A Nursing Home for Dogs Is Opening in Japan

A so-called “nursing home” for elderly dogs opens in Tokyo this month, The Telegraph and NBC News report.

The luxury retirement facility run by Aeon Pet, a subsidiary of the Japanese supermarket brand Aeon, is expected to start with 20 dogs, providing them access to a gym, swimming pool, and round-the-clock veterinary care. NBC News reports the cost will depend on dog size and breed, but is estimated to be $1,000 a month.

This concept may be considered a way to reduce the number of stray dogs that are killed. The Telegraph points out that there was a push in 2013 to make owners responsible for their pets until their deaths. “Elderly owners who are hospitalized may have no one to care for their pets and other owners may move to a new apartment that does not allow pets,” according to a Japan Times editorial published last year, which also argues some owners just do not realize how much care an animal needs long-term.

Aeon hopes to expand the concept nationwide.

(h/t The Week‘s Speed Reads)

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