Nagoya

Procedures for Importing   For those wishing to relocate to Japan with a cat or dog, it is highly recommended to start the process well in advance in order to avoid your pet having to spend time in quarantine upon arrival in Japan. While the procedures differ slightly based on country of export, the main requirements are listed below:   1. Veterinarian-implanted Identity Microchip  Dogs and cats must be individually identifiable by a microchip with the ISO 11784 or 11785 standards.  2. Rabies Vaccinations Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies with inactivated or recombinant vaccines at least twice after the microchip is fitted. The second vaccination must be at least 30 days after the first vaccination.   3. Rabies antibody test  (For the measurement of rabies antibody levels) The sample must be drawn after the second rabies vaccination, and the test must be conducted at a designated laboratory. (The list of designated laboratories can be found here.) *For those importing from certain designated regions, this requirement can be waived. A declaration of transportation from Customs will be required instead.   4. 180-day waiting period Dogs and cats are required to undergo a waiting period of at least 180 days between the date of the blood sampling and the date of arrival in Japan. Otherwise, quarantine will be required until the 180-day period is complete.   5. Advance Notification  Importers must notify the Animal Quarantine Service a minimum of 40-days before arrival to Japan. For the smoothest application, it…