Importing Your Pet to Japan

Japan’s pet import rules are among the most detailed in Asia. The quarantine authority, MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), runs a strict biosecurity programme and the documentation requirements are specific. For most countries, the process takes at least 7 months. For some origins, it can take longer.

The most important thing to understand about Japan is that the preparation steps must be done in a precise sequence. If any step is done in the wrong order, the timeline resets. Japan checks the dates on every document and will quarantine your pet for an extended period if the sequence is wrong.

Cats are subject to the same import rules as dogs. Pets arriving without correct documentation can be quarantined for up to 180 days at the owner’s expense. Get this right the first time.

Japan's 180-day rabies programme

For most countries, Japan requires proof that your pet has maintained a valid rabies vaccination for at least 180 days before arrival. This means starting the vaccination sequence early enough that the vaccination record covers the full period. Japan’s MAFF checks vaccination dates very carefully.

The required sequence for most origins: microchip implanted first, then primary rabies vaccination, then booster vaccination (minimum 30 days after primary), then a rabies antibody titre test with a FAVN result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. After the successful blood draw, a minimum 180-day waiting period applies before Japan entry.

MAFF requires that all tests be conducted at a MAFF-approved laboratory. A list of approved labs is on the MAFF website. Using a non-approved lab will invalidate the test result.

Booking quarantine before you travel

All imported pets must undergo quarantine in Japan. The standard period is 12 hours for pets arriving with perfect documentation from approved countries. However, if any paperwork is missing, out of sequence, or the titre test date is wrong, the quarantine period can extend to 180 days.

You must book quarantine with the relevant Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) office before travel. Ports with quarantine facilities include Narita, Tokyo, Osaka (Kansai), and a handful of others. Check the AQS website for the current list and book your arrival port accordingly.