Your pet’s safe trip

to or from Japanstarts here

We’re

Pets, not packages. Expect more.

We’re proud to be the highest rated and most trusted international pet shipping company in the United States.

50+ years of care

Trust the experts with experience (and all the 5-star reviews to prove it!).

Technology

Industry-leading Pet Travel Portal to make things simple & clear.

Pet Protection Plan

Peace of mind for things outside of your (or our) control.

Stay in touch

CareTags Travel Sense to provide updates throughout your pet’s move via email & text.

Partner with us for peace of mind.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

Starwood Pet Travel offers the highest standard of care-blending real-time tracking, expert and personalized guidance, and a global partner network no one else can match.

Unmatched Transparency

Our industry-exclusive technology gives you real-time, door-to-door tracking—so you’re never out of touch with your pet’s journey.

Global Network, Personally Vetted

We don’t just work with agents—we meet them. Every year, our team travels the world to personally vet and maintain the strongest partnerships in the industry.

Experience + Personal Care

It’s reassuring to have a highly experienced and caring personal travel coordinator who is guiding each step of your pet’s journey.

Every trip has a story

Read stories traveling to and from Japan

LAX-FRA-HNG

March 24, 2025

Bunta and Coo move to Japan

Bunta and Coo, a devoted dog-and-cat duo from sunny Los Angeles, recently embarked on a globe-trotting adventure to join their family in Japan. With Bunta’s curious snout always leading the way and Coo’s cool-cat composure keeping things balanced, these two...

Meet Bunta and Coo
JFK-GVA

May 06, 2025

Boston to Burgundy

Meet Hallee—an energetic Irish Doodle with the heart of an explorer and the loyalty of a lifelong best friend. A mix of Irish Setter and toy poodle, Hallee has always been full of energy and curiosity. As she nears her...

Meet Halle
ORD-LAX-MEL

March 17, 2025

From Chicago to Melbourne: Macey's Journey Home

After several years in the U.S., Macey—the sweet, slightly shy ball-chaser—has made her way back home to Australia. Her journey from Chicago to Melbourne was no small feat, spanning thousands of miles and involving a carefully coordinated trip with our...

Meet Macey
DEN-FRA-LHR

April 28, 2025

Orion's Big Move: From the Mountains to English Gardens

Orion, an affectionate and friendly young cat with a playful, cheeky streak, recently made the journey from the mountains of Colorado to his new home in England. Traveling comfortably aboard Lufthansa on a carefully planned route from Denver to Frankfurt,...

Meet Orion
JFK-LHR

April 02, 2025

Pippa moves to Cambridge, England

Pippa, a sweet white Labradoodle from Connecticut, recently made the transatlantic leap to her new home in England. Known for her gentle spirit and fluffy charm, Pippa can get a little anxious when she's apart from her family—often letting out...

Meet Pippa

Discover the heartfelt stories of pet owners traveling
to and from Japan

Star Star Star Star Star

73 days ago

Just wanted to give a huge thanks to the Jet Pets team in New Zealand and Starwood Pet Travel in the US for getting our beloved Kona safely to the United States. From the initial discussions to the Vet visits...

Source: Google

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Star Star Star Star Star

131 days ago

Incredible experience using this service. Everything was truly 'hands free' as Starwood took care of all the heavy lifting. Each point of contact was detailed, communicative, and readily available for any and all questions. Our dog arrived to her final...

Source: Google

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Star Star Star Star Star

230 days ago

My partner and I hired Starwood to help with transporting our dog from Texas to the UK. We found it as affordable as transporting a pet can be (as it was thousands of dollars more to do ourselves and a...

Source: Google

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Star Star Star Star Star

66 days ago

Julie and team ❤️ We have Oscar now in Tucson. We just wanted to pass on our deepest gratitude to you and your teams. We were so worried and stressed about Oscar’s trip due to his age and medical history...

Source: Google

Learn More

Traveling to Japan

2025 Pet Travel Guide to Japan

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.

Microchip

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccinations. Microchip numbers must be recorded on all documentation, including the health certificate and vaccination records.

Vaccinations

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.

Advance Notification

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.

Health Certificate

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.

Quarantine

If all conditions are met—including the microchip, rabies vaccines, titer test, 180-day wait, and advance notification—your pet will likely only undergo a brief inspection upon arrival.

If any step is missed or incomplete, your pet may face up to 180 days of quarantine in Japan, at your expense.

Travel Requirements

Pets must enter Japan through a designated Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) port. These include:

  • Narita (NRT)

  • Haneda (HND)

  • Kansai (KIX)

  • Chubu (NGO)

  • Fukuoka (FUK) (limited)

  • New Chitose (CTS)

Pets typically travel as manifest cargo and must be transported in an IATA-compliant travel crate. Starwood can coordinate routing and ensure the crate meets all international standards.

How Starwood Can Help

Japan’s import process is complex and can be overwhelming to navigate alone. Our relocation specialists will help you complete each step accurately and on time—from rabies titers to USDA endorsements—so your pet can enjoy a safe and successful journey.

2025 Japan Country Guide

Now that you and your furry companion have arrived in Japan—congratulations! You've already cleared one of the world’s most meticulous import processes. Whether you’re settling into a quiet Kyoto neighborhood, a high-rise in Tokyo, or an island town near Okinawa, Japan offers a unique blend of urban pet perks and respectful community culture.

This guide covers the essentials for life with pets in Japan, from veterinary care to pet etiquette and where to find the best dog-friendly cafés.

Japan Country Guide

Moving from Japan

We have a team of experts ready to help with every aspect of your pet’s move from Australia. Our services from Australia include:

  • Door to door pet transport, both international and domestic
  • Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport
  • USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
  • Airline approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
  • Customs clearance and delivery to your home
  • Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in your area
  • Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you throughout your pet's journey.

Incoming Pet? We're Ready for Touchdown!

Whether you’re flying your pet to the United States after a brief stay or a whole lifetime in another country, there are a number of hoops to jump through. Getting all of the details right can be confusing and time-consuming, and improper planning or documentation could delay your pet’s entry into the country. Let us handle all the details for you!

Usa Import Faq

What’s the process?

After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to assist you. They will take care of all the necessary arrangements for your pet's import, including collecting information and documents from you. On the day of arrival, they will keep you updated on the clearance process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

It's important to note that this quote covers import and customs clearance specifically for the United States. It is your responsibility to handle the export process from your country of origin. You have the option to work directly with an airline or engage a local pet shipper.

Additionally, if you are traveling from a high-risk rabies country to the United States, it is your responsibility to obtain the CDC import permit.

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