Pet Transport from Singapore to Japan

The Singapore to Japan route is one many expats and returning families complete each year with their pets.

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

Japan Import Requirements

What Japan requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from Singapore

What you need from Singapore before your pet can leave.

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

Why this route needs early planning

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.

Things to sort before you book

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.