If you are planning to move to Japan with your beloved dog or cat, there are strict quarantine and health requirements you must follow—especially if you are coming from a non-designated region (which includes most countries except Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Fiji, Hawaii, and Guam).

Key Requirements

Microchip:

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip before receiving any rabies vaccinations.

Rabies Vaccinations:

• First shot: Pet must be at least 91 days old.
• Second shot: Given at least 30 days after the first, and within its validity period.

Rabies Antibody Test:

• Blood sample must be taken after the second vaccination.
• Test must be done at a lab designated by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture.
• Antibody level must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
• Test result is valid for 2 years.

180-Day Waiting Period:

After the blood sample is taken, your pet must wait 180 days before entering Japan. Arriving earlier may result in quarantine of up to 180 days.

Before Departure

1.　Submit a notification to the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
2.　Obtain an Approval of Import Inspection (notification acceptance letter).
3.　Complete an animal import inspection application.
4.　Within 10 days before departure, your pet must undergo a clinical exam:

• Dogs: Must be free of rabies and leptospirosis.
• Cats: Must be free of rabies.

5.　Get a health certificate authenticated by the veterinary authority of your country, including:

• Microchip info
• Rabies vaccination details
• Antibody test results
• Clinical exam results
• Other vaccinations or parasite treatments

Uppon Arrival in Japan

• Present all documents at the Animal Quarantine Service at the port of entry.
• If everything checks out, your pet may be released within 12 hours.
• If there are issues, quarantine may last up to 180 days at your expense.

Model Time Schedule

For full details and assistance with the paperwork, you may reach out to Watanabe Administrative Procedures Legal Office through your immigration consultant in Japan.

For Your Information