Moving or traveling abroad with your pet is a wonderful opportunity to create lifelong memories and start a new life. However, failure to make the necessary preparations can lead to serious consequences, such as local immigration refusal or deportation, which can seriously disrupt your plans with your beloved pet.
This article provides examples of actual problems that can occur and a specific countermeasure/checklist to prevent such risks.
Actual cases of deportation
1. incomplete health certificate
Because the health certificate issued by the veterinarian prior to the trip did not accurately record the pet's identification and required vaccinations, the local quarantine officer noted the incomplete documentation and the pet was denied entry.
Results: The pet was repatriated to Japan, and the owner had to bear the expensive transportation costs.
2. microchip reading error
Although the pet had a microchip, it could not be read properly by the reader used locally, causing problems at immigration.
Results: The pets were moored at a local quarantine facility for an extended period of time, placing a heavy emotional and financial burden on their owners.
Failure to meet standards for rabies antibody titer testing
Although the required vaccinations had been administered, the entry was denied because the results of the rabies antibody titer test did not meet local standards.
Results: This resulted in significant delays in travel and relocation plans and missed opportunities to start a new life with pets.
Main causes of deportation and countermeasures
1. incomplete documentation
Required Documents
- Health Certificate: Certificate of health condition of pet by veterinarian (note destination-specified form and language)
- Vaccination certificate: Record of required immunizations
- Other: Depending on where you are traveling or immigrating to, additional documentation may be required, such as an import permit.
counter-measure
Be sure to double-check the expiration date and information on each document (e.g., pet name, identification number, vaccination date, etc.) and contact the embassy/consulate or animal quarantine office of your travel or immigration destination for the latest information.
2. microchip issue
Many countries require pets to be microchipped, though,
counter-measure
Before traveling, check the installation and registration status at the veterinary clinic and test the readings with a local reader. It is also necessary to confirm that the device conforms to the standards of the destination country.
3. noncompliance with import regulations in the destination/emigration country
Some countries or regions restrict or prohibit the importation of pets of certain breeds, ages, or health conditions.
counter-measure
Always check with the embassy/consulate or animal quarantine office of your destination or immigration country for the latest import regulations and necessary procedures.
4. inadequate rabies prevention measures
important point
After rabies vaccination, it takes a certain period of time for the antibody titer to rise. It also takes time to obtain the results of the antibody titer test.
counter-measure
Prepare to meet the criteria by systematically performing immunizations and antibody titer testing several months prior to travel and emigration.
Lack of waiting period
In some countries/regions, a certain period of waiting may be required after immunization.
counter-measure
Check in advance whether there is a waiting period and how long it will be, and plan accordingly to allow plenty of time for your schedule.
6. quarantine officer's decision
If the local quarantine officer questions the health of your pet, it may be denied entry.
counter-measure
Before traveling or immigrating, have a physical examination by a veterinarian to ensure that your pet is in perfect health.
Consequences of deportation
If a pet is deported, the following effects are possible
- Return shipment to Japan: Pets will be repatriated to Japan at the owner's expense.
- High cost burden: Return shipping costs can run into the hundreds of thousands of yen, depending on the airline and the size of the pet.
- Long-term mooring on site: Depending on where they are traveling or immigrating, they may be moored at airport quarantine facilities for extended periods of time, which can be costly.
- Impact on Planning: Travel, migration, or sightseeing plans may be significantly delayed or cancelled.
Checklist for avoiding deportation risk
Information Gathering
Have you checked the latest import requirements for your travel or immigration destination on the website of the embassy/consulate or animal quarantine office?
Have you checked your airline's or carrier's regulations for transporting pets?
Document Preparation
Have you obtained a health certificate issued by a veterinarian and double-checked that the information on it is correct?
Have you prepared vaccination certificates and any additional documentation required (e.g., import permits)?
Microchip]
Have you checked that your pet has been properly microchipped and registered and that the reader can read it without any problems?
Rabies Prevention Measures
Have you performed the required rabies vaccinations and verified that the results of the antibody titer test meet the criteria?
Health Examination】 【Health Examination
Did you have a physical examination by a veterinarian prior to travel/immigration to ensure that your pet is in good health?
Prepare for transport.
Have you prepared a transport cage that meets airline and carrier regulations?
Have you conducted prior exercises to familiarize your pet with the cage?
Insurance and Consultation with Experts
Have you considered purchasing insurance to cover your pet's transportation and local medical expenses?
If necessary, have you consulted a pet transport company?
summary
Emigrating or traveling abroad with your pet can be achieved with peace of mind if you plan ahead and make sure you have the most up-to-date information. By following each point carefully and confirming the necessary documents and procedures, you can avoid the risk of deportation and realize a new life and wonderful travel experience with your beloved pets.
By hiring PetAirJPN, you can make the complicated procedures easier!
Disclaimer
This article is intended to provide general information. Please follow the necessary procedures and preparations based on the latest information about your pet's situation and your travel/relocation destination.

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