible pet owner means looking after you pet all of the time, not just when you find it convenient.

Can't be said often enough or loud enough.

While I agree with timorborder about dragging animals off on holiday (not a good idea; we arrange our holidays around times when one of the kids can be persuaded/coerced to house-sit), there are times when animals do have to be moved; people in Japan get moved around with their jobs, and you either take Fido with you or give him up. I know which I consider the lesser of the two evils.

Question for the JT editorial staff, though; what makes you think this article about flying animals around in the US has any relevance for Japan? Couldn't you have found some info on transporting animals that's relevant to Japan? How about the relative pros and cons of air flight vs road/rail/shinkansen?
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PEKOiSMMay. 07, 2009 - 10:45AM JST

Question for the JT editorial staff, though; what makes you think this article about flying animals around in the US has any relevance for Japan?

I wondered the same thing myself..

Moderator: Some 70% of our readers reside outside of Japan and a big percentage of those live in the U.S.
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cleoMay. 07, 2009 - 11:38AM JST

Just checked on the Kuroneko Yamato HP - to transport a Dobermann from (eg) Tokyo to Nagasaki by air they charge 66,780 yen. For a Chihuahua or a Pomeranian the same trip costs 55,650 yen. The animal has to be starved for 5-6 hours before loading, and must be over three months old, up to date with rabies inoculations and in general good health.
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soldaveMay. 07, 2009 - 04:39PM JST

PEKOiSM - I agree. And you know if people wanted news about their country they would log onto a reliable news source from their own country. They come on here because they want to read news/press releases about things related to Japan.
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Den DenMay. 07, 2009 - 04:59PM JST

Thank you for info that around 50%+ live in USA. This article is interesting actually. I thought it was inserted to solicit comments about how pathetic some Japanese are about their dogs(genetically modified), especially as I know 3 women who hold their pets in higher esteem than their husbands! But what really needs to questioned is, how badly animals are treated by society. Case by case, pets should have just as much a right to travel as children. Why shouldn't you be allowed to take pets on the Shinkensen, underground, train, bus etc. I have seen some pretty out of control kids, so why discriminate against pets(obviously not snakes without a lead)? In London there was a dog that used to take the bus from Peckham to Elephant & Castle all by itself everyday. It somehow could tell the difference between the no.12 & no.36!
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cleoMay. 07, 2009 - 05:29PM JST

I thought it was inserted to solicit comments about how pathetic some Japanese are about their dogs

How can it solicit comments about how the Japanese are about anything? It's written about America, for Americans.

And what's this about Japanese dogs being genetically modified? Roundup-ready, are they? Got a little parcel of genes in them to stop them biting postmen, perhaps?

I agree with you that well-behaved dogs should be allowed as much courtesy at least as badly-behaved children - allowed on buses and trains and in public parks, under responsible supervision.
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HimajinMay. 07, 2009 - 07:25PM JST

Some 70% of our readers reside outside of Japan and a big percentage of those live in the U.S.

Interesting...most of the Japan Experts pontificating on everything from the government to the health care system don't even live here? That explains a lot of the opinion I see here.
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elbudamexicanoMay. 10, 2009 - 11:44PM JST

I am sorry! I hate dogs! I did not before living in Japan but it just makes me sick to my stomach to see how people can treat dogs better than they do their own kids! Children (humans) all over the world are starving to death, and rich fools in the USA, Japan etc..have nothing better to do than fly with their pets! Shame! Shame! Shame!