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Pet Transport from Germany to Japan

Very_high complexity 33-39 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from Germany to Japan? Get Your Quote

Shipping your dog or cat from Germany to Japan is a process that rewards early planning.

This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 33 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Japan requires mandatory quarantine (14 days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.

Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

First step: must be done before any vaccinations.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 180-day wait after successful result.

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply for import permit from Japan

Apply early: Apply 2-4 weeks before travel

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

8
Quarantine on arrival (14 days)

Immediately on arrival: mandatory

Responsible: Japan quarantine authority

Japan Import Requirements

What Japan requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on the same day as rabies vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination

Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel. Must be vaccinated at least 30 days before import.

Rabies Titre Test

Required. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry

Quarantine

Mandatory quarantine. 14 days. Facility: MAFF quarantine station. 14-day quarantine is mandatory at MAFF-designated facility.

Import Permit

Required. Issued by: MAFF (Animal Quarantine Service). Apply: Apply 2-4 weeks before travel. Formal import permit required from MAFF.

Health Certificate

Required. Health Certificate. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 10 days from issue. Issued within 10 days of travel. Must list microchip number and vaccination details.

Exporting from Germany

What you need from Germany before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
  • Rabies titre test laboratory fee
  • Import permit application fee (Japan)
  • Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
  • Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Important Warnings

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Key requirements for moving your pet to Japan

This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Japan runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.

All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Japan (at MAFF quarantine station) for 14 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.

Japan is rabies-free. MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) is the regulatory authority.

Step-by-step: what to do first

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow at least 33 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.

Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Japan. Your pet will stay for 14 days at MAFF quarantine station on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.

Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 180-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Japan. Start this process as early as possible.

Yes, an import permit is required from Japan’s authority (MAFF (Animal Quarantine Service)). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.

Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Germany. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Japan’s authority for the exact format required.
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Route summary
  • From: Germany
  • To: Japan
  • Complexity: Very_high
  • Timeline: 33-39 weeks
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