Moving a pet to Japan from the USA
Rabies-free or near rabies-free nations with multi-month lead times, titer testing and government quarantine.
Quick rules summary
| Governing body | Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory lead time | 6–7 months |
| Rabies titer test (FAVN) | Yes — FAVN ≥ 0.5 IU/mL |
| Import permit | Yes (advance AQS notification) |
| Post-arrival quarantine | 0 days if compliant, up to 180 days if not |
| Microchip mandate | ISO 15-digit, before rabies vaccinations |
| Primary failure point | Arriving before the 180-day wait from the blood draw date has fully elapsed. |
Biosecurity & veterinary protocol
- 1
Implant an ISO-compliant microchip first.
- 2
Give an initial rabies vaccination followed by a booster after the microchip.
- 3
FAVN rabies antibody titer test achieving ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.
- 4
Wait 180 days counted from the exact date of the blood draw. Arriving early means detention at an AQS facility, at the owner's expense, for the remaining balance.
- 5
File advance notification with the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
- 6
USDA-accredited veterinarian issues the health certificate; Japan requires original paper certificates with wet-ink signature and embossed USDA seal.
Breed & airline warnings
Brachycephalic dogs and cats are widely refused as cargo by carriers serving Japan.
Airline-level restrictions apply to guarding and fighting breeds even where Japanese import rules allow them.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animals Regulations: L = A + ½B, W = 2C, H = D + bedding. Two compatible animals up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each may share a crate; heavier animals travel individually. Check your breed →
Your Japan timeline
Plan backwards
Complexity: Extreme
Lead time: 6–7 months
Governing body: Animal Quarantine Service (AQS)
Quarantine: 0 days if compliant, up to 180 days if not
- T−210d
Microchip + records review
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip and confirm every vaccination record post-dates it.
- T−203d
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine administered after the microchip — a vaccine given first is legally invalid.
- T−187d
FAVN rabies titer blood draw
Blood sample sent to an approved laboratory; must return ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.
- T−180d
180-day waiting period starts
Counted from the date the laboratory receives the sample. Served in the United States.
- T−60d
Apply for the import permit (Animal Quarantine Service)
Permit requirement: Yes (advance AQS notification). Approval must be in hand before departure.
- T−45d
Book flights and IATA-compliant crate
Confirm carrier acceptance, crate sizing and any brachycephalic or breed embargoes on the routing.
- T−10d
USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate
Category II accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and submits it via VEHCS.
- T−7d
USDA APHIS endorsement
Endorsement within 10 days of arrival for non-commercial moves, or within 48 hours of departure for commercial moves.
- T−3d
Parasite treatments and final checks
Tapeworm or parasite treatments given inside the destination's required window, recorded by the vet.
- Day 0
Departure day
Check-in as cargo, checked baggage or in-cabin per the booked service.