Your pet’s safe trip

Planning to relocate to Japan with your dog or cat? Japan is a beautiful and pet-conscious country—but entering with a pet involves a very strict and time-sensitive process. From microchip regulations to advance quarantine notification, it’s essential to start early and stay organized. At Starwood, we’ve successfully guided hundreds of pets into Japan and are here to help you every step of the way.

Below is a general overview of what’s required when transporting pets to Japan from the United States.

Rabies Vaccinations

Japan is a rabies-free country and takes rabies control very seriously.

Your pet must receive:

• Two rabies vaccinations

  • First vaccination must be administered after microchip implantation.

  • Second vaccination must be given at least 30 days after the first, and both must be administered within the last 12 months (or as accepted by Japan’s authorities).

• Both vaccines must be inactivated (killed virus) rabies vaccines.

Puppies and kittens must be at least 91 days old to receive their first rabies vaccine, which means the minimum age for import into Japan is typically 7–8 months, depending on the vaccination and testing timeline.

Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)

At least 180 days and no more than 2 years before arrival in Japan, your pet must pass a rabies antibody titer test conducted at an approved laboratory (such as Kansas State University). The test confirms sufficient antibody levels (≥0.5 IU/ml) and must follow the two rabies vaccines.

The 180-day waiting period starts from the blood draw date. Your pet cannot enter Japan before the waiting period is complete, or they will be subject to quarantine upon arrival.

Other Vaccinations

While Japan does not require additional vaccinations for cats and dogs, it is recommended that your pet is up to date on the following.

Cats

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• Feline Leukemia

Dogs

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
•  Leptospirosis
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)

Other Treatments

While not mandatory, it is sometimes recommended that cats and dogs be treated with an external parasite (fleas and ticks) treatment and an internal parasite (nematodes and cestodes) treatment within 10 days prior to export. If administered, these treatments should be reported on the health certificate.

Japan requires an Advance Notification of Import to be submitted to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days prior to arrival. This notification includes flight details, pet information, vaccination history, and more.

Once reviewed, AQS will issue a Notification Acceptance form, which must be presented upon arrival.

Within 10 days of your pet’s departure, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete the Japan-specific international health certificate, confirming:

• Microchip implantation

• Valid rabies vaccinations

• Titer test results

• No clinical signs of rabies or other infectious diseases

The form must then be endorsed by the USDA.