Living with Pets in Rural Areas | Happiness for Both People and Pets in Vast Nature

Have you ever felt, while watching your beloved dog or cat cramped in an urban apartment, that you wish you could let them roam freely in a wider space? Living with pets in rural areas is filled with rich experiences that cannot be found in urban areas. Dogs running around in spacious gardens, cats sunbathing on verandas, walks in mountain air — just imagining it makes your heart race. On the other hand, there are challenges unique to rural areas: the scarcity of veterinary hospitals, risks of encountering wildlife, and consideration for neighbors. In this article, based on my experience as an animal welfare journalist conducting field research in rural areas nationwide and interviewing over 100 families living with pets, I will share the reality of pet life in rural areas and measures to address these challenges.

Five Reasons Why Rural Areas Are Ideal for Pets

Rural environments bring numerous benefits to pets. First, there is "spacious living space." Rural detached houses typically have a land area of 200-500 square meters, and pet owners with gardens can ensure ample space for dogs to run freely. Compared to a one-room apartment in the city center (20-25 square meters), the difference is stark. Second, there is a "rich walking environment." There are abundant roads to walk without worrying about cars, such as paddy field ridge paths, satoyama hiking courses, and riverside promenades. Third, there is "reduction of noise problems." In rural areas with distance between neighboring homes, troubles related to dogs barking are significantly reduced compared to urban areas. Fourth, there is "abundance of pet-friendly properties." In urban areas, pet-friendly rental properties make up only about 15% of the total, but detached houses in rural areas have almost no restrictions. It is rare for properties in vacancy banks to have pet conditions attached. Fifth, there is "stress reduction through contact with nature." The texture of soil, the smell of grass, the presence of insects and birds — research in animal behavior science has shown that natural environments that stimulate all five senses provide significant benefits to pets' mental health.

The Greatest Challenge — Securing Access to Veterinary Hospitals

The greatest challenge of pet life in rural areas is the scarcity of veterinary hospitals. In urban areas, multiple veterinary hospitals are within walking distance, but in rural areas it is not uncommon for the nearest veterinary hospital to take 30 minutes to an hour by car. Especially in emergencies (ingestion of foreign objects, accidents, sudden illness), travel time can be life-or-death. To address this challenge, first make sure to confirm the location and consultation hours of veterinary hospitals when selecting your relocation destination. Search for "veterinary hospital" on Google Maps, and ideally there should be at least 2 hospitals accessible within 30 minutes by car from your relocation candidate area. Also confirm the availability of 24-hour veterinary emergency hospitals. In recent years, more veterinarians are offering online consultations, and there are services that can provide video call consultations for minor concerns. I strongly recommend purchasing pet insurance with a monthly cost of around 3,000-5,000 yen. In rural areas, the risk of accidents and troubles with wildlife is higher than in urban areas, so preparing for high-cost treatments is essential. Additionally, choosing a primary care veterinarian, receiving regular health checkups, and always keeping track of your pet's health status will lead to appropriate responses in emergencies.

Coexisting with Wildlife — Understanding Dangers and Countermeasures

In rural areas, there is a risk that pets will encounter wildlife, and appropriate countermeasures are essential. The most important concern is ticks. Ticks that inhabit grasslands and mountain trails parasitize dogs and cats and transmit serious infections such as babesiosis and SFTS (severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome). For prevention, monthly application of flea and tick removal medications such as Frontline is effective, and it is good to develop a habit of checking your pet's entire body after walks. Encounters with wild boars or deer, especially with large dogs, carry mutual attack risks. Keep your dog on a leash during walks, and take measures such as attaching a bell on mountain paths with poor visibility. Regarding snakes, in areas where pit vipers (mamushi) and Japanese rat snakes (yamakagashi) inhabit, avoid tall grass areas and be careful not to let your dog approach snakes. If bitten, go to an animal hospital immediately. When letting cats outside, be aware of predators such as birds of prey (eagles, hawks), foxes, and weasels, but indoor cat rearing is recommended even in rural areas. For safety when letting them play in the yard, set up a fenced cat run.

Unique Ways to Enjoy Pet Life in Rural Areas

Rural living offers many special experiences with pets that are not available in urban areas. If you have a spacious yard, you can also consider creating your own dog run. The cost to set up a fence (mesh panel type) over an area of 50-100 square meters is approximately 50,000-150,000 yen. If the ground has good drainage, laying sod or artificial grass creates a private dog run where your pet can play comfortably even on rainy days. Exploring satoyama (foothills) provides the best exercise for dogs. Walking with your beloved dog through scenery that changes with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy landscapes in winter—is an incomparable luxury. For dogs that enjoy water play, playing in clear streams is an experience unique to rural living. However, fast-flowing areas are dangerous, so be careful not to take your eyes off them in shallow areas. Additionally, rural areas have many events where pets can participate, and more and more local agricultural festivals and markets are welcoming dog-owning visitors. The creation of community interactions through pets is also a major attraction of rural living.

Pre-Relocation Preparation and Mindset

Advance preparation is essential to successfully relocate with pets to rural areas. First, be mindful of your pet's living environment when selecting a property. For dogs, check the size of the yard and the presence of fencing; for cats, confirm the strength of window screens and the ease of implementing escape prevention measures. Old wooden houses have many gaps, and there is a risk that cats will enter attics or small animals will intrude, so conduct repairs to seal gaps before moving in. When greeting neighbors, communicate the presence of pets and demonstrate a willingness to avoid causing trouble—this is the first step to being accepted by the community. Pay particular attention to dog barking and waste disposal during walks—this requires more care in rural areas than in urban areas. While some in rural areas hold the old-fashioned view that "dogs are guard dogs," nowadays indoor rearing and leash walks are the standard. By demonstrating good manners as a pet owner, you will deepen the community's overall understanding of pets. Finally, do not forget to research living infrastructure such as primary care veterinary hospitals, pet hotels, and grooming salons before relocating. SOROU.JP also introduces regional information and pet-related spots nationwide, so please refer to it when considering rural living with pets.