How to Ask If Pets Are Allowed in a Japanese Rental
Learn to ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Japanese and understand common pet restrictions when renting an apartment.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When looking for an apartment in Japan, knowing how to ask about pet policies is essential. Many rentals have strict rules about pets, and asking the wrong way can lead to misunderstandings. In this lesson, you'll learn the key phrases to ask if pets are allowed, how to specify the type of pet, and how to understand common restrictions. We'll focus on polite Japanese that you can use when speaking with a real estate agent or landlord. By the end, you'll be able to confidently inquire about pet-friendly housing and avoid potential issues.
By the end, you can…
- ask if pets are allowed in a rental property.
- specify what kind of pet I have and understand common restrictions.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
ペットは飼えますか？
Can I keep a pet?
Petto wa kaemasu ka?
General question to ask if pets are allowed. Use when you don't need to specify the type of pet.
ペット可ですか？
Is it pet-friendly?
Petto ka desu ka?
Common phrase used in real estate listings. 'Petto ka' means 'pets allowed'.
猫を飼ってもいいですか？
Is it okay to keep a cat?
Neko o katte mo ii desu ka?
Use this to ask specifically about cats. Replace 'neko' with 'inu' (dog) or other animals.
小型犬は大丈夫ですか？
Is a small dog okay?
Kogata inu wa daijōbu desu ka?
Ask about small dogs. Many rentals allow small dogs but not large ones.
ペットの種類と数を教えてください。
Please tell me the type and number of pets.
Petto no shurui to kazu o oshiete kudasai.
This is what a landlord might ask you. Be prepared to answer.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask if you can keep a pet, use the pattern: [pet] を飼ってもいいですか？ (…o katte mo ii desu ka?). For example, 犬を飼ってもいいですか？ (Inu o katte mo ii desu ka? – Is it okay to keep a dog?). To ask if pets are allowed in general, say ペットは飼えますか？ (Petto wa kaemasu ka?). The verb 飼う (kau) means 'to keep (a pet)'. The potential form 飼える (kaeru) means 'can keep'. Use ペット可 (petto ka) to check listings; it's a common abbreviation for 'pets allowed'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when inquiring about a rental property, either in person, over the phone, or via email. If you're looking at listings, ペット可 (petto ka) or ペット相談可 (petto sōdan ka – pet consultation possible) indicates that pets might be allowed. However, always confirm the details: many places have restrictions on size, number, and type. For example, 猫は不可 (neko wa fuka – cats not allowed) or 小型犬のみ (kogata inu nomi – small dogs only). When speaking to an agent, start with ペットは飼えますか？ and then specify your pet.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、このアパートはペット可ですか？
Excuse me, is this apartment pet-friendly?Sumimasen, kono apāto wa petto ka desu ka?はい、ペット可ですが、小型犬のみです。
Yes, it's pet-friendly, but only small dogs.Hai, petto ka desu ga, kogata inu nomi desu.猫はだめですか？
Are cats not allowed?Neko wa dame desu ka?申し訳ありません、猫は不可です。
I'm sorry, cats are not allowed.Mōshiwake arimasen, neko wa fuka desu.A little context goes a long way
In Japan, pet policies in rentals are often strict due to concerns about noise, allergies, and damage. Even if a listing says ペット可 (pet-friendly), there may be additional conditions such as a pet deposit (ペット敷金 petto shikikin) or monthly pet rent. It's common to be asked about the pet's breed, size, and number. Being upfront and polite about your pet can help build trust with the landlord. Also, note that some buildings prohibit pets entirely, so always ask before assuming.
One thing to watch for
Using ペットを飼いますか？ (Petto o kaimasu ka?) to ask if pets are allowed.
Try this instead: This actually means 'Do you keep a pet?' and is not the correct way to ask for permission. To ask if pets are allowed, say ペットは飼えますか？ (Petto wa kaemasu ka?) or ペット可ですか？ (Petto ka desu ka?).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Is it okay to keep a dog?' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
犬を飼ってもいいですか？ (Inu o katte mo ii desu ka?)
This uses the pattern [pet] を飼ってもいいですか？ to ask for permission. You can replace 犬 (inu) with other animals like 猫 (neko).
2What does ペット可 mean?
Show a sample answer
Pets allowed (pet-friendly).
ペット可 (petto ka) is a common abbreviation in real estate listings indicating that pets are permitted. However, always check for specific restrictions.
3How would you ask if cats are allowed?
Show a sample answer
猫は飼えますか？ (Neko wa kaemasu ka?) or 猫を飼ってもいいですか？ (Neko o katte mo ii desu ka?)
Both are correct. The first is more general, while the second is more direct. You can also use 猫は大丈夫ですか？ (Neko wa daijōbu desu ka?) in casual conversation.
Always ask ペットは飼えますか？ or ペット可ですか？ before assuming a rental allows pets, and be ready to specify your pet's type and size.
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