Moving a Pet to Japan

What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Japan?

Microchip

All pets are required to have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted before the first required rabies vaccination. This can be done on the same day, as long as the chip is present first. The chip number must be readable at every vet visit and must be reported accurately on all of your pet's paperwork. If your pet has more than one microchip, then all readable chip numbers should be listed on your pet's paperwork.

Do note that if the microchip cannot be read or does not match the number on your pet's paperwork then they may be subject to a 180-day quarantine period in Japan or will be sent back home at the pet owner's expense.

Rabies vaccinations administered prior to the microchip are not considered valid.

Rabies Vaccinations & Rabies Titer Blood Test

Japan requires two rabies vaccinations, after the microchip is implanted. 

First rabies vaccine:

Must be given when the pet is at least 91 days old and must be administered at least 30 days before the next vaccination.

Second rabies vaccine:

Must be administered at least 30 days after the previous rabies vaccination and before the previous vaccine expires.

**The ORIGINAL signed Rabies Vaccination Certificates must travel with your pet into Japan.

Rabies titer blood test:

The rabies titer blood test must be administered by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian and completed AFTER the second rabies vaccine is given. This can be done the same day as the rabies vaccine as long as the blood is drawn AFTER the vaccination is administered. The blood test must be completed within the validity period of the rabies vaccination, meaning before it expires.

The rabies titer test result must be >/= 0.50 IU/mL in order to be considered passing.  All rabies titer tests (FAVN) must be completed at an approved laboratory (in the US, the KSU Rabies Lab is approved). 

The rabies titer test is valid for 2 years from the date of sampling as long as the rabies vaccinations do not expire beforehand.

If you do not want your pet to be quarantined in Japan, then your pet must wait 180 days from the date of the blood sampling for the titer test before entering Japan. The rabies vaccinations must be kept up to date during this time.

*Do note that the ORIGINAL rabies titer test results must travel with your pet into Japan. The results take several weeks for the lab to process and the original document will be mailed to the submitting veterinary clinic.

Other Vaccinations

While Japan does not require additional vaccinations for cats and dogs, it is recommended that your pet is up to date on the following.

Cats

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• Feline Leukemia

Dogs

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
•  Leptospirosis
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)

Advance Notification

The importer or pet owner must notify the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at the port of entry your pet will be coming into Japan at least 40 days prior to arrival. The Notification and Approval documents will be issued and this acts like an import permit. 

If there are any changes to your pet's travel plans after the "Notification" has been issued, you will need to let AQS know so they can issue a "Modification of Notification of Import of Animals."

*If you are working with Starwood to transport your pet, we will take care of this on your behalf.

Other Required Treatments

While not mandatory, it is sometimes recommended that cats and dogs be treated with an external parasite (fleas and ticks) treatment and an internal parasite (nematodes and cestodes) treatment within 10 days prior to export. If administered, these treatments should be reported on the health certificate.

Health Certificates

A clinical exam and Japan Certificates A & C must be completed and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel and must be endorsed by the USDA.  You cannot use the standard USDA APHIS 7001 Form. You must use the Japan-specific health certificates available on the USDA-APHIS website. 

The ORIGINAL endorsed health certificates MUST travel with your pet into Japan.

If you hire Starwood to assist with your pet's relocation, we will take care of the final exam, paperwork, and USDA endorsement on your behalf.

Photo of Pet

While Japan does not require you to submit a photo of your pet along with their other documentation, we will ask you for photos so we can put a face to a name.

What Are the Pet Restrictions for Japan?

Age Restrictions

Dogs and cats must be at least 91 days old before they can receive the first rabies vaccination.

Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Japan?

What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to Japan?

Are There Any Area Specific Pet Requirements in Japan?

Dog Registration & Vaccination

Dogs are required to be registered within the municipality where they will be living. You must do this within 30 days of your dog's import to Japan. 

Japan also requires that dogs are vaccinated for Rabies once per year.