What are Assistance Dogs for Persons with Physical Disabilities?
In Japan, the term "assistance dogs" for Persons with Physical Disabilities refers to "guide dogs", "mobility service dogs", and "hearing dogs" certified in accordance with the "Act on Assistance Dogs for Persons with Physical Disabilities". All the other dogs are categorized as "pets" in Japan, therefore, it is necessary to check the rules of public transportation and facilities in advance.
The "Act on Assistance Dogs for Persons with Physical Disabilities" is a domestic law of Japan. Therefore, only those assistance dogs, properly trained and certified in accordance with this law, and their users are permitted to use public transportation and facilities for the general public.
"Mobility service dogs" are specifically defined as the dogs which support their users' physical disabilities due to impairment of motor function. Other service dogs which support their users' mental disorders, autism and emotional disorders, and epileptic disorders, etc. are not certified as assistance dogs in Japan.
