Lead time needed
36-40 weeks
Quarantine
180 days
Route complexity
High
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport Malaysia to Japan: 2026 AQS Guide

Getting a pet from Malaysia to Japan is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow about 36-40 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. A 180 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives. Start with the …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Malaysia to Japan typically takes around 36-40 weeks. Expect 180 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Malaysia 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
Before any vaccination
Microchip implanted (ISO 11784/11785)

Responsible: Accredited Malaysian vet

2
After microchip confirmed
First rabies vaccination

Responsible: Accredited Malaysian vet

3
At least 30 days after first
Second rabies vaccination

Responsible: Accredited Malaysian vet

4
At least 30 days after second vaccination
FAVN titre test at AQS-designated laboratory

Responsible: Malaysian vet, AQS-designated lab only

5
Count from the blood draw date exactly
180-day wait from blood draw date

Responsible: Owner to track precisely

6
At least 40 days before arrival
Advance AQS notification

Responsible: Pet transport agent

7
Within 10 days of travel
DVS health certificate and AQS-format documentation

Responsible: DVS-registered vet

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
ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before first vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Two rabies vaccinations: second at least 30 days after first
Rabies titre test
FAVN titre test at AQS-designated laboratory only (0.5 IU/ml minimum), blood 30+ …
Quarantine
180-day wait from blood draw; minimum 12-hour AQS inspection at Narita/Haneda if …
Import permit
Advance notification to Japan AQS required minimum 40 days before arrival
Health certificate
AQS-format health certificate within 10 days of travel, DVS-endorsed
Export permit
DVS export permit required
Costs

What this route typically costs

Two rabies vaccinations: USD 40-100
FAVN titre test at AQS-designated lab: USD 100-180
DVS health certificate and export permit: USD 80-180
Cargo KUL to NRT: USD 600-1,500
AQS inspection fee at Narita: approximately JPY 7,000-15,000
IATA crate: USD 80-350

Critical points

AQS-designated lab requirement is absolute. Any other lab's titre test will not be accepted.

The 180-day wait from blood draw is non-negotiable. Even one day early means quarantine for the remaining period.

Advance AQS notification at least 40 days before arrival is mandatory. Failure to submit means your pet cannot land.

AirAsia does not carry live animals in cargo; do not attempt to book via AirAsia.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

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

Malaysia Airlines
KUL to NRT cargo service; MAS Cargo accepts pets with full AQS documentation
Cargo Only
Japan Airlines
KUL to NRT via JAL Cargo connections; experienced with AQS procedures at Narita
Cargo Only
AirAsia
Short-haul AirAsia does not carry live animals in cargo. Not suitable for this route.
Cargo Only

How Japan handles incoming pets

Japan has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.

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

Malaysia Airlines operates a direct KUL-NRT service, and MAS Cargo can accept pets on this routing. Japan Airlines also serves this route. Both are direct, which is better for your pet than a connection. Confirm with the airline cargo desk before booking, as live animal space is limited.
The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) in Ipoh has historically been on Japan’s AQS-designated laboratory list. However, approved lab lists change. Verify the current list on the Japan AQS website or through your transport agent before drawing blood. Do not assume the VRI is currently approved without checking.
For a Malaysian-origin pet with all documentation in order and the 180-day wait confirmed complete, the minimum on-arrival inspection at Narita is approximately 12 hours. This is an administrative check rather than an extended quarantine. Most pets are released the same day of arrival.
If your pet’s rabies vaccination expires before the travel date, check with your vet and the AQS requirements. A booster vaccination given during the waiting period does not restart the 180-day count, provided the titre test was satisfactory and the vaccination record shows no gap in coverage. Confirm this point with your transport agent and your vet.
AirAsia operates short-haul routes and does not carry live animals as manifest cargo on long-haul international services. AirAsia is not an option for this route. Use Malaysia Airlines or Japan Airlines for the KUL-NRT cargo leg.
Airline guides
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Japan Airlines
  • AirAsia
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MY JPMalaysia to Japan
International pet transport route
Lead time36-40 weeks
Quarantine180 days
ComplexityHigh
Airlines3
ServiceDoor to door
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