JAWS — Japan Animal Welfare Society (Nihon Dōbutsu Fukushi Kyōkai)

The Japan Animal Welfare Society (公益社団法人日本動物福祉協会, JAWS) became an independent organisation in 1956 and was incorporated the following year. Its Honorary President is Her Imperial Highness Princess Hitachi, and since 2011 it has been certified as a public interest incorporated association (kōeki shadan hōjin), so donations made in Japan can qualify for tax relief. JAWS receives no government subsidy and is funded entirely by membership fees and public donations.

The society describes its work as two pillars: helping animals in need, and preventing more unwanted animals from being born. Its headquarters and five branches — New Tokyo, Yokohama, Tochigi, Nagano and South Osaka — match surrendered dogs and cats with new owners; in the 2025 financial year they rehomed 548 animals. JAWS also part-funds spay and neuter surgery for ownerless and community dogs and cats, lends out humane cat traps, runs an animal advice line and works to prevent cruelty.

JAWS has helped animals affected by many of Japan's natural disasters, from the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake to the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake, and in 2026 it launched an appeal for animals affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. It runs seminars and training for local government staff, set up Japan's first shelter medicine course with Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University in 2022, holds an annual animal welfare essay contest for schoolchildren, and has long campaigned on Japan's Act on Welfare and Management of Animals.

You can adopt a dog or cat, become a member, volunteer or donate through its official website (mostly in Japanese, with an English information page). Its UK partner charity, Animal Welfare Japan, also raises funds for JAWS.