Transporting pets to Japan requires careful preparation, compliance with all regulations, and the execution of important documents. In this article, we will detail the basic steps for successfully importing a pet into Japan, including requirements for countries with a high risk of rabies.
Basic requirements for importing animals into Japan
1. Microchipping
Your pet must be microchipped before entering Japan. The microchip used must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards, be 15-digit and unencrypted. If your pet’s microchip does not meet these standards, you will need to provide your own microchip scanner when crossing the border. It is very important that the microchip is done before the first rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies Vaccination
All cats and dogs imported into Japan are required to be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination procedure must include:
– An initial rabies vaccination after microchipping.
– The second vaccination given no earlier than 30 days after the first one and before the expiration date of the first vaccination.
The pet must be at least 91 days old to receive the initial vaccination. If your pet was born in a rabies-free country, vaccination is not required, but proof will be required.
3. Rabies Antibody Test
An antibody titer test is mandatory for all animals arriving from countries that are not rabies-free (e.g. Russia, India, Brazil). Once two vaccinations are completed, a test is carried out in an accredited laboratory. The test must be performed no earlier than 180 days before entry and no later than two years. This allows the quarantine time in Japan to be reduced to 12 hours. If the test is not performed or the result is expired, the quarantine in Japan may last up to 180 days.
4. Veterinarian certificate
A veterinary certificate is a document confirming your pet’s health. It must be issued by a licensed veterinarian no earlier than 2 days before travel and certified by the government of the country of departure. It should include vaccination information and antibody test results, if required. The document must confirm that the pet is free of external and internal parasites.
5. Notification to the Quarantine Service
Before importing a pet into Japan, you must notify the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days before arrival. You will then receive confirmation with the date and place of entry. If conditions at the quarantine stations do not allow the animal to be accepted on the specified date, the entry date may be changed.
6. Quarantine in Japan
Upon arrival, the pet must undergo a short-term quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Service. If all the requirements are met, the animal can be released within 12 hours. However, if your pet does not meet the required standards (no microchip, no antibody test, or incorrect vaccination dates), the quarantine can last up to 180 days.
Countries with high rabies risk
If your pet is coming from countries with a high risk of rabies, such as India, Egypt, Russia or Brazil, following all of the above rules, including taking a titer test, is mandatory. Only after successfully meeting all of these requirements your pet will be allowed to enter Japan.
Animal transportation from Russia to Japan:
1. Microchipping and vaccinations
To transport an animal from Russia, it is important to microchip it before the first rabies vaccination. Both vaccinations must be done at a licensed veterinary clinic.
2. Antibody test
The antibody test can be taken in accredited laboratories in Russia, but samples are often sent to laboratories in Europe. Make sure the test result meets Japanese standards. Entry is possible only 180 days after receiving a positive result.
3. Veterinary certificate
It is necessary to obtain a veterinary certificate form No. 1 before sending an animal to Japan. This document will be exchanged at the airport for an international certificate form No. 5a.
Transporting pets to Japan is a complex and multi-step process that requires strict compliance with all requirements. Successful transportation depends on timely vaccination, proper microchipping, passing antibody tests and completing all necessary documents.
