If you’re an expat considering a move to Japan and worried about bringing your beloved pets along, fear not! Many have heard about PewDiePie bringing his dog to Japan, and the good news is, with the right procedures in both your departure and arrival countries, you can indeed bring your pet across international borders. Please note that Japan’s pet import quarantine procedures are strict, and you must start preparing at least 8 months in advance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of bringing pets to Japan, so make sure to read it thoroughly.
Note: This guide primarily focuses on dogs. For other types of pets, please refer to this information as a reference and contact the Japanese animal quarantine authority before your actual travel.
The Import Quarantine Process
Bringing pets to Japan requires following stringent import quarantine procedures to prevent rabies and leptospirosis. For a smoother process, consider moving from a “Designated Region” that Japan recognizes as rabies-free. As of July 2023, the “Designated Regions” include Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam. However, please be aware that this information is subject to change, so always check the latest updates.
Please note: Ireland, Sweden, the UK, Norway, and Taiwan were previously designated regions but were removed from the list in 2012-2013 (source). Always verify information with the latest sources.
If you are bringing your pet from a “Designated Region,” the procedures are simplified as we mention later.
General Procedures for Bringing Pets to Japan
Step 1. Microchipping
Ensure your pet has a microchip that complies with ISO11784 or ISO11785 standards. The chip should be 2mm in diameter and 11mm in length, with the certificate containing the pet’s identification details issued by the government authority of the departure country recorded on the chip. Failure to chip your pet or confirm its identity may result in a 180-day quarantine upon arrival in Japan.
Step 2. Rabies Vaccination
After microchipping, your pet must receive at least two doses of rabies inactivated vaccine. The first dose should be administered when your pet is at least 91 days old, and the second dose should be given at least 30 days after the first dose.
Step 3. Rabies Antibody Test
After completing the two doses of rabies vaccination, a blood test must confirm that the rabies antibody level is at least 0.5IU/mL. Consult a nearby veterinarian for this test, and ensure that the blood test is performed in one of the Blood testing laboratories designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) worldwide. This test should be done at least 180 days before entry into Japan.
Step 4. Waiting Period
Your pet must wait for at least 180 days after the blood sampling. The entry period is within 2 years of the blood sampling.
Step 5. Notification to Animal Quarantine Station
Contact the animal quarantine station at the entry port 40 days before your pet’s arrival. Fill out the Notification Form for Dogs and send it via email or mail. Alternatively, you can use the NACCS website for online notification, but we don’t recommend it due to complicated registration procedures and insufficient foreign language support. If you wish to use it, register through the NACCS user registration page and then use the login page. Once you submit the notification, keep the acceptance certificate.
Failure to submit this notification may result in your pet being sent back. If you can’t meet the 40-day deadline, consult the animal quarantine station. Twitter: https://twitter.com/MAFF_JAPAN
In Japan, where sincerity is highly valued, remember that having pre-discussions often works wonders!
Step 6. Pre-Departure Health Examination
Obtain a health certificate confirming that your pet is free from rabies and leptospirosis within 2 days before departure.
Step 7. Certification from Departure Country
Your veterinarian should fill out Form AC, and the departure country’s government authority (equivalent to Japan’s animal quarantine station) will endorse it. Be cautious as improper endorsement by the veterinarian may result in the certificate being invalidated. To confirm its validity, attach the form to an email and send it to Japan’s animal quarantine station before receiving the endorsement. If any issues arise, your pet might be sent back or subject to a 180-day quarantine.
Step 8. Transportation
You can transport your pet through:
- Carry-on (Checked Baggage) Transportation: Your pet can travel on the same flight as you, either as cabin baggage or in the cargo hold. If your pet travels in the cargo hold, you’ll receive it at the baggage claim area.
- Cargo Transportation: Your pet will be transported as air (or sea) cargo. For air cargo, an “Air Way Bill (AWB)” will be issued, while for sea cargo, a “Bill of Lading (B/L)” will be provided. After arriving in Japan, your pet will be taken to the cargo warehouse (bonded storage area). After quarantine procedures and customs clearance, you can claim your pet.
Step 9. Arrival Inspection
Upon arrival at the airport, your pet will undergo an inspection. If everything is in order, you’ll receive the “Import Quarantine Certificate,” allowing your pet to enter Japan.
- Import Inspection Application Form (Form) – Not required if using NACCS.
- Rabies Antibody Test Results (Step 3).
- Departure Country’s Certificate (Step 7).
Step 10. Quarantine and Confinement Inspection
In case any issues are found during the arrival inspection, your pet may face a quarantine period of up to 180 days. During quarantine, your pet will be inspected for rabies and leptospirosis, and if no issues are detected, your pet will be allowed to enter Japan.
Import Quarantine for Designated Regions
If you are bringing your pet from a “Designated Region,” you can skip the rabies vaccinations, antibody test, and the 180-day waiting period. The simplified procedures are as follows.
Step 1. Microchipping
Same as in the general procedures Step 1.
Step 2. Notification to Animal Quarantine Station
Same as in the general procedures Step 5.
Step 3. Pre-Departure Health Examination
Same as in the general procedures Step 6.
Step 4. Certification from Departure Country
Your veterinarian should fill out Form AB, and the departure country’s government authority (equivalent to Japan’s animal quarantine station) will endorse it, same as in the general procedures Step 7.
Step 5. Transportation
Direct flights are recommended to avoid additional procedures. If your pet has to transit through non-designated regions, the following procedures are required:
- Departure country’s government authority should seal the transport crate.
- Obtain an additional transport certificate (Annex form) from the departure country.
Step 6. Arrival Inspection
Same as in the general procedures Step 9, except that you don’t need to submit rabies antibody test result.
Step7. Quarantine and Confinement Inspection
Same as in the general procedures Step 10.
Other Tips
Transportation Options
There are two ways to transport your pet:
- Carry-on (Checked Baggage) Transportation: Your pet can travel on the same flight as you, either as cabin baggage or in the cargo hold. If your pet is in the cargo hold, you’ll receive it at the baggage claim area.
- Cargo Transportation: Your pet will be transported as air (or sea) cargo. For air cargo, an “Air Way Bill (AWB)” will be issued, while for sea cargo, a “Bill of Lading (B/L)” will be provided. After arriving in Japan, your pet will be taken to the cargo warehouse (bonded storage area). After quarantine procedures and customs clearance, you can claim your pet.
Pet Import Locations
You can import dogs only through the following locations:
- Airports: New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport, Haneda (Tokyo International) Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Kitakyushu Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Kagoshima Airport, Naha Airport.
- Seaports: Tomakomai Port, Keihin Port, Nagoya Port, Hanshin Port, Kanmon Port, Hakata Port, Kagoshima Port, Naha Port.
Post-Arrival Procedures
In Japan, dogs must register according to the Rabies Prevention Law within 30 days of arrival. Visit your local city hall with the pet import quarantine certificate for registration. Cats do not require registration.
Dogs in Japan are also required to receive annual rabies vaccinations.
Remember to keep your pet import quarantine certificate safe, as you’ll need it when leaving Japan.
Leaving Japan with Your Pet
If you plan to leave Japan with your pet, similar procedures may be required in your destination country. Research and consult the embassy or relevant authorities in your destination country in advance to ensure a smooth departure.
With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to bring your furry companion along on your journey to Japan. Remember, following the procedures diligently will ensure a seamless and happy experience for both you and your pet. In Japan, pets are valued members of the family, and with your sincerity and care, you’ll find that your beloved friend will be warmly welcomed into this beautiful country.
Safe travels and enjoy your life as an expat in Japan with your furry friend by your side! 😊🐾