Importing a dog or cat into Japan — MAFF Animal Quarantine Service rules
Japan's dog and cat import regime is run by the MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) under the Rabies Prevention Law. Requirements depend on whether the animal comes from a designated (rabies-free) region or a non-designated region.
Non-designated regions (most countries) — the full sequence
To import from a non-designated region, the animal must meet microchip implanting, rabies vaccination at least twice, a rabies antibody test, and a 180-day waiting period. The steps are strict and cumulative:
- Microchip before the first rabies vaccination — "Dogs and cats must be identified by a microchip before the first rabies vaccination."
- Rabies vaccination twice or more after the microchip.
- Rabies antibody test at one of the designated laboratories, showing antibody titer ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 2 years from the date of blood sampling.
- Arrive after 180 days have passed from the date of blood sampling for the rabies antibody test.
Planning and arrival logistics
- Notify AQS at the expected port of entry not less than 40 days before arrival.
- Dogs can enter only through the designated airports and seaports.
- Within 10 days before boarding, the animal must undergo a clinical inspection by a veterinarian in the exporting country.
- Obtain certificates issued by the government agency of the exporting country.
- On arrival, the animal must be inspected by AQS. If it does not meet requirements, it will be subject to detention quarantine for up to 180 days or will be returned.
Designated regions (rabies-free) — simplified
Designated regions are Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam. For these, the animal must meet requirements such as microchip implanting and clinical inspection, and must fulfill at least one of three residency conditions (continuous residence since birth, for at least 180 days immediately before export, or since direct import from Japan).
Sources
pet_travel_jp_maff— MAFF AQS non-designated region sequence (microchip before first vaccine, ≥2 rabies vaccines, designated-lab antibody test ≥0.5 IU/ml valid 2 years, 180-day wait from blood sampling); ≥40-day AQS notice; designated airports/seaports; clinical inspection within 10 days before boarding; government certificates; arrival inspection; detention quarantine up to 180 days or return; designated regions (Iceland, Australia, NZ, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam) with microchip + clinical inspection + residency proof.