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 is recommended to submit copies of the rabies vaccination certificates, antibody test results, etc., at the same time for prior review and approval.
6. Health Inspection
A health inspection, endorsed by a government agency, must be obtained within 10-days of arrival to Japan.
7. Import inspection on arrival in Japan.
Upon arrival to Japan your paperwork, as well as the dog or cat itself, will be inspected. Fully and correctly completing the procedures required will allow you to take your pet home within 12 hours after arrival to Japan. Failure to complete any procedures correctly can result in your pet being held in additional quarantine up to 180-days or returned to the country of export.
Full details regarding the import of pets should be confirmed directly with The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF)’s website here. If you have any questions regarding the process, it is best to contact MAFF directly as this is the government entity inspecting the paperwork upon arrival to Japan. (Inquiries written in English will be responded to in English.)
Traveling with your Pet
Whether or not you can bring your pet in cabin depends on the airline carrier and size of pet. Different airlines have different requirements; hence it’s recommended you check with your preferred carrier well in advance before booking the ticket.
For those bringing their pet via cargo, many airlines do not transport pets between May and September due to the heat. Significant restrictions also apply between December through February due to the cold. This is to protect your pet, as your pet may spend time in non-climate-controlled areas of the airport.
Getting Home with your Pet
After quarantine clears, there are multiple methods to get home with your pet:
- Train – Your pet must be in a cage and within 10kg/22lbs. There may be an extra charge depending on the train company utilized, so it is best to confirm with the intended operator in advance.
- Rental Car – Your pet must be in a cage. Not all car rental companies allow pets, so please contact your preferred company for details.
- Pet Friendly Taxi – For those arriving to major destinations (such as Haneda or Kansai International Airport), pet friendly taxis are available. Some available options are Yako Dog House (Haneda & Narita arrivals), and Comasuke (Kansai International Airport arrivals). Like other modes of transport, your pet must be in a cage during transport.
Pet Export Companies
Depending on your circumstances, it may be easier to have a professional pet transportation company assist you with the preparation of documents and transportation arrangements. For such situations, the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International Inc. (IPATA)’s website offers a wealth of resources.
Pet Registration
After arriving in Japan, you must register your dog with the local ward or city office. (Cats do not require registration.) Registration must be completed within 30 days of arrival. When registering, you will be required to present the import certificate and other relevant documents, so please bring all original documents with you.
You will also receive a vaccination tag. This tag must be renewed annually by updating your dog’s vaccination and notifying the local ward or city office. Most ward or city offices send a yearly reminder to your registered address around April.
Etiquette and Care
If you live in an apartment, your pet will generally need to be placed in a carrying case or held in your arms when crossing or utilizing common areas such as the lobby and elevators. Be sure to check your building’s specific guidelines about having pets.
When walking your dog, it’s courtesy to pick up after them. “Poop bags” can be purchased in pet stores or online sites such as Amazon Japan, and a small water bottle should be carried for cleaning the area. “No dogs allowed” signs in Japan exist around some parks or properties, so please be on the lookout for these signs and stay out of restricted areas.
Dogs are typically not allowed to roam freely. Your dog should always be on a leash when outside.
Lastly, note that pet-friendly properties are quite limited (approximately 15% of properties in Japan), so you may wish to consider this when relocating to Japan for work or extended travel.
Dog and Cat Sitting Together [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Pexels
