Microchip Requirements for Japan

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccinations. Microchip numbers must be recorded on all documentation, including the health certificate and vaccination records.

Pet Vaccination Requirements for Japan

Rabies Vaccinations

Japan is a rabies-free country and takes rabies control very seriously.

Your pet must receive:

• Two rabies vaccinations

  • First vaccination must be administered after microchip implantation.

  • Second vaccination must be given at least 30 days after the first, and both must be administered within the last 12 months (or as accepted by Japan’s authorities).

• Both vaccines must be inactivated (killed virus) rabies vaccines.

   

Puppies and kittens must be at least 91 days old to receive their first rabies vaccine, which means the minimum age for import into Japan is typically 7–8 months, depending on the vaccination and testing timeline.

Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)

At least 180 days and no more than 2 years before arrival in Japan, your pet must pass a rabies antibody titer test conducted at an approved laboratory (such as Kansas State University). The test confirms sufficient antibody levels (≥0.5 IU/ml) and must follow the two rabies vaccines.

The 180-day waiting period starts from the blood draw date. Your pet cannot enter Japan before the waiting period is complete, or they will be subject to quarantine upon arrival.

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)

Other 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.

Advance Notification

Japan requires an Advance Notification of Import to be submitted to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days prior to arrival. This notification includes flight details, pet information, vaccination history, and more.

Once reviewed, AQS will issue a Notification Acceptance form, which must be presented upon arrival.

Health Certificate

Within 10 days of your pet’s departure, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete the Japan-specific international health certificate, confirming:

• Microchip implantation

• Valid rabies vaccinations

• Titer test results

• No clinical signs of rabies or other infectious diseases

• The form must then be endorsed by the USDA.

Quarantine

If all conditions are met—including the microchip, rabies vaccines, titer test, 180-day wait, and advance notification—your pet will likely only undergo a brief inspection upon arrival.

If any step is missed or incomplete, your pet may face up to 180 days of quarantine in Japan, at your expense.

Travel Requirements

Pets must enter Japan through a designated Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) port. These include:

• Narita (NRT)

• Haneda (HND)

• Kansai (KIX)

• Chubu (NGO)

• Fukuoka (FUK) (limited)

• New Chitose (CTS)

Pets typically travel as manifest cargo and must be transported in an IATA-compliant travel crate. Starwood can coordinate routing and ensure the crate meets all international standards.

How Starwood Can Help

Japan’s import process is complex and can be overwhelming to navigate alone. Our relocation specialists will help you complete each step accurately and on time—from rabies titers to USDA endorsements—so your pet can enjoy a safe and successful journey.

Approved animal species and breeds 

Most international relocations from Japan involve dogs and cats, which are accepted by most airlines and countries when travel requirements are met.

However, some airlines and countries may restrict certain animals or breeds, including:

• Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds due to airline safety policies
• Hybrid animals or wolf-dog crosses
• Certain large or powerful breeds depending on destination regulations
• Exotic animals or non-domestic species

Because these rules vary widely between countries and airlines, Starwood verifies that your pet meets all eligibility requirements before travel plans are finalized.

Government regulations and authorities 

Pet export procedures from Japan are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) as well as the import rules of the destination country.

Typical documentation requirements may include:

• ISO-compliant microchip identification
• Rabies vaccination records
• Rabies antibody titer testing (for certain destinations)
• Veterinary health certificates
• Export certificates issued by MAFF
• Import permits depending on destination country

Many destinations also require official documents to be issued within specific time windows prior to travel. Our team ensures all paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on schedule.

How to Ship a Pet from Japan

International pet transport from Japan typically involves several coordinated steps to ensure compliance with both airline and government regulations.

The process generally includes:

• Initial travel consultation to determine the safest and most efficient route
• Veterinary preparation, including vaccinations, microchip verification, and testing
• Preparation of export and import documentation
• MAFF export inspection and certification
• Airline booking on a pet-approved flight route
• IATA-approved travel kennel preparation with identification labels
• Airport handling and customs coordination
• Delivery or pickup at your destination

Starwood Pet Travel manages these steps while keeping you informed throughout your pet’s journey.

Quarantine rules and exemptions

Quarantine requirements for pets leaving Japan depend entirely on the destination country’s regulations.

For example:

• Australia and New Zealand require government quarantine periods
• Singapore and certain Asian countries may require quarantine depending on documentation
• The United States and many European countries typically do not require quarantine when all health requirements are met

Our relocation specialists help ensure that all requirements are completed in advance to minimize delays and avoid unnecessary quarantine whenever possible.

Health checks and veterinary certifications

Before international travel, pets departing Japan must complete specific veterinary procedures depending on the destination country.

These may include:

• Microchip verification
• Rabies vaccinations
• Rabies antibody (titer) blood testing
• Parasite treatments
• Official veterinary health certificates issued shortly before travel

Timing is critical for many destinations, as certain tests and documents must be completed weeks or months prior to departure.
Starwood works closely with veterinarians and regulatory authorities to ensure all health and documentation requirements are satisfied.

How Starwood can help

International pet relocation from Japan involves strict documentation timelines and airline coordination. Our team simplifies the process by handling every aspect of your pet’s journey.

Our services from Japan include:

• Door-to-door international pet relocation
• Travel consultation and flight booking
• Airline-approved travel kennels with identification labeling
• Veterinary documentation guidance and preparation
• MAFF export coordination
• Customs clearance assistance
• Airport handling and delivery coordination
• Real-time updates throughout your pet’s journey

Whether your pet is relocating to the United States, Europe, Australia, or another destination, Starwood Pet Travel ensures the process is smooth, compliant, and safe from departure to arrival.