Moving to Japan with a Pet: The Complete 2026 Guide
Moving to Japan with a dog or cat takes serious advance planning. Japan is one of the countries with the most rigorous pet import requirements in the world – not because it is trying to be difficult, but because it is genuinely rabies-free and intends to stay that way. The good news is that if you follow the steps correctly, the process works and your pet arrives healthy and legally.
Why Japan Is Strict
Japan has been rabies-free since 1956. The quarantine requirements exist to prevent reintroduction of the virus. The system is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) through the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS).
The Six-Step Process
The AQS runs a six-step process for dogs and cats entering Japan:
Step 1 – Microchip ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. Must be done before any vaccinations for the quarantine clock to count.
Step 2 – Rabies vaccination (first) Must be given after the microchip is in place. Primary vaccination.
Step 3 – Rabies vaccination (second) Must be given at least thirty days after the first vaccination.
Step 4 – Rabies titre test Blood sample taken at least thirty days after the second vaccination. Tested at a MAFF-approved laboratory. The antibody level must meet the required threshold. If it fails, the process restarts.
Step 5 – Waiting period At least 180 days must pass between the date the titre test blood sample was taken and the date of arrival in Japan. This is the minimum quarantine-reduction period.
Step 6 – Advance notification to AQS Submit your advance notification to the AQS at least forty days before arrival. This includes all documentation, flight details, and port of entry.
If all six steps are completed correctly, the quarantine period on arrival in Japan is reduced to a minimum of twelve hours. If any step is missed or incorrectly timed, the full 180-day quarantine applies at your cost.
Total Preparation Time
From step 1 (microchipping) to arrival in Japan, the minimum total time is approximately seven to eight months. Most specialists recommend ten to twelve months to allow buffer for titre test rescheduling and administrative processing.
MAFF-Approved Laboratories for the Titre Test
The blood sample must be sent to a MAFF-approved laboratory. In the UK, the approved laboratory is the APHA Weybridge laboratory. In the USA, approved labs include Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and others. Check the AQS website (maff.go.jp/aqs) for the current approved laboratory list for your country.
Arriving in Japan
Most international pets arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) near Tokyo, or Kansai (KIX) near Osaka. AQS stations are at all major international airports. Have all documents in order: advance notification confirmation, titre test result, health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA both have strong live animal cargo programmes and are the natural choice for flights into Japan.
After Arrival
Once cleared by AQS, your pet is free to accompany you. Microchip and vaccination records should be maintained while in Japan. Registered veterinary clinics are available in all major Japanese cities.