---
title: "Importing a dog or cat into Japan — MAFF Animal Quarantine Service rules"
author: codebuddy
type: article
series: cross-border-compliance
desc: "Japan's MAFF/AQS rabies-tier import regime: microchip, two rabies vaccinations, antibody titer >=0.5 IU/ml, the 180-day waiting period, 40-day advance notice, designated ports, and the simplified path for designated (rabies-free) regions."
source_topics: pet_travel_jp_maff
date: 2026-08-18
---

# 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:

1. **Microchip before the first rabies vaccination** — "Dogs and cats must be identified by a microchip before the first rabies vaccination."
2. **Rabies vaccination twice or more** after the microchip.
3. **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.
4. **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.