Editor’s Note: Pet Box was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on March 7, 2007. The post below is an updated take on this business, published February 20, 2015.

CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF

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A giant turtle roams the floor.  Kids huddle to pet it.  An employee at the cash register wears a bird on her shoulder.  A thoroughly entertaining place on a Sunday, family day for Okinawans, Petbox is overflowing with Okinawan grandparents, children, and American soldiers alike all shopping for pets or pet accessories. Petbox is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm to include Saturdays and Sundays.

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Petbox in Chatan is a great resource for anyone looking for a pet or who already has one.  They sell puppies, reptiles, birds, fish, rabbits, and many other animals to include specialty bugs (though they do not sell cats).  Conveniently located in American Village, they also offer pet grooming services.

(before grooming)

About one quarter of the store is dedicated to fish tanks, both freshwater and saltwater.  They sell many plants as well, in case you are looking for a simple water garden.  This pet store is equivalent to Pet Smart in the United States, carrying everything from air fresheners and essential oil infusers to animal carrying cages and leashes.

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I was amazed at the selection of exotic fish and reptiles, as well as the beautiful selection of aquatic lighting accessories. I was also amazed when I was buying a small plant tank and a few small koi fish (for another larger tank), and the employee who was helping me made sure that I was going to put the fish in a larger tank.  It warmed by heart to know that she cared about the well-being of the fish.

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Petbox does not offer vaccinations for pets, but they do offer just about every accessory that you could want for your animal.   Though they do not sell cats, they do sell cat accessories.  Their prices are affordable and they almost always have someone on staff who speaks English.

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Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Phone: 098-926-1123

Address: 2 Chome-2-4 Mihama, Chatan-chō, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa

GPS Coordinates:  26.3144444°, 127.7597222°

Directions: Across the street from Aeon Chatan

27 COMMENTS

  6. Does anyone by chance know if the Petbox in Chatan has an email address. I bought a German shepherd from there on April 12, 2014 and after 4 months I never received his pedigree. They kept telling me they weren’t ready yet, even after 6 months. Long story short Im back in the states and its really hard to figure when or let alone even how to call Oki.

  12. Just gor here about a month ago! I’m looking for a grooming salon I can work at without knowing any Japanese. Anyone know if I could get by there, or know of any other places in mind? I have 11 years of experience and am IPG Certified. Thank you!

  13. They’ll take him but they’ll beat him and muzzle him if he gets snappy or nervous. You really need to desensitize your dog to grooming. It’s a hazard to the groomers and the dog.

    Yes, I’ve seen Petbox get incredibly rough with the dogs too.

  14. Anybody know if petbox will take dogs that are a pain in the butt and nip when he gets scared. I use to take to penny’s on kadena until she left and she would hold my papillion down for almost the whole hour while grooming him. I always muzzle him anyway but just want to know if there will be a problem, last thing I want is a half trimmed dog lol

  16. Ian- You might just want to go online to buy one. I haven’t seen any here. I think that how good they work really depends on the dog though, if thedog doesn’t like the citronella it will stop. If it doesn’t care it won’t. But you won’t know until you buy one.

  18. Heidi, the price varies depending on the length of hair. We have a Shiba-mix that sheds. We take her to Pet Box, and we pay around 3000 yen give or take – that includes trimming her nails and getting her shaved almost to the skin. It’s probably cheaper somewhere else, but we love Pet Box. The service is great, they have stamp cards (a must-ask-for if you plan to take your pet there regularly), they have English speaking staff…and of course, lots of stuff to spoil our sweet Jessie with. 🙂

  19. DO you know if its 5000 yen for all haircuts for the dogs, or was it 5000 yen because he has long hair. My dog has short hair but she sheds like a long haired dog, so my husband and I want to shave her but shes so terrified of everything I wanted to take her to a professional. Or if you know of another place besides Karing Kennels Grooming thats on the cheaper side. Thank you. heidi

  22. We are so bummed to find out that Nigel has to stay in the States and come over later in the year – too many unknowns with the quarantine not being totally complete, the waiting period in Osaka, and our domestic airline (all nippon?) restricting the crate size. We have been living in NC with him and he’s been fine with his nearly full coat. So when he arrives in December with my parents, it’ll be cooler there, right? I think you’re right, he can wait on the shave.

  23. Maltsby is as hairy as a bearded collie but no just a lovely mutt. As for shaving your dog, I think you can save that until he gets here. No rush. Unless you are concerned that the belly of the plane will be too hot then perhaps it would make sense. Maybe the airlines can tell you the average temperature of the plane belly and that could help you. Happy travels, Jackie!