Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, but amidst the high-rise buildings and crowded streets, there are unique experiences that cater to every kind of interest. For dog lovers or anyone curious about spending time with a furry friend, Dog Heart in Tokyo offers a delightful opportunity: renting a dog for a day. This service is perfect for those who miss their pets back home, can’t commit to owning a dog, or simply want to enjoy a day of canine companionship.

What Service Does Dog Heart Provide?

Dog Heart offers a unique and heartwarming service for dog lovers. Located in Yoyogi-Uehara, this store allows visitors to rent dogs for a specified period. Here’s how the process works:

Choosing Your Dog: Upon arrival, you can meet and choose from a variety of friendly and well-trained dogs. Each dog has its own personality, so you can select one that suits your preference, whether you want an energetic companion for a jog or a calm friend for a leisurely walk. Toy poodles make up most of the pups here, however, there’s also a beagle, French bulldog, cavalier, Boston terrier, Japanese chin, and two lovely golden retrievers.

Rental Options: Dog Heart provides flexible rental options. Unlike other animal cafés, Dog Heart doesn’t have a food or drink menu and you either pay to spend time with the dogs in the store’s indoor play area or rent one to take out for a stroll. Dog Heart houses 30 dogs that are switched out daily on rotation, with 12 of them available to play with during any given visit. The store is conveniently located near Yoyogi Park, a beautiful spot for a stroll with your new furry friend.

Time Slots: The rentals are typically available in hourly slots, allowing you to spend as much or as little time as you want with the dog. To rent a dog from Dog Heart, it’s advisable to call ahead to secure a time slot and the specific dog you wish to walk. You can check the availability of the dogs here. For playtime visits, reservations are not accepted. The shop recommends visiting between 12 noon and 2 pm, as it tends to be less crowded during those hours.

Price: You have the option to stay in and enjoy the company of all the adorable pups, with playtime starting at ¥1,300 for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent one of the dogs for an hour (starting at ¥3,600) and take them for a walk around the neighborhood or nearby Yoyogi Park. If you decide to take a dog for a walk, you’ll be provided with essentials like water and bags for picking up after them. For an additional ¥200, you can also purchase a small bag of treats to give them along the way.

Guidelines and Support: The staff at Dog Heart are friendly and supportive, providing you with guidelines on how to interact with the dogs. They ensure that both you and the dog have a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll receive a brief orientation on handling the dogs, and the staff are always available to answer any questions.