Japan Pet Import/Export Requirements

Japan pet import/export requirements are as follows:
Dogs and cats imported into Japan must undergo import quarantine inspection. If dogs and cats meet import requirements upon arrival in Japan, the quarantine period will be within 12 hours. Dogs and cats that do not meet the requirements will be subject to quarantine at a detention facility of Animal Quarantine Service for the necessary period (up to 180 days). Depending on the results of inspection, the dog or cat cannot be allowed to enter Japan.
To import dogs and cats from Non-designated regions (all countries or regions other than Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii and Guam), they must meet import requirements such as microchip implanting, at least two times rabies vaccinations, rabies antibody test, and 180-day waiting.
Dogs and cats from countries designated as rabies-free — Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam — must undergo import quarantine for a set period to screen out rabies. You must submit advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service of Japan (AQS) at least 40 days prior to arrival in Japan. For dogs or cats imported from rabies-free countries or regions, the quarantine period will be completed within 12 hours if you have an export certificate that the animal is fitted with a microchip of ISO standards. The maximum quarantine period will be 180 days in case the conditions does not meet the regulations.
For dogs and cats from regions other than designated regions, you must submit Advance Notification of the planned date of arrival, number of animals and other items to the Animal Quarantine Service which has jurisdiction over your intended port of arrival at least 40 days prior to arrival in Japan. Please note that you may be requested to change the date or place of import depending on the availability situation of quarantine facilities at the Animal Quarantine Service. If you have a certificate for the animal issued by the responsible government agency of the country of export containing necessary information such as the microchip number for individual identification, dates of rabies vaccinations and rabies antibody levels as well as stating that the animal underwent 180 days wait in the country of export, the quarantine period will be completed within 12 hours. In all other cases the quarantine period will be up to 180 days.
Airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any.
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