Your pet’s safe trip to
Japan starts here

Microchip Requirements for Japan

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.

Pet Vaccination Requirements for Japan

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.