Assistance Dogs for People with Physical Disabilities

A physical disability assistance dog refers to guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs that help individuals with disabilities in their eyes, ears, or limbs.

These are dogs certified under the Assistance Dogs for Persons with Disabilities Act and have received special training. They are partners for individuals with disabilities, not pets.

• Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Website "Service Dogs for People with Physical Disabilities"（External Link）
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Website "About the Physical Disability Assistance Dog Law"(External Link)

Assistance Dogs Accompaniment, etc.

Regarding the accompaniment of assistance dogs, the "Physical Disability Certificate Law" mandates that they be accepted in various places where people are allowed to enter. Please do not refuse entry on the grounds that they are dogs.

In addition to facilities managed by the national and local governments, public transportation such as trains and buses cannot refuse the use of "assistance dogs."
Private facilities such as commercial establishments, restaurants, hospitals, and hotels that are used by an unspecified number of people cannot refuse the use of "assistance dogs".

Displaying assistance dog mark stickers and awareness posters at facility entrances and exits is effective for helping facility users and customers understand assistance dogs.

Tokyo Metropolitan Physical Disability Assistance Dog Grant Program

In Tokyo, assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities (guide dogs, service dogs, hearing dogs) are provided to expand their range of activities, promoting the independence and social participation of individuals with physical disabilities.

Eligible Individuals

Persons with physical disabilities aged 18 and over living at home in Tokyo

• Guide Dog ... Visual Impairment Level 1
• Assistance Dogs... Physical Disabilities Level 1, 2
• Hearing Assistance Dog ... Hearing Impairment Level 2

Those who meet any of the following conditions

1. Must have lived in Tokyo for approximately one year or more.
2. The average monthly amount of Income Tax for the entire household is less than 77,000 yen.
3. Obtain the consent of the owner or manager of the residence.
4. To receive the prescribed training and to be able to manage assistance dogs appropriately.
5. Recognized as effective for participation in social activities.

Cost

Free (breeding costs, etc. are the responsibility of the individual)

Application

The application destination is the city's Disability Welfare Division.
The forms are available at the counter.
The application periods are set for the first and second halves of each fiscal year, so if you are considering benefits, please consult the Disability Welfare Division.

Response to Assistance Dog Users Coming to Japan from Overseas

Assistance dog users who come to Japan with assistance dogs from overseas are not covered by the Physical Disability Certificate Act. However, if recognized as equivalent to Japanese standards, a "Limited Duration Certificate" will be issued by an assistance dog certification organization in Japan for the duration of their stay. We kindly ask that users with this certificate be allowed to accompany them to facilities, just like Japanese assistance dogs.