Lead time needed
36-42 weeks
Quarantine
180 days
Route complexity
Very High
Airlines
5 carriers on this route
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DE
JP

Pet Transport from Germany to Japan

Planning a pet relocation from Germany to Japan is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Plan for approximately 36-42 weeks. This is a rigorous route with little room to compress the schedule. A 180 day quarantine stay applies once your pet …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Germany to Japan typically takes around 36-42 weeks. Expect 180 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by , Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step

The Germany to Japan import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Verify immediately. If yes and vaccination records are post-chip, proceed. If not, restart sequence.
Is the microchip implanted and was it implanted before any rabies vaccination?

Responsible: German vet

2
If yes, proceed to titre test check. If not, complete the sequence.
Are there two rabies vaccinations on record, given at least 30 days apart, both after the chip?

Responsible: German vet

3
If yes and result was 0.5+ IU/ml, is the 180-day wait from that blood draw date complete?
Was the titre test blood drawn at an AQS-designated laboratory, on the date of the second vaccination or later, within that vaccination's effective period?

Responsible: German vet + AQS-approved lab

4
Count from the blood draw date, not the results date.
Is the 180-day wait from the blood draw date complete?

Responsible: You

5
Via AQS portal or through agent.
Submit AQS advance import notification (at least 40 days before arrival)

Responsible: You or agent

6
Once travel date confirmed.
Book Lufthansa Cargo FRA-NRT

Responsible: You or agent

7
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain MAFF-format health certificate endorsed by German competent authority

Responsible: Your vet + official German government veterinarian

8
Present all original documents.
Arrive at NRT/HND. AQS inspection. Clearance in under 12 hours if every date and document lines up.

Responsible: AQS

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Japan

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on the same day as the …
Rabies vaccination
Two vaccinations required. Both administered after microchip. At least 30 days …
Rabies titre test
Required. FAVN at an AQS-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day …
Quarantine
Under 12 hours for a compliant animal, which is a clearance at the airport …
Import permit
No separate permit. Advance import notification required to AQS at least 40 days …
Health certificate
MAFF-format certificate endorsed by German competent authority. Issued within 10 …
Export permit
No formal export permit for personal pets. Official health certificate prepared …
Costs

What this route typically costs

Lufthansa Cargo fees FRA-NRT (direct, fee varies by pet size and …
IATA-compliant crate
FAVN titre test (EU-approved and AQS-approved lab)
German authority health certificate endorsement fees
AQS quarantine facility fees on arrival
Agent fee (strongly recommended for Japan)

Critical points

Germany is non-designated for AQS. The full 180-day protocol applies without exception.

Microchip before vaccination is an absolute requirement. Any vaccination given before the chip does not count.

AQS advance notification must be submitted at least 40 days before arrival. Missing this causes significant problems.

The 180-day wait runs from the blood draw date, not the result date or the vaccination date.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Lufthansa
Direct FRA-NRT/HND. Lufthansa Cargo is the primary option for Germany-Japan. Strong FRA …
Cargo Only
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA Cargo from Frankfurt via connections to NRT or HND. Japanese carrier with deep AQS …
Cargo Only
Japan Airlines (JAL)
JAL Cargo from European hubs to NRT/HND. Experienced with AQS inspection protocol at Japan …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Via Singapore SIN to NRT/HND. Temperature-controlled cargo. Longer routing.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai DXB to NRT. Summer heat embargoes may restrict.
Cargo Only

Japan import rules, explained

Japan runs a strict import regime, so every document is checked closely on arrival. Build your plan around the fixed waiting periods, because they set the pace for everything else.

Practical tips for this move

Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.

Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow 36-42 weeks from starting the process. Two vaccinations, a titre test (blood drawn on the date of the second vaccination or later), 180 days from blood draw, plus 40 days advance AQS notification and health certificate preparation.
No. Japan’s AQS classifies all countries individually. Germany is non-designated, meaning the full 180-day protocol applies regardless of EU membership or German veterinary standards.
The titre test must be at an AQS-approved laboratory. In Europe, SCELAB (France), Sciensano (Belgium), and several others are AQS-approved. Check the current list at aqs.maff.go.jp before booking, the list is updated periodically.
You must notify the AQS quarantine station at your arrival airport (Narita, Haneda, or Kansai) at least 40 days before your pet arrives. Include microchip number, vaccination records, titre test details, and flight information. Your agent handles this, or you submit directly via the AQS portal.
Under 12 hours if the documentation is complete, which is a clearance at the airport rather than a stay. If a date or a document does not line up, most often the 180-day wait from the blood sampling date, the animal is detained at the AQS facility for as long as the shortfall requires, up to 180 days, and facility fees are charged per day.
Airline guides
  • Lufthansa
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways)
  • Japan Airlines (JAL)
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Emirates
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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Move your pet to Japan.

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DE JPGermany to Japan
International pet transport route
Lead time36-42 weeks
Quarantine180 days
ComplexityVery High
Airlines5
ServiceDoor to door
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Related routes
Pet Transport Japan to Germany→
Country and airline guides
Shipping from Germany→Importing to Japan→Lufthansa pet policy→

Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.

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