How to Move Your Pet to Japan: A Guide For Pet Parents

What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to Japan?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel

Relocating your pet to Japan can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge, the process can be smooth and stress-free. This guide equips pet parents with everything they need to know, from import regulations to travel tips, ensuring a safe journey for your furry friend.


Key Steps for Moving Your Pet to Japan


  1. Health Certifications: Verify that your pet meets Japan’s health and vaccination requirements.
  2. Quarantine Guidelines: Understand the procedures for pets arriving from non-designated regions.
  3. Designated vs. Non-Designated Regions:
    • Designated Regions: Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam.
    • Non-Designated Regions: All other countries or regions.

What Pet Parents Should Know About Non-Designated Regions


If your pet is traveling from a non-designated region, specific steps are required, such as:

  • Completing vaccinations and tests within the required timelines.
  • Preparing and submitting documentation to Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service.

Pro Tips for Pet Parents


  • Start planning at least 6 months before your move to meet all requirements.
  • Familiarize yourself with quarantine and arrival procedures in Japan.

This guide covers the procedures for relocating pets from non-designated regions. If you're transporting your pet from a designated region, please visit this page for more information.


Step-by-Step Flow Chart for Pet Relocation from Non-Designated Regions


What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to Japan?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel



Relocating your pet to Japan can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge, the process can be smooth and stress-free. This guide equips pet parents with everything they need to know, from import regulations to travel tips, ensuring a safe journey for your furry friend.


Key Steps for Moving Your Pet to Japan


  1. Health Certifications: Verify that your pet meets Japan’s health and vaccination requirements.
  2. Quarantine Guidelines: Understand the procedures for pets arriving from non-designated regions.
  3. Designated vs. Non-Designated Regions:
    • Designated Regions: Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam.
    • Non-Designated Regions: All other countries or regions.

What Pet Parents Should Know About Non-Designated Regions


If your pet is traveling from a non-designated region, specific steps are required, such as:

  • Completing vaccinations and tests within the required timelines.
  • Preparing and submitting documentation to Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service.

Pro Tips for Pet Parents


  • Start planning at least 6 months before your move to meet all requirements.
  • Familiarize yourself with quarantine and arrival procedures in Japan.

This guide covers the procedures for relocating pets from non-designated regions. If you're transporting your pet from a designated region, please visit this page for more information.


Step-by-Step Flow Chart for Pet Relocation from Non-Designated Regions



Step-by-step guide for moving a dog, cat, or other pet to Japan from non-designated regions: 1. Microchip identification (can be done the same day as the first rabies vaccination). 2. First rabies vaccination (pet must be at least 91 days old and can be done on the same day as microchip implantation). 3. Second rabies vaccination (must occur at least 30 days after the first vaccination and before it expires, can be done on the same day as the blood sampling). 4. Rabies antibody test (level must be 0.5 IU/ml or higher, valid for up to 2 years). 5. Waiting period (180 days or more, with blood sampling date counted as day 0). 6. Advance notification (must be submitted no less than 40 days before arrival). 7. Pre-export inspection and obtaining certificates. 8. Import inspection upon arrival in Japan.

Health Requirements for Pets Entering Japan


Microchip


All dogs and cats imported into Japan must be identified by a microchip.


ISO-Compliant Microchip: Ensure your pet is identified with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.


Timing of Microchip Implant 


The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination. To learn why microchips are essential for pet shipping, read our comprehensive Microchip Guide.


Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.


Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.


A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

Essential Vaccines Your Pet Needs for Travel


Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Pet Travel to Japan

  1. First Rabies Vaccination:
    • Must be administered after the microchip is implanted.
    • Dogs and cats must be at least 91 days old (birthdate counts as day 0).
    • Both the microchip implantation and first vaccination can occur on the same day.
  2. Second Rabies Vaccination:
    • Administered at least 30 days after the first vaccination (counting the first vaccination date as day 0).
    • Must be given within the effective period of the first vaccination.

What is the Effective Period?

The effective period refers to the duration of immunity provided by the vaccine, not the product’s expiration date. Consult your veterinarian to confirm the effective period for the administered vaccine.

Please Note: If the effective period of the rabies vaccination expires before your pet's arrival in Japan, an additional vaccination must be administered while the current vaccination is still effective


Additional Vaccinations


Dogs: Distemper, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus disease, etc.
Cats: Feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus infection, feline panleukopenia, etc.


Parasite Treatments Required for Pet Travel to Japan


  1. Internal Parasites:
    • Includes nematodes and cestodes.
  2. External Parasites:
    • Includes fleas and ticks.

Please Note: All parasite treatments must be up-to-date and maintained at the time of your pet's arrival in Japan.


Rabies Antibody Titer Test



Blood Sample: A blood sample must be sent to a designated laboratory approved by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the rabies antibody test.

Timing of the Test:

  • The blood sample must be collected at a veterinary clinic after the second rabies vaccination.
  • The second rabies vaccination and blood sampling can be performed on the same day.
  • The blood sample must be taken within the effective period of the rabies vaccination.

Important Notes:

  • The blood sample for dogs must undergo import or export inspection at the Animal Quarantine Service when entering or leaving Japan.
  • The test result must show a rabies antibody titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher.

Validity Period:

  • The rabies antibody test result is valid for 2 years from the date of the blood sample, provided that the rabies vaccination remains effective and any necessary additional vaccinations are administered.
  • Pets must arrive in Japan within the validity period of the test result.

Documentation:

  • The original report of the antibody test, issued by the designated laboratory, is required during import inspection.



Waiting Period Before Your Pet Can Enter Japan


Required Waiting Period:

  • The waiting period is 180 days or more from the date of the blood sample for the rabies antibody test (counted as day 0).

Arrival in Japan:

  • Dogs and cats must arrive in Japan within the effective period of the rabies vaccination and the validity period of the rabies antibody test.
  • This must be at least 180 days after the date of blood sampling.

What Happens if the Waiting Period is Less Than 180 Days?

A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

Quarantine Requirement:

  • If the waiting period is less than 180 days, your dog or cat will be subject to quarantine at an Animal Quarantine Service detention facility.
A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

Rabies Vaccination:

  • If the rabies vaccination is set to expire before your pet’s arrival in Japan, an additional vaccination must be administered within the vaccine's effective period.

Assistance from WorldCare Pet:

  • If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet, our dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor will assist you with the process and ensure smooth handling of your pet’s travel requirements.

Advanced Notification Requirements for Pet Entry to Japan



You must notify the Animal Quarantine Service at the expected port of entry at least 40 days before your pet's arrival in Japan


Pre-Export Inspection and Certificates Required Before Departure


  • Pre-Export Inspection:
    • Before leaving the exporting country, all dogs and cats must undergo a clinical inspection (pre-export inspection) by a veterinarian.
  • Timing of Pre-Export Inspection:
    • The inspection must occur immediately before departure, within 10 days before boarding. It can be conducted by a private veterinarian or a government veterinary officer from the exporting country.
    • For Dogs: The dog must be found free from any clinical signs of rabies and leptospirosis.
    • For Cats: The cat must be found free from any clinical signs of rabies.

  • Certificate Requirements:

    • You must obtain certificates from the government agency of your origin country. These certificates should include important details such as:
      • Microchip number
      • Rabies vaccination details
      • Rabies antibody test results
      • And any other required information.
  • For more information on certificate requirements, click here.


Pet Import Inspection After Arrival in Japan


Dogs and cats must be inspected by Animal Quarantine Service at the port of entry upon arrival in Japan. If no problems are found in the import inspection,  an import quarantine certificate for the dog or cat will be issued. 

What Happens If Requirements Are Not Met?

If the requirements are not satisfied, the pet will either:

  • Be quarantined for up to 180 days, or
  • Be returned to the country of origin.

Please Note: You must apply for an import inspection to Animal Quarantine Service upon arrival. 

How Long Does the Inspection Take?

If all documents and health conditions meet the requirements, the inspection process usually takes less than 12 hours (often just a few hours).


Where Does My Pet Fly On A Plane? 


In-Cabin Travel for Pets
Small dogs or cats can travel in the cabin if their carrier fits under the seat in front of you. To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, always confirm the pet travel policies of your chosen airline in advance.

Cargo Travel for Pets
Larger pets will travel as air cargo in the plane’s climate-controlled "pet cargo" section. When pets are shipped as cargo, an Air Waybill (AWB) is issued to help you track and manage their journey.

Key Tip for Pet Parents
Whether your pet travels in-cabin or as cargo, airlines follow strict safety regulations to ensure their well-being, including temperature and ventilation controls. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand restrictions on pet size, type, health, and behavior requirements.

If you choose a trusted pet shipping company like WorldCare Pet, our experienced team can guide you through the entire process, ensuring your pet’s journey is safe and seamless.


FAQ: Essential Tips for Moving Your Pet to Japan




WorldCare Pet Success Story: A Happy Pet Parent's Real Experience


Looking for Pet Relocation Services to Japan?


At WorldCare Pet, we specialize in safely and seamlessly transporting pets to Japan and worldwide. Read this heartfelt testimonial from the Spangler family, who trusted us with their furry family members' journey from the USA to Okinawa.

"We cannot express enough gratitude towards WorldCare Pet and their phenomenal team for safely transporting our beloved French Bulldog, Callie, and Boston Terrier, Delilah, from Arkansas all the way to Okinawa. Jason and Jodi provided exceptional care in Texas, keeping us closely informed with pictures and updates through a group chat that included charming postcards from each leg of their journey.

The Lufthansa airline crew and the pet terminal in Frankfurt, along with the Japanese airlines ANA staff at the Cargo pickup, were all amazing, ensuring a professional and kind experience throughout the entire process. Special thanks also to Jason and Paula, who were always available to answer questions and provide reassurance after hours due to the time difference, making sure we were never out of the loop.

However, the biggest thanks must go to Lauren Fraites, who was absolutely instrumental as our counselor. Lauren, you are amazing, and you will never truly know how much it means to us, as a military family, to come home to our furry friends greeting us at the door. Because of your dedication, we now have that joyful opportunity every day.

We are assured that when our time in Okinawa concludes, we will once again rely on your services to bring our dogs home. I highly recommend WorldCare Pet to anyone looking for a trusted pet transport service. Thank you to all the staff and personnel behind the scenes that made this happen, from the bottom of our hearts."

-Spangler Family, USA to Japan


PawPrint City Guides For Popular Cities in Japan


Planning pet transport to Japan? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!


Tokyo, Japan



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