BRINGING A CAT FROMNew Zealand to Japan
Cat · Moving
Bringing a dog instead?No quarantine when the paperwork is in order (up to 12 hours on arrival). Needs microchip, residence period, advance notice to the authority, clinical examination, health certificate, transport rules and arrival inspection.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements
No rabies vaccine, titer test or waiting period. Microchip, 180 days' residence in the designated region (or since birth, or since leaving Japan), notification at least 40 days ahead, a vet check within 10 days before boarding and a certificate issued or endorsed by the exporting government. Transit through any other country needs a government-sealed crate or a transit certificate (ANNEX), otherwise 180 days' detention.
- If none of the three residence conditions is met, the pet is detained on arrival for the missing days (180 minus the days spent in the designated region). — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Legal basis: pets imported directly from a designated region with a government certificate of no rabies signs, no rabies in the region for 2 years, and 180 days' (or since birth / since export from Japan) residence, and with individual identification, are released within 12 hours. — e-Gov (Digital Agency); ordinance of MAFF
- The microchip must be in place before the advance notification is filed. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Notification precautions: later than 40 days is not accepted in principle; moving the arrival date forward, adding or swapping animals, or changes after the arrival date are not accepted in principle; if the detention facility is full you may have to change date or port. (The ordinance lets the AQS director make an exception for special circumstances.) — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- The AQS currently reports that its cat detention facility at Haneda is full. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Certificate precautions: no pencil, erasable ink or correction fluid/tape; any error means up to 180 days' detention or return — send a copy to the AQS in advance to have it checked. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- A valid endorsement needs the government veterinary officer's signature, the agency's name and official stamp, and the date. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Electronic certificates are accepted where the exporting government issues them (the AQS names the US, Brazil and Spain, as of 2024-03-26) — relevant for Hawaii and Guam. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- A broken, missing or mismatched seal or an incomplete ANNEX means 180 days' detention. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- The AQS internal guidelines (last amended 2019) also allow officers to treat some transits without a seal as "direct" (same aircraft, or transfer without leaving the airport, if objectively confirmed). The public pages do not say this — do not rely on it. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Pets that must be detained for more than 12 hours have to arrive at a port with a detention facility. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Microchip warnings: chips starting "900 202" are not accepted as identification for now (2023-04-07); chips with duplicated numbers — especially those starting 900113, 900115, 900128, 900201, 900215, 900217, 900263 — may have to be replaced and all procedures redone (2025-12-19). — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Vaccines other than rabies are not required; the AQS recommends combination vaccines and parasite treatment anyway, especially for pets that will be detained. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- After import: keep the import quarantine certificate (it cannot be reissued); dogs must be registered with the municipality within 30 days and vaccinated against rabies once a year. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
No quarantine when the paperwork is in order (up to 12 hours on arrival)
Up to 180 days at a government quarantine station when none of the three residence conditions is met (less than 180 days in a designated region) — detention for the missing days (180 minus the days spent in the designated region) — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
180 days at a government quarantine station when transported through a non-designated region and the seal or the additional certificate on transportation (ANNEX) is deficient — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
If the pet does not meet the rules: detention quarantine for up to 180 days, or the pet is returned (up to 180 days)
Timeline
Working out your dates…
Documents
One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 3 ready.
Official fees
Fees the authorities publish for this route, in their own currency. Vet and airline charges are not included.
- Import inspection by AQS animal quarantine officersSource:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 2026
- JPY 0 per animal
Entry points
Where a pet may enter Japan, per the rules.
- CATAny point of entry.List as of 2026-09-24Contact the AQS in advance when arriving through a port not on the dog list.Pets that must be detained for more than 12 hours have to arrive at a port with a detention facility.
Airlines
Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines
- Lufthansa LHCabinYesHoldYesSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- Emirates EKCabinNoHoldYesSnub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
- Qantas QFCabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedNot stated
- CabinYesHoldNoSnub-nosedHold, cargo: no
- KLM KLCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no
- Air France AFCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedCargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: restricted
Announced changes
- FROM 01 JAN 2027From 2027-01-01 the Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control make it a legal duty to file the export inspection application for dogs at least 14 days before export (unless the AQS director allows otherwise). Today the 14 days is an AQS instruction; the English import guide still says 7 days. Exports up to 2027-01-14 follow a transitional rule.
- FROM 01 JAN 2027The AQS announced the same change on its pets page.Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: ペットの輸出入 (pets import/export index and notices))· checked 04 Oct 2026
Return trip to New Zealand
Hard for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 27 weeks of preparation. Quarantine: at least 10 days at an approved facility.
- Residence period: Resident in the Category 2 country of export since birth or since direct import from New Zealand.
- Residence period — 6+ months before departure: Resident there for at least 6 months before shipment — or less, if the Category 3 rabies requirements (vaccination ≥6 months before shipment if primary, RNATT ≥0.5 IU/mL 3–12 months before shipment) are met (next option).
- Residence period: Resident in the Category 2 country of export, for less than 6 months.
- Rabies antibody (titer) test — the blood draw must happen before you leave, so plan it into the outbound trip: RNATT (clause 2.1.3), result at least 0.5 IU/mL, sample taken 3–12 months before shipment.
- Quarantine booking: Book at least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine (transitional) facility in Auckland or Christchurch; the signed booking form is uploaded with the import permit application. Facility fees are set by the facility.
- Import permit — 30+ working days before departure · 8+ weeks before departure: MPI import permit, applied for online (Animal and Plant Import Permits, animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz) with all supporting documents; apply at least 8 weeks before it is needed and allow 30 working days for processing. Many airlines want the permit before booking. Valid for a single consignment.
Full checklist for a cat from Japan to New Zealand
Leaving Japan with the pet
- Every dog and cat needs an AQS export inspection and export quarantine certificate, whatever the destination requires. The AQS web page asks for the application (NACCS) at least 14 days before the desired inspection date; the English import guide still says 7 days before export.
- The export inspection takes place within 10 days before departure unless the destination country sets other conditions.
- Export inspection is free; the owner pays for the vet treatments the destination requires.
- If the pet may come back to Japan, do the microchip, two rabies vaccinations and the antibody test before leaving — it avoids a 180-day wait abroad.
- Keep the import quarantine certificate issued on arrival: the AQS cannot reissue it and it is needed to export the pet again.
Questions about Japan
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to its source.
01How long before I travel should I notify the authorities?
You must submit the advance notification at least 40 days before your planned import date.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202602What happens if my pet arrives in Japan without a microchip?
Animals without microchips may be detained for up to 180 days. Dogs might be considered to lack proper certification and could be sent back to their exporting country.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202603Which types of rabies vaccines are accepted for entry into Japan?
Only recombinant or inactivated vaccines are accepted. Live vaccines are not permitted.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202604Is there a minimum age for the rabies vaccination to be valid?
Vaccinations given to animals under 91 days of age are not accepted because their immune systems are immature and maternal antibodies may interfere.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202605Can I vaccinate my pet against rabies before they get a microchip?
Generally, any rabies vaccination given before the microchip is implanted is not accepted.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202606What is the required antibody level for the rabies test?
The 180-day waiting period starts from the date of the blood sample that shows antibody levels of 0.5IU/mL or more.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202607When should my vet perform the final clinical inspection before departure?
A clinical inspection for rabies and leptospirosis (for dogs) must be done within 10 days before boarding.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202608What happens if my pet arrives before the 180-day waiting period is over?
If all other requirements are met, the remaining days of the 180-day wait will be served as the quarantine period after arrival.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202609Can my pet complete their quarantine at my home in Japan?
No, import quarantine cannot be done at your home, regardless of the animal's age or medical history.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202610Am I allowed to bring pet food into Japan?
Pet food containing meat items is prohibited under Japanese law.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202611Who pays for the import quarantine?
While the official inspection is free, the owner must pay for veterinary visits, water, electricity, care, and transport to the facility.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202612How long does the import inspection take upon arrival?
If all preparations are correct and the quarantine period is 12 hours or less, the process usually takes under one hour.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan)· checked 04 Oct 202613What documents do I need to take my dog or cat out of Japan?
You must submit an export application form and veterinary certificates that meet the destination country's rules. Applications should be sent via the NACCS system or email at least 14 days before the inspection.
14Do my vet's certificates need to be in English?
Documents submitted to the Japanese Animal Quarantine Station can be written in either English or Japanese.
15Do I need a health certificate from a local vet to leave Japan?
For inspections at Kansai, Haneda, or Narita airports, a health certificate is not required for the Animal Quarantine Service. However, your airline or destination country may still require one.
16Where can I get my pet microchipped in Japan?
You can have a microchip implanted at a veterinary clinic or consult the Japan Veterinary Medical Association.
17Can I take my pet abroad if they haven't been vaccinated against rabies?
Pets can be taken abroad regardless of rabies vaccination status if they undergo export quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Service. However, the destination country may still require vaccination.
18What happens if I take my pet on a short trip abroad and then return to Japan?
Dogs and cats are subject to export quarantine when leaving Japan and import quarantine when returning, even for short trips.
19What is the Japanese government certificate required by some destination countries?
This is the Export Quarantine Certificate for Dogs (Cats). It confirms that export quarantine is finished and the animal shows no signs of rabies (and leptospirosis for dogs).
20How do I provide proof of residence in Japan for my pet's export?
You should state the required period of residence in the remarks section of your export inspection application.
21Can a pet with a medical history or in poor health fly?
Animals that are nursing, pregnant, old, injured, on medication, or in poor health are not considered suitable for quarantine and transport. You should consult your vet and airline to see if the pet can handle the trip.
22How much does the export quarantine inspection cost?
Inspections performed by animal quarantine officers are free. However, the owner must pay for any required health checks or vaccinations.
23Do I need to hire an agent to handle the export process?
You can handle the procedures yourself, but a customs clearance agent is typically needed if you are exporting your pet as cargo.
What they actually checked at the border
Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.
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Share your tripSources
Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 24 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.
- Import dogs and cats into Japan (from the designated regions) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: microchip, residence period, advance notice to the authority, clinical examination, health certificate, transport rules, arrival inspection, quarantine, notes, this route · checked 24 Sep 2026
- Designated regions (countries or regions designated as rabies-free) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: which origins the rule covers, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Guide to importing dogs and cats into Japan from designated regions (PDF, Appended Form 5-1) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: quarantine, notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-02
- F.A.Q. — bringing dogs and cats into Japan (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: official fees, notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 犬等の輸出入検疫規則（平成十一年農林水産省令第六十八号）— Ministerial Ordinance on Import and Export Quarantine of Dogs, etc. (opens official site)e-Gov (Digital Agency); ordinance of MAFF · used for: notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-07-01
- Import and export quarantine of dogs and cats (English index page) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: notes, this route, leaving with the pet · checked 04 Oct 2026
- 犬等の輸入検疫要領 (AQS internal guidelines for import quarantine of dogs etc.), Annex 2 — interpretation of "direct import" (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2019-03-29
- Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: entry points, this route, leaving with the pet · checked 24 Sep 2026
- 家畜伝染病予防法施行規則 — revision taking effect 2027-01-01 (Art. 47-2, 47-3, 51-2) (opens official site)e-Gov (Digital Agency); ordinance of MAFF · used for: announced changes · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-06-29
- ペットの輸出入 (pets import/export index and notices) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: announced changes · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Import Health Standard — Cats and Dogs 2026 (CATSDOGS.GEN) (opens official site)Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) · used for: return trip · checked 26 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-05-12
- Export dogs and cats from Japan (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: leaving with the pet · checked 04 Oct 2026
- F.A.Q. — taking dogs and cats abroad from Japan (incl. "Short trips abroad") (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: leaving with the pet · checked 04 Oct 2026
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