Japan's pet import process takes at least six months of prep. But we got through it and so can you! Here are the basic requirements for bringing your dog to Japan. Be sure to check Japan’s official animal quarantine service website for updates.
- Your dog needs an ISO-compliant microchip.
The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination. Japan specifies ISO 11784/11785-compatible 15-digit microchips. Make sure the number can actually be read by a scanner. - Your dog needs at least two rabies vaccinations.
Both vaccinations must happen after the microchip is implanted. The first vaccination must be given when the dog is at least 91 days old, and the second must be given at least 30 days after the first and while the first vaccination is still valid. - The type of rabies vaccine matters.
Japan accepts certain inactivated or recombinant/modified vaccines, but live-virus and rabies RNA vaccines are not accepted. This is something you'll want to verify with your veterinarian rather than assuming your dog's usual vaccine qualifies. - Your dog needs a rabies antibody (titer) test.
After the second rabies vaccination, your dog's blood must be tested at a Japanese-designated laboratory. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/mL. The blood sample can be taken on the same day as the second rabies vaccination. - Then comes the 180-day waiting period.
You must wait at least 180 days from the date the blood sample was taken before your dog arrives in Japan. If you arrive sooner, your dog can be placed in detention quarantine for the remaining period. - Keep the rabies vaccination valid while you're waiting.
Your dog's rabies vaccination needs to remain continuously valid through arrival in Japan. The antibody test itself is valid for two years, provided the vaccination requirements continue to be met.
Before You Leave for Japan
- Notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
You can submit the advance notification online through NACCS or by email. AQS will review it and issue an Approval of Import Inspection of Animals if everything is in order. - Your dog needs a veterinary examination shortly before departure.
Within 10 days before boarding, a veterinarian must examine your dog and confirm that they show no clinical signs of rabies or, in dogs, leptospirosis. - You'll need an official government-endorsed health certificate.
Your veterinarian completes the required information, and the certificate must be endorsed by the government veterinary authority in the country you're leaving. The certificate needs information about the microchip, rabies vaccinations, antibody test, and pre-travel clinical examination. - Have your paperwork checked before you travel.
This is important because errors or missing information can result in your dog being placed in detention quarantine for up to 180 days or being returned to the exporting country. AQS specifically recommends sending copies of the certificates to them in advance so they can check them.
Arriving in Japan
- You must go through an Animal Quarantine Service inspection when you arrive.
You'll need the original government-issued certificate, rabies antibody test results, and the import inspection application, among other documents. - Your dog must enter through an approved port.
Japan only permits dogs to enter through designated airports and seaports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, Fukuoka, Naha, and several others. - If everything is correct, the inspection can be completed quickly.
AQS says that if your dog meets the requirements, it will issue an Import Quarantine Certificate. This certificate is important—keep it, because you'll need it if you later export your dog from Japan.
