Extra Crate Space
These breeds require 10% more space for better airflow to keep them comfortable.
Japan
Pet Relocation Japan
Japan is a pet lover’s delight, with a thriving pet-friendly culture in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Pets enjoy dog-friendly parks, cafes, and even pet-themed hotels. Urban areas offer top-notch pet services, including grooming, boarding, and specialty shops, while advanced veterinary clinics provide exceptional care, from check-ups to cutting-edge treatments.
Relocating pets requires strict compliance with Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) rules: microchipping, rabies vaccinations, health certificates, and an advance import notification… Our globally certified team excels in navigating Japan pet import requirements, seamlessly handling microchipping, rabies vaccinations, health certificates, and import notifications to ensure a stress-free, minimal-quarantine relocation.
Japan Pet Import Requirements
01
Each pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip.
02
The pet must be at least 91 days (3 months) old before receiving the first rabies vaccine.
03
Rabies vaccination dated on or after the day the microchip was implanted. The vaccination must be given more than 30 days and less than 12 months before travel.
04
Each pet must have their blood drawn, no less than 30 days after rabies vaccine for Rabies Antibody Titer Test (RNATT) and be sent to an approved laboratory and must have levels higher than 0.5u/ml. The pet must wait 180 days from the blood draw date before being allowed to enter Japan.
05
Advance Notification must be submitted to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS Japan) at least 40 days before travel.
06
Core vaccinations (e.g., DHPPi+L for dogs, FVRCP for cats) are recommended, but not mandatory.
07
A Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued and endorsed within 2 days (48 hours) of departure, using Japan’s official forms (Form A + Form B).
08
The pet must receive internal and external parasite treatment within 4–5 days before departure.
09
Pets must arrive through designated airports/ports (e.g., Narita, Haneda, Kansai).
10
Upon arrival, if all documents are valid, pets are typically cleared within 12 hours.
11
Missing documents may result in up to 180 days of quarantine.
01
Each pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip.
02
The pet must be at least 91 days (3 months) old before receiving the first rabies vaccine.
03
Rabies vaccination dated on or after the day the microchip was implanted. The vaccination must be given more than 30 days and less than 12 months before travel.
04
Each pet must have their blood drawn, no less than 30 days after rabies vaccine for Rabies Antibody Titer Test (RNATT) and be sent to an approved laboratory and must have levels higher than 0.5u/ml. The pet must wait 180 days from the blood draw date before being allowed to enter Japan.
05
Advance Notification must be submitted to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS Japan) at least 40 days before travel.
06
Core vaccinations (e.g., DHPPi+L for dogs, FVRCP for cats) are recommended, but not mandatory.
07
A Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued and endorsed within 2 days (48 hours) of departure, using Japan’s official forms (Form A + Form B).
08
The pet must receive internal and external parasite treatment within 4–5 days before departure.
09
Pets must arrive through designated airports/ports (e.g., Narita, Haneda, Kansai).
10
Upon arrival, if all documents are valid, pets are typically cleared within 12 hours.
11
Missing documents may result in up to 180 days of quarantine.
Important Notes
We know all pet's are special - but for the extra-special snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds there are some specific requirements that can make navigating your adventure a little more challenging. Luckily we specialise in just these types of situations!
Temperature Control
These breeds can only fly under safe temperature conditions, often requiring cooler travel times or temperature-controlled aircraft areas.
Vet Check
We are the only IPATA Certified Veterinary Hospital in the region that can perform the BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) test.
Airline Selection
We can help you to choose carriers that accommodate these breeds, ensuring a safe journey.
IATA-Compliant Crates
- Size: Spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Material: Fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, welded wire mesh, solid wood or plywood (meeting IPPC standards) (There may be special requirements for certain breeds).
- Ventilation: Openings on all 4 sides to provide plenty of airflow.
- Rigid plastic containers must be securely bolted together with metal nutes and bolts.
- Spacer bars to prevent other freight from blocking ventilation.
- Labeling: Clearly marked with “Live Animal” and your contact details.
FAQs
Is quarantine mandatory for pets entering Japan?
How long before arrival must I notify Japanese authorities about my pet’s import?
How long is the quarantine period for pets from low-risk countries?
Can pets from high-risk countries have shorter quarantine?
What is the process for rabies antibody testing for pets entering Japan?
Quarantine is mandatory for most pets, with a minimum quarantine period of 12 hours to up to 180 days, depending on the pet’s origin and compliance with pre-arrival requirements.
Notification must be submitted at least 40 days before the pet’s arrival.
Pets from low-risk countries may have quarantine as short as 12 hours.
If they pass a series of blood tests and meet strict pre-arrival conditions, quarantine may be reduced.
Blood samples must be sent to an approved lab at least 180 days before arrival, and the antibody level must meet Japan’s threshold.
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