BRINGING A DOG FROMUnited States to Japan
Dog · Moving
Bringing a cat instead?Any other country or region: No quarantine when the paperwork is in order (up to 12 hours on arrival). Needs microchip, rabies vaccination, second rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, waiting period, advance notice to the authority, clinical examination, health certificate, port of entry and arrival inspection.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements · Any other country or region
Microchip, then two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart (first at 91 days old or more), a rabies antibody test at a laboratory designated by Japan, and at least 180 days from that blood sample to arrival. Notification 40 days ahead, vet check within 10 days before boarding, government-endorsed certificate. Arriving early means detention for the missing days; errors in the paperwork can mean up to 180 days' detention or return.
- Arriving before the 180 days are up (all else in order) means detention at the AQS for the missing days, at the owner's cost; the AQS strongly advises finishing the wait abroad. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- No exceptions to the 180 days, even for sick animals. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- If the antibody test result expires before arrival, a new test is enough — no new 180 days — provided the rabies vaccinations never lapsed, the new blood sample is at least 180 days after the first one, and the titer is again ≥0.5 IU/ml. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Vaccine rules: boosters must be given before the previous vaccination's effective period ends; a late one does not count and everything restarts. Live and RNA vaccines are not accepted; doses given at 84–90 days are invalid. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- A rabies vaccination given before the microchip can still count as the first dose under the conditions in the AQS guide's Reference 1 (pet at least 91 days old at that dose; chip implanted afterwards; blood sample and second dose on the same day, at least 30 days after the first and within its effective period — or two antibody tests around the second dose). Contact the AQS first. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Accepted test methods are FAVN or RFFIT; micro-RFFIT is not accepted. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- micro-RFFIT is not an accepted measurement method. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Biobest Laboratories (UK) was struck off the designated list on 2025-06-25; holders of Biobest reports issued 2024-11-27 … 2025-06-25 must contact the AQS at their port of entry. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- The Pas-de-Calais departmental laboratory (France) was also struck off, because it was dropped from the French government's approved list (no date given). — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Dog serum sent to the designated laboratory in Japan must carry a certificate from the exporting country's government agency. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- The notification can be filed during the 180-day wait; attach a copy of the antibody test report. — 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. — 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. Electronic certificates are accepted where the exporting government issues them (AQS names the US, Brazil and Spain). — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Where to present the pet: cabin or checked baggage — AQS counter in the baggage claim area before customs; cargo — AQS office after collecting the papers from the airline. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Dogs arriving at Narita, Haneda, Chubu or Kansai may be picked at random for a blood sample (rabies antibody monitoring); the importer is told in advance. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Detention (up to 180 days) is at an AQS facility near the port; the owner pays transport to it, care, food, utilities, vet visits and reshipment. Caretaker companies are stationed only at Narita, Haneda and Kansai. Pets that must be detained for more than 12 hours have to arrive at a port with a detention facility. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Detention at home is never allowed. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Transit: no extra papers if the pet does not enter the transit country; if it does, a health certificate from the transit country is needed. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Microchip warnings: chips starting "900 202" are not accepted for now (2023-04-07); duplicated chip numbers (especially 900113, 900115, 900128, 900201, 900215, 900217, 900263) may force re-chipping and redoing the procedure (2025-12-19) — file the notification as soon as the date is known. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Vaccines other than rabies are not required; combination vaccines and parasite treatment are recommended, especially for pets facing detention. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- After import: keep the import quarantine certificate (not reissued); dogs must be registered with the municipality within 30 days and vaccinated against rabies once a year. — Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF
- Legal basis for the 12-hour release: blood drawn within 2 years before arrival, titer ≥0.5 IU/ml at a designated laboratory, and either more than 180 days since the blood sample, or a repeat sample at least 180 days after the previous one, or the sampling date recorded on an AQS certificate (Japanese pets tested before leaving Japan). Otherwise detention for 180 days minus the days since sampling. — e-Gov (Digital Agency); ordinance of MAFF
- Preparation time 30 weeks: microchip + first vaccination on day 0, second vaccination and blood sample on day 30, arrival no earlier than day 210. Laboratory turnaround is extra and not stated by the AQS.
Entry requirements · Designated rabies-free region (Hawaii, Guam, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Fiji)
Applies only if your origin counts as “Only from Hawaii” — the official list does not name it explicitly.
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 the pet arrives before 180 days have passed since the blood sample (all else in order) — detention at the owner's cost for the missing days (180 minus the days since sampling) — 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 6 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.
- DOGAirports: CTS, NRT, HND, NGO, KIX, ITM, UKB, KKJ, FUK, KOJ, OKASeaports: Tomakomai Port, Keihin Port (Tokyo, Yokohama), Nagoya Port, Hanshin Port (Osaka, Hyogo), Kanmon Port, Hakata Port, Kagoshima Port, Naha PortList as of 2026-09-24IATA airport codes are our mapping of the airport names in the source.Accompanied assistance dogs (recognised under Japanese law) have a longer port list in the same Article 47.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 United States
Easy for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 1 week of preparation. No quarantine.
Full checklist for a dog from Japan to United States
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.
18Can I use a dog tag as proof of rabies vaccination?
Dog tags are not accepted as rabies vaccination certificates. You must obtain a certificate issued by a veterinarian.
19What 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.
20What 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).
21How 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.
22Can 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.
23How 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.
24Do 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 non-designated regions) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: microchip, rabies vaccination, second rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, waiting period, advance notice to the authority, clinical examination, health certificate, port of entry, quarantine, notes, this route, leaving with the pet · checked 24 Sep 2026
- Guide to importing dogs and cats into Japan from Non-designated regions (PDF, Appended Form 5-2) (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: arrival inspection, which origins the rule covers, quarantine, notes, this route · checked 26 Sep 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
- 指定検査施設 / Blood testing laboratories designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (opens official site)Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF · used for: notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-08-04
- 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
- 家畜伝染病予防法施行規則 — Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control (Art. 45, 47, 47-2, 47-3, 51-2) (opens official site)e-Gov (Digital Agency); ordinance of MAFF · used for: entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-07-01
- 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, port of entry, 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
- 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
- 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
- Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries (opens official site)U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2024-07-22
- 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
Keep this checklist
More routes
Checklists for nearby trips — same rules engine, same official sources.