![[Updated for 2026] Guide to Microchips for Dogs and Cats | Requirements for Traveling Abroad and Domestic Registration](https://petair.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dog-and-cat-microchips.jpg)
Last Updated: August 7, 2026
What is a microchip? How does it verify a pet’s identity?
A microchip is a small electronic tag that contains a 15-digit unique identification number that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. It is cylindrical in shape, approximately 1 to 2 mm in diameter and 8 to 12 mm in length (dimensions may vary slightly by product), and is implanted subcutaneously at the back of the neck (between the shoulder blades) by a veterinarian at a veterinary clinic using a specialized injector. It does not require a battery, and once implanted, it does not need to be replaced (Source: Japan Veterinary Medical Association: "Let's Get Microchipped"(Confirmed in August 2026).
The identification process involves holding a dedicated reader up to the microchip to read the number and cross-referencing it with the owner’s information registered in the database. Unlike collars or ID tags, it is implanted inside the pet’s body, so there is little risk of it coming off or being lost; it functions as the pet’s “internal ID” (Source: Japan Veterinary Medical Association(Confirmed in August 2026).
Three Basic Points to Keep in Mind First
- The chip contains15-digit identification numberOnly that information is recorded, and it is read by the reader and compared with the registration information
- It's not GPSTherefore, there is no feature to track your pet's current location.
- When traveling abroad,Compliant with ISO Standards (ISO 11784/11785)The chip serves as the basis (Source: Animal Quarantine Office: "Microchip Implantation"(Confirmed in August 2026. Please check with the Animal Quarantine Service and the authorities at your destination for the most up-to-date information.)
What are the domestic installation and registration requirements? (Effective June 2022)
Under the revised Animal Welfare and Management Act enacted in 2019, as of June 1, 2022, sellers of dogs, cats, and other animals—such as breeders and pet stores—are required to microchip the dogs and cats they sell and register the information. Owners who acquire a dog or cat from a seller must “register any changes” to their ownership information within 30 days (Source: Explanation of the Ministry of the Environment’s “Dog and Cat Microchip Registration” Systeminterpoint (interword separation)Tokyo Metropolitan Animal Welfare Consultation Center(Confirmed in August 2026).
| Position | Details of the Obligation |
|---|---|
| Sellers of Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals (Breeders, Pet Stores, etc.) | Microchipping and registration of dogs and cats for sale are mandatory |
| Owners who adopted dogs and cats from breeders | You must file a "change of ownership" registration within 30 days of acquiring the vehicle. |
| People who already own dogs or cats | Wearing a seatbelt is a "best-effort obligation" (meaning it is recommended to wear one whenever possible). |
| Owners of pets with microchips (if the microchip was implanted on or after June 1, 2022) | Mandatory Registration of Information with Designated Registration Authorities |
Registration is handled by “,” which is operated by the Japan Veterinary Medical Association, a public interest incorporated association designated by the Minister of the Environment as a registration agency,Microchip Registration for Dogs and Cats"This is a database. You can apply online via the website. The fees are as follows (as of August 2026).
| Procedures | Online Application | Paper Application |
|---|---|---|
| New Registration | 400 yen | 1,400 yen |
| Registration of Changes (When Ownership Changes Due to Transfer, etc.) | 400 yen | 1,400 yen |
| Notification of Changes (Changes to Address, Phone Number, etc.) | Free | Free |
| Reissuance of a Certificate of Registration | 300 yen | 1,300 yen |
Please note that while changes to your address or phone number (notification of change) are free, “registration changes”—such as those resulting from a transfer of ownership—are subject to a fee. Since fees are subject to change, please check the latest amounts atMinistry of the Environment websiteplease check there.
Please note that microchips registered with private organizations such as AIPO prior to June 2022 remain valid, and registration in the Ministry of the Environment’s database is optional (Source: Japan Veterinary Medical Association; verified in August 2026).
Cases of dogs and cats being rescued after getting lost or during disasters—with no known owners—continue to occur frequently throughout the country. Even if microchipping is not required by law, it is worth actively considering having your pet microchipped and registered as a precaution against getting lost or in the event of a disaster.
Does it hurt to get it fitted? How much does it cost?
The implantation procedure is similar to a vaccination and takes only a short time. The veterinarian uses a specialized injector to implant the microchip under the skin, and hospitalization is usually not required. Regarding safety, the Japan Veterinary Medical Association states, “There have been no reports of anaphylactic shock or similar reactions caused by microchip implantation” (Source: Japan Veterinary Medical Association(Confirmed in August 2026).
Whether anesthesia or sedation is necessary depends on your pet’s temperament and physical condition. Since there is also the option to have the device implanted at the same time as a procedure requiring anesthesia—such as spaying or neutering—please consult your regular veterinarian about the best course of action.
Regarding the appropriate time for microchipping, the Japan Veterinary Medical Association states that it can be done for dogs starting around 2 weeks of age and for cats starting around 4 weeks of age (this is a guideline provided by the Association, not a period stipulated by law). If you plan to travel abroad, keep in mind that rabies vaccinations administered before microchip implantation are generally considered invalid or unacceptable for re-entry into Japan or entry into the EU; therefore, having the microchip implanted early will give you more flexibility with your travel schedule (Source: Animal Quarantine Office “Rabies Vaccination”(Confirmed in August 2026. Please check with the Animal Quarantine Service and the authorities at your destination for the most up-to-date information.)
The cost of fitting the device varies depending on the veterinary clinic and the animal’s size. While the general estimate is around several thousand yen, the exact amount depends on each clinic’s pricing, so it’s best to confirm the cost in advance. Some local governments may subsidize part of the fitting fee, so please check the programs offered by your local government as well. In addition to this, you’ll be charged the aforementioned database registration fee (400 yen online as of August 2026).
Why do I need a microchip for international travel?
This is because many countries require individual identification via microchips as a condition of entry for animal quarantine purposes, such as rabies control. If a microchip is not implanted or cannot be read, there is a risk that the animal will be denied entry or fail quarantine in many countries. Rather than being a requirement for boarding a flight per se, microchips are primarilyEntry (Quarantine) RequirementsIt is accurate to understand it this way.
At airports and quarantine facilities, staff members use a reader to scan the microchip number and verify it against the number listed on documents such as vaccination certificates. In this way, the microchip serves as proof that the pet in front of them is the same one listed on the documents.
Although the details vary by country, the following three points are common to Japan, the EU, and the United States.
Three Common Vulnerabilities in Japan, the EU, and the U.S. (In the U.S., this applies to dogs)
- In Japan and the EU, the order is “vaccine first, rabies vaccine second.” — Rabies vaccinations administered prior to microchip implantation are generally invalid in Japan (though they may be accepted under certain conditions) and are not accepted in the EU. In the United States (for dogs), the implantation of a readable microchip is itself a requirement for entry.
- There are scanning checks upon entry and exit. — If it can't be read, the process won't move forward
- Compliance with ISO 11784/11785 is a prerequisite — Non-standard chips may require additional steps, such as preparing the reader.
(Source: Animal Quarantine Serviceinterpoint (interword separation)European Commissioninterpoint (interword separation)U.S. CDC(Confirmed in August 2026. Please check the official websites of the respective authorities for the latest information.)
The key points for each major travel category are as follows (as of August 2026. Please check the official government websites linked below for detailed requirements and the latest information).
| Travel Patterns | Key Requirements for Microchips | Primary sources |
|---|---|---|
| Entry into or Return to Japan (From outside the designated areas) |
ISO-compliant microchip / At least two rabies vaccinations after microchip implantation / Antibody titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher / Waiting period of at least 180 days from the date of blood collection / Advance notification at least 40 days prior to arrival | Animal Quarantine Service |
| Entry into the EU (From non-EU countries such as Japan) |
Microchip implantation / Vaccination at 12 weeks of age or older (vaccinations administered before the date of microchip implantation or reading are not permitted) / 21 days have passed since completion of the initial vaccination series / EU Animal Health Certificate. The new format specified in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 will apply starting April 22, 2026. | European Commission |
| Entry into the United States (All Dogs) |
Effective August 1, 2024: Must be in good health; must be at least 6 months of age; must be fitted with a chip (ISO-compatible) that can be detected by a universal scanner; and must have a receipt confirming submission of the CDC Dog Import Form. | U.S. CDC |
U.S. regulations will change significantly on August 1, 2024, and this applies not only to dogs from high-risk countries, but also toAll Imported Dogs(including travel from Japan and return to the U.S.) is now covered. Since Japan is not listed on the CDC’s list of high-risk countries for canine rabies, dogs that have spent the past six months in Japan or similar locations are required only to submit the CDC Dog Import Form acknowledgment of receipt, with no additional documentation required (as of August 2026. For the latest information, seeThe relevant page on the CDC website(Please check there.)
The requirement for an EU rabies antibody titer test varies depending on the type of travel (e.g., whether it is non-commercial travel accompanied by the owner) and the country of departure (Relevant Regulation: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636). Since conditions may differ for commercial transport or transport without an owner accompanying the animal, do not assume on your own that “it is never required when traveling from Japan”; instead, confirm whether the test is required for your specific case before departure.Official EU WebsitePlease be sure to check this. For details on the new regulations taking effect on April 22, 2026,An article explaining the changes to EU pet travel regulationsI've summarized them here.
The “EU Pet Passport” is often confused with this document. It is primarily an identification document used for travel within the EU; when entering the EU from a non-EU country such as Japan, you must use the “EU Animal Health Certificate” instead. Please check with an authorized veterinarian or the relevant authorities in the country where you will be staying to confirm whether you can obtain the passport after arrival and to learn about the necessary procedures.
Furthermore, even for entry from designated regions where entry into Japan is relatively straightforward (Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam), individual identification via microchip and a certificate issued by a government agency in the exporting country are required (Source: Animal Quarantine Service: “Importation of Dogs and Cats from Designated Areas”(Confirmed in August 2026). The entire process for returning to Japan isThe Complete Guide to Returning to Japan with Your PetSo, for details on the rabies vaccine and antibody titer test,Vaccine Explanatory ArticleandAntibody Titer Test GuideThis is explained there.
Conversely, when traveling from Japan to Australia, as a general rule, individual identification at an animal quarantine station is required at least six months prior to departure (Source: Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Confirmed in August 2026). Since microchips are scanned at the entrance to the preparation area, the start time for preparation may be significantly moved up depending on the destination.
If your pet happens to get lost and is taken in by someone while you're traveling, having the microchip scanned will greatly increase the chances of us being able to contact you through the registration information. When considering life in a foreign country, making sure your pet wears a microchip and keeping the registration information up to date are important precautions.
Will we be able to get the microchip ready in time for the travel schedule?
Please let us know your destination and planned departure date.
We will explain the necessary preparation period and the first steps you should take.
What are the steps from installation to registration? (5 steps)
The process from microchip implantation to travel preparations consists of the following five steps. When returning to Japan or entering the EU, rabies vaccinations administered before microchip implantation are generally considered invalid or unacceptable; therefore, please be sure to follow the correct order and have the microchip implanted first (Source: Animal Quarantine Office “Rabies Vaccination”interpoint (interword separation)European Commission(Confirmed in August 2026. Please check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.)
Consult with a veterinary clinic and have a microchip implanted
A veterinarian will implant the device subcutaneously using a specialized applicator. The procedure is quick, and the discomfort is said to be similar to that of a vaccination shot. Costs vary depending on the veterinary clinic and the animal’s size, so be sure to check with the clinic in advance. Some local governments may offer subsidy programs to cover the implantation costs, so please check with your local government as well.
Receive the “Microchip Implantation Certificate”
After the microchip is implanted, the veterinarian will issue a certificate of implantation. Have the veterinarian scan the number with a reader to confirm that the microchip has been implanted correctly. Please keep this certificate in a safe place, as you will need it for both the registration process and travel preparations.
Register in the designated registration agency's database
「Microchip Registration for Dogs and Cats"You can apply online here" (as of August 2026, the fee is 400 yen for online applications and 1,400 yen for paper applications). If you adopted your pet from a seller, be sure to update the registration within 30 days. Unregistered microchips cannot be traced back to the owner, even if they are read.
Keep your registration certificate on file and keep the information up to date
Once registration is complete, you will be issued a certificate of registration. Keep it together with your travel documents, and be sure to update it by submitting a change-of-information form (free of charge) whenever your address or phone number changes.
Travel preparations begin after the chip is installed.
The rabies vaccination should be administered after the microchip is implanted (in Japan, it may be administered on the same day as implantation as part of preparations for returning to Japan). Requirements vary by destination:Animal Quarantine ServicePlease proceed while verifying the information with the official sources of the destination country’s authorities. Applications for export inspections when departing from Japan must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the desired inspection date (Source: Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Confirmed in August 2026).
5 Things to Check Before Traveling
Once you’ve finished putting on your mask and registering, checking the following five points before departure will help you avoid any last-minute hassles at the airport or during quarantine.
In particular, we recommend completing the following three tasks—“verifying specifications,” “checking against documents,” and “conducting a readout test”—well in advance of your trip, rather than waiting until the last minute.
What are some common pitfalls when preparing for a trip?
There are typical patterns of problems related to microchips. The following five issues are ones you can easily avoid simply by being aware of them in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary: Think of chips as a three-part set: “installation, registration, and verification.”
Microchips are subject to a mandatory implantation and registration system under Japanese law, and are a requirement for entry and quarantine in many countries when traveling abroad (Source: Ministry of the Environmentinterpoint (interword separation)Animal Quarantine Service, Confirmed in August 2026. (Please check with the relevant authorities and the authorities of your destination for the most up-to-date information.) The key points to remember are the three-step process of “fitting the microchip,” “registering it in the database,” and “verifying the document number,” as well as the order required for returning to Japan or entering the EU: “fit the microchip before receiving the rabies vaccine.”
The Big Picture of Traveling Abroad isHow to Take Your Pet from Japan to Another CountrySo, the basics of rabies vaccination areArticle on the Basics of Rabies VaccinationThis is explained there. 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 August 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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