Getting a pet from Japan to Malaysia is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow around 8-20 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. A 14 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives.
Start with …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Japan to Malaysia
typically takes around 8-20 weeks.
Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Japan to Malaysia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Contact DVS Malaysia to confirm Japan's classification and exact requirements
Responsible: Owner or agent
Before starting any other step. Japan's rabies-free status may affect which pathway applies.
2
Confirm microchip and vaccinations are current
Responsible: MAFF-authorised vet
At least 30 days before planned travel
3
Apply for DVS pre-approval and MAQIS import permit
Responsible: Owner or Malaysian agent
Well in advance; allow 2-4 weeks for permit processing
4
Arrange parasite treatment
Responsible: Vet
2-7 days before departure
5
Obtain MAFF export health certificate
Responsible: MAFF vet and AQS
Shortly before travel; AQS inspection at departure airport
6
Book JAL, ANA or Malaysia Airlines cargo
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Malaysia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Required at least 30 days before entry. Given Japan's rabies-free status, verify with DVS Malaysia whether any vaccination-waiver pathway applies for Japanese pets.
Rabies titre test
FAVN titre test is required for pets from non-scheduled countries. Japan's rabies-free classification may place it on a different DVS category with different requirements. Confirm with DVS Malaysia before assuming the full 3-month titre test wait applies.
Quarantine
Minimum 14 days at DVS government quarantine station on arrival (revised December 2024). Duration may vary based on DVS risk classification of Japan as an origin country.
Import permit
DVS pre-approval and MAQIS import permit required before travel.
Health certificate
Official health certificate issued within 14 days of travel.
Export permit (Japan)
No export permit required. AQS export inspection at Japanese departure airport.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MAFF health certificate Japan: JPY 8,000-20,000 (USD 55-140)
AQS export inspection fee: JPY 5,000-15,000
Vaccinations Japan: JPY 3,000-8,000
FAVN titre test (if required): JPY 20,000-40,000 at approved Japanese lab
JAL or Malaysia Airlines cargo Tokyo to KUL: USD 700-1,900 depending on crate
DVS quarantine Malaysia (14 days): approximately RM 400-800
MAQIS permit fee: RM 200-400
Total typical range: USD 2,000-4,500 if titre test required; USD 1,500-3,200 if not
Critical points to read before you book
Japan is rabies-free. Whether this qualifies Japan as a 'scheduled country' for Malaysian DVS purposes, and whether the titre test is waived, must be confirmed with DVS Malaysia before you begin. Do not assume either outcome.
Malaysia updated its quarantine rules in December 2024. The minimum quarantine period is now 14 days for arrivals from most countries. Confirm current rules directly with DVS.
Do not travel without confirmed DVS pre-approval and MAQIS import permit. Arriving without these permits will result in the pet being detained.
Malaysian breed bans are enforced. Confirm your breed is not on the restricted list before booking.
Even if Japan's rabies-free status reduces some requirements, parasite treatment and a DVS-compliant health certificate remain mandatory.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
JAPAN AIRLINES
Japan Airlines (JAL)
JAL does not allow pets in the passenger cabin on international flights. Direct or one-stop services from NRT/HND to KUL. Pets travel in a temperature-controlled hold. IATA rigid container required. Book JAL Cargo early.
Cargo Only
ANA (ALL
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA operates Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur services. Cargo available for pets. Contact ANA Cargo for live animal booking.
Cargo Only
MALAYSIA
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines (MH) flies KUL to NRT/HND direct. MASKargo handles live animal cargo. A practical option given direct routing to the destination airport.
Cargo Only
How Malaysia handles incoming pets
Malaysia has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
What experienced owners do
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Japan to Malaysia pet transport
Possibly, but not automatically. Whether Japan qualifies as a ‘scheduled country’ for Malaysian DVS purposes (which would change or waive the titre test requirement) depends on DVS’s current classification of Japan. You must confirm with DVS Malaysia directly before planning your timeline. Do not assume the titre test is waived.
Minimum 14 days at a DVS government quarantine station, as revised in December 2024. The period can be extended based on DVS risk assessment. Confirm the current quarantine duration with DVS or your Malaysian agent before booking.
Two permits are required: DVS pre-approval from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services and a MAQIS import permit from Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. Both must be obtained before the pet travels. A pet arriving without these permits will be detained.
Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA and Malaysia Airlines all operate this route with cargo services for pets. All require IATA-compliant crates. JAL and ANA do not allow pets in the cabin on international flights. Malaysia Airlines MASKargo is an established option given its familiarity with the KLIA arrival process.
Airline guides
Japan Airlines (JAL)
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Malaysia Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.