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For owners of Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Siberian Huskies, and other large dogs living in Tokyo’s 23 wards, finding reliable care when a sudden business trip or family event comes up is a major concern.
Despite their size and strength, large dogs are actually very sensitive at heart. We hear many heartfelt concerns like: “There’s no pet hotel nearby that accepts large dogs,” “I’m worried about the stress of being kept in a cramped cage,” and “It’s exhausting driving through city traffic to a large facility in the suburbs.”
For these reasons, more and more Tokyo pet owners are turning to pet sitters — a care option where your dog is looked after in the comfort of their own home.
In this article, we’ll cover the real situation for large dog care in Tokyo, how to choose a pet sitter you can trust with your beloved dog, and important tips for safe walks.
Worried about leaving your strong large dog home alone? Why not consult a professional sitter?
🐾 Large dog ownership in Tokyo’s 23 wards and the challenge of finding care
When trying to board a large dog at a pet hotel in central Tokyo, owners often run into the following obstacles.
Admission restrictions due to limited facility space
Because of high land prices in Tokyo’s 23 wards, many pet hotels make the most of their limited space by accepting only small and medium-sized dogs. Very few facilities have large cages for large dogs or an attached dog run where they can stretch their legs. Being forced into a cramped space where they can’t even change position puts enormous strain on a large dog.
Lack of exercise and building frustration
Large dogs need plenty of daily exercise. However, many city pet hotels have rules like “No outdoor walks for safety reasons (only short indoor free-play time).” Lack of exercise can directly lead to behavioral issues such as excessive barking and self-harm.
High prices and difficulty booking
The few pet hotels that do accept large dogs are always in high demand, and even when you plan a long absence well in advance, you may find they’re already fully booked with nowhere to turn. On top of that, weight-based pricing can make the nightly cost much higher than expected — another headache for owners.
🐾 Pet hotel vs. pet sitter: a detailed comparison
For large dogs that are sensitive to changes in their environment and need plenty of exercise, an in-home pet sitter is often the better fit.
| Comparison | Pet hotel (facility-based) | Pet sitter (in-home) |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental stress | High stress from unfamiliar surroundings and smells | Stress-free in the comfort of their own home |
| Exercise & walks | Indoor run only, or short walks | Proper exercise on their regular walking route |
| Infection & incidents | Risk of contact with other dogs | No contact with other dogs — safer |
| Price guide | Tends to be expensive with weight-based surcharges | Hourly rates make it affordable even for large dogs and multi-pet households |
The biggest difference comes down to “consideration for the environment and ensuring enough exercise.”
- Your dog needs plenty of exercise (on their regular walking route)
- Your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs and tends to panic
- You want your dog to relax and stay home in their familiar surroundings
If any of these apply to your large dog, we highly recommend a pet sitter who provides one-on-one, dedicated care.
🐾 Key points for choosing a pet sitter who handles large dogs
Pet sitting for large dogs takes more than just “loving animals.” Here’s how to choose a sitter with the right skills.
1. Experience with large dogs — both ownership and pet sitting
Large dogs pull with tremendous force, and if they panic or lunge at another dog, the sitter needs the physical strength and handling skills to maintain control. Always check the sitter’s profile for a track record with large dogs and personal experience owning large breeds.
2. Thorough walk route planning and safety management
In Tokyo’s 23 wards, where heavy traffic mixes with cyclists and pedestrians, there’s always a risk of accidents or dogs eating something off the ground during walks. Before booking, be sure to schedule a meet-and-greet where you walk the regular route together with the sitter, sharing details about how to hold the leash, dangerous intersections, and your dog’s reactions to other dogs.
3. Detailed reports with photos and videos
Large dogs can also be at risk of sudden health issues like gastric torsion. Choose a service that offers full transparency with detailed photo and video reports covering mealtimes, bathroom habits, and your dog’s mood during walks while you’re away.
🐾 Frequently asked questions about house-sitting for large dogs
Q1. My dog weighs over 40 kg — can you still help with extra-large breeds?
A. Absolutely! Fluv has sitters registered with extensive experience owning and handling extra-large breeds like Great Danes and Bernese Mountain Dogs. A meet-and-greet lets both sides confirm compatibility and capability, so you can feel confident.
Q2. My dog has a pulling habit on walks — can I still book a sitter?
A. Yes — by choosing a sitter who specializes in large dogs or holds a dog trainer certification. For safety, please have your usual harness or gentle leader ready, and share details about the pulling habit during the meet-and-greet.
Q3. I have one large dog and two small dogs — how does pricing work for a multi-pet household?
A. Most sitters on Fluv use an hourly rate, which is usually more affordable than boarding each dog separately at a pet hotel. You can check the details on each sitter’s profile.
Q4. Is there coverage if my dog gets into trouble with another dog during a walk?
A. Bookings made through Fluv may be covered by insurance for unexpected incidents (terms and conditions apply). Of course, thorough safety checks and consultations beforehand are the top priority to prevent issues in the first place.
Q5. I’m uneasy about handing over my house keys…
A. Only sitters who have passed Fluv‘s strict identity verification are registered on the platform. You can also discuss flexible key handover options such as using a smart lock or installing a key box, rather than handing over keys directly.
🐾 Find a large dog sitter in Tokyo with Fluv
For large dog care, try Fluv — the trusted pet sitter platform.
Find experienced pros who know large dogs
You can check sitter reviews and large dog experience in advance, making it easy to find the perfect partner for your dog’s size and personality.
Peace of mind with a meet-and-greet
A meet-and-greet is always held before any official booking, so you can observe the walk and check compatibility — giving you confidence even with a strong large dog.
🐾 Looking in Tokyo’s 23 wards? Recommended pet sitters by area
Fluv features many highly rated local sitters across Tokyo’s 23 wards. Check out the page for your area!
🐾 Watch the video! The future of pet care that Fluv JP envisions
A message from our founder and CEO to all sitters, sharing the brand’s vision and passion. (Runtime: approx. 2 minutes)
🐾 How to use a pet sitter with more peace of mind — and save money too
Pets can’t speak for themselves, so the care you choose as an owner is everything.
That’s why your beloved family member deserves a pet sitter you can trust.
🎁 Fluv is running a special summer sale for new users!
Make the most of Fluv for your summer pet care needs! ＼Save up to ¥2,200!／
✅ Get 20% OFF your first in-home pet sitting booking!
✅ Plus, your meet-and-greet is free (worth ¥1,000)!
“I’m nervous about using a sitter for the first time…” — don’t worry!
🐾 With Fluv, you can have a meet-and-greet at your home beforehand, so you can confirm your pet’s compatibility with the sitter before entrusting them with house-sitting duties.
📅 Summer campaign period: August 1 – August 31!
🎟 Best-value exclusive coupon code: 【 #SUMMER20 】
(Enter the code above to get both “20% OFF” and “free meet-and-greet” applied!)
🐾 Follow Fluv on social media!
Our official social media channels feature adorable pet sitter diaries🐶🐱, the latest campaign info, and handy pet care tips! Follow us so you never miss an update♪
Instagram 🐾 Daily posts and pet sitter reports from Fluv!
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