What You'll Learn in This Guide
- When Moving or Relocating to Canada, When and How Should You Start the Process for Your Pets?
- Requirements to Complete Before Entry, Such as a Rabies Vaccination Certificate and Microchip
- Export Procedures and Application Schedule at Japan’s Animal Quarantine Stations
- Tips for Settling Into Your New Life with Your Pet After Traveling Abroad
- Common Mistakes During Preparation and How to Avoid Them
- Important Points to Know Well in Advance of Your Return to Japan
What Are the Three Key Points to Check First When Moving to or Relocating to Canada for Work?
If you’re moving to Canada or relocating there for work with your pet, the first three things you’ll want to check are as follows. How you plan your schedule going forward will depend on your progress with these preparations.
You must have your pet vaccinated against rabies and keep a certificate signed by a veterinarian. Please check the CFIA official website (or the AIRS assessment tool) for the latest information. The applicable age and specific requirements for the certificate vary depending on your pet’s circumstances.
This is a certificate issued by the Animal Quarantine Service. Please check with the Animal Quarantine Service regarding the required language and format. The desired inspection date isUp to 14 days agoApply for an export inspection using NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations), and departWithin 10 daysIt is issued after you undergo an examination. Since this is easy to confuse with the rule that “applications must be submitted at least 10 days in advance,” it’s a good idea to keep these two steps separate in your mind.
Microchips compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards are not a requirement that uniformly mandates export procedures from Japan. In terms of export procedures at animal quarantine stations, if a microchip is required as part of the destination country’s entry requirements, the fact that it has been implanted and the inspection results are recorded on the export quarantine certificate. We recommend having your pet microchipped, taking into account the destination country’s entry requirements, airline requirements, and any requirements for future return to Japan.
Japan is currently one of the countries free of rabies.Japan is considered one of the rabies-free countries currently designated by Canada’s quarantine authority, the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) (Source: CFIA “Rabies-Free Countries”(Confirmed in July 2026). Requirements for personal pets, such as rabies antibody testing, may vary depending on whether a country is designated as rabies-free. Since specific requirements may change and the list is subject to future revisions, be sure to check the latest designation status on the CFIA’s official website (or using the AIRS assessment tool) before departure.
What is the schedule from preparing for the trip to settling in?
When moving to or relocating to Canada for work, you’ll need to proceed with “finding a place to live” and “arranging for your pets” at the same time. The general process is as follows:
Early Preparation Period
- Conduct health checkups for pets and verify their rabies vaccination status
- Check to see if your pet has a microchip (if not, make an appointment at the vet)
- Begin searching for pet-friendly housing and confirming local pet policies
- Check airline carriage rules (e.g., short-horse restrictions).
As your departure approaches,
- If you have not been vaccinated against rabies, get vaccinated.
- If the microchip has not been implanted, have it implanted.
- Prepare application documents for the animal quarantine station
- Confirm the mode of transport (carry-on or checked baggage) and flight
At least 14 days before your desired appointment date
Apply for an export inspection with the Animal Quarantine Station via NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations) no later than 14 days before the desired inspection date.
Within 10 days of departure
You will undergo an export inspection (clinical examination) at the Animal Quarantine Station and receive an export quarantine certificate in English.
day of departure
- Carry English quarantine certificate and rabies vaccine certificate
- Final Check of the Pet Cage (Check airline standards)
- Final check of your pet's health
Upon Arrival in Canada
- CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)Declare your entry and present the required documents
- If you do not have the required permits or certificates, if there are concerns about the animal’s health, or if the method of transport is deemed inhumane, you may be subject to additional verification or denial of entry.
From Arrival to Settling into Your New Life
- Find a local veterinary clinic as soon as possible
- Check the local rules regarding ID tags and registration with local authorities (rules vary by state and municipality).
- Be mindful of the stress your pet may experience due to changes in its environment, and help it adjust gradually.
For Those Who Feel Anxious About Handling the Home Search and Paperwork at the Same Time
Please let us know your destination and your planned departure date.
Here is some information on pet registration procedures, including what you need to do and by when.
What documents and requirements are needed to enter Canada?
The information provided so far has been organized primarily with dogs in mind. Since CFIA requirements may vary depending on the type of pet and the individual animal’s circumstances, please use the table below as a general guide. Whether specific requirements apply—including when bringing a cat—should be verified on a case-by-case basis via the CFIA official website (or the AIRS Assessment Tool).
| (data) item | Contents/Conditions | Primary Information |
|---|---|---|
| rabies vaccine certificate | You must have your pet vaccinated against rabies and keep a certificate signed by a veterinarian. Please check the CFIA official website for the latest information. Eligibility requirements, such as the pet’s age, vary depending on the pet’s specific circumstances. | CFIA |
| microchip | ISO 11784/11785 standards. While this is not a uniform mandatory requirement for export procedures from Japan, we recommend having the microchip implanted in consideration of the entry requirements of your destination country, airline requirements, and requirements for your future return to Japan. | quarantine station for animals |
| Export quarantine certificate (English) | Issued by the Animal Quarantine Station. Apply via NACCS at least 14 days prior to the desired inspection date; the certificate is issued following an inspection conducted within 10 days of departure. | quarantine station for animals |
| Rabies antibody titer test | Japan is currently considered one of the rabies-free countries. Since the requirement for personal pets may vary depending on whether a country is designated as rabies-free, please be sure to check the specific requirements on the CFIA official website (or using the AIRS assessment tool). | CFIA |
In the case of cats, while the basic principles—such as microchipping and preparing a rabies vaccination certificate—overlap with those for dogs, the requirements specific to cats may differ from those for dogs depending on the CFIA’s conditional guidelines, and this article has not been able to verify them. For detailed differences in requirements by dog and cat breed, as well as specific issues such as whether an import permit is required, please refer to resources specializing in transport procedures.Guide to Transporting Pets from Japan to Canada, andCFIA Official WebsitePlease be sure to check this individually.
What should you keep in mind when choosing an airline?
Travel is typically by direct or connecting flight. Pet transport policies vary by airline, and some airlines restrict the transport of brachycephalic breeds in the cargo hold. Since eligible dog breeds and conditions differ by airline, be sure to check the latest requirements on the airline’s official website once you have confirmed your flight. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for verifying documents upon entry into Canada and determining the appropriateness of the transportation method (Source: CBSA Official Website(Confirmed in July 2026). For a detailed comparison by airline, seeGuide to Transporting Pets from Japan to Canada, Points to note regarding brachycephalic breeds in general areCan brachycephalic breeds fly on airplanes?You can check this information here. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without notice, so please check the official websites of each airline for the latest flight information.
What are some common mistakes and things to watch out for during preparation?
What should I keep in mind when returning to Japan from Canada?
Since Canada is not included in the designated areas specified by the Animal Quarantine Service, the procedures for returning to Japan require more preparation time than those for traveling there. The main conditions outlined by the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service are as follows (Source: Animal Quarantine Service: “Importation of Dogs and Cats from Areas Other Than Designated Regions”(Verified in July 2026).
Main Requirements for Returning to Japan from Canada
- Implantation of a microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards (to be implanted before the rabies vaccination)
- Receive at least two doses of the rabies vaccine (with an interval of at least 30 days between the first and second doses)
- Rabies antibody titer test (0.5 IU/ml or higher) conducted at an inspection facility designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- Wait at least 180 days from the date of the blood draw for the antibody titer test
- Submit a prior notification to the animal quarantine office with jurisdiction over the airport or seaport of arrival at least 40 days before arrival in Japan.
If you overlook the 180-day waiting period, it will significantly affect the timing of your return home. We recommend that you start planning your return home as soon as you arrive in Canada. For details on travel and shipping procedures in Canada,Guide to Transporting Pets from Japan to Canada, The overall process for returning to Japan isThe Complete Guide to Returning to JapanIt also explains that.
What can PetAir do?
PetAir provides guidance on how to prepare the necessary documents and compiles information regarding animal quarantine procedures for those moving to or relocating to Canada for work. We also offer a full range of support services related to travel, from arranging airline bookings and providing guidance on customs clearance to handling the handover at the airport. Please let us know your destination, planned departure date, and your pet’s condition, and we will advise you on the necessary preparation time and next steps.
We do not prepare documents or submit applications on your behalf; our services primarily focus on organizing the necessary information and guiding you through the process. We do not obtain import permits, confirm flight reservations, or guarantee your pet’s health. Please consult with your pet’s owner and your regular veterinarian regarding medical treatment, vaccinations, and health management at a veterinary clinic. Fees vary depending on the destination, travel dates, and your pet’s condition; we will provide an estimate when you contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary: Early Preparation and Accurate Documentation Are Key
If you plan to bring your pet with you when moving to or being assigned to Canada, the three key requirements are a “rabies vaccination certificate,” a “microchip,” and “submitting an export inspection application to the Animal Quarantine Office and obtaining an export quarantine certificate.” Japan is currently recognized as one of the rabies-free countries designated by the CFIA. However, entry requirements may vary depending on the type of pet, the individual animal’s circumstances, and the possibility of a review of the rabies-free country designation. Be sure toCFIA Official WebsitePlease check there for the latest information.
And while you’re looking for a place to live and preparing for your new life with your pet, don’t forget to keep your return to Japan in mind. Since returning to Japan from Canada requires procedures that include a waiting period of 180 days or more, we recommend that you consider your return schedule in conjunction with your travel plans. For details on shipping procedures and regulations,Guide to Transporting Pets from Japan to CanadaThis is explained there, so please take a look at that as well.
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Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted and to confirm specific requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from the relevant national authorities, animal quarantine offices, and airlines.
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