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I want to bring my cat back home with me, but I'm worried that the procedures are too complicated..." "How do I start with my dog?
We understand your feelings very well. We at PetAir have listened to the concerns of many pet owners. And we assure you.Animal quarantine is not a scary thing with the right knowledge and planning.
This article is not just a manual of procedures. We are the ones who handle hundreds of international shipments per year,A perfect timeline that cannot fail.and the pitfalls that many people fall into, as well as the behind-the-scenes tricks that only the experts know, all of which are poured into this "textbook.
Read to the end and your fears will be confirmed.
⚠️ Most Important: Please read first!
This article is based on information as of October 2025 and has been prepared with the best of intentions. However,Animal quarantine regulations are subject to change without notice.
When proceeding, be sure toOfficial website of the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesThis article is intended only as a "supplementary reader" to grasp the overall picture.
Please do not use your own judgment.
STEP 1: Why is animal quarantine so strict?
The first thing I want you to know about this procedure is thatThe Real Purpose."It is. It is,Rabies, an infectious disease with a fatality rate of almost 1001 TP3TThis is to protect all people and animals in Japan from
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies still kills more than 50,000 people a year worldwide.Fortunately, Japan is one of the few countries in the world that has succeeded in eradicating this disease."Clean Nation."It is.
Animal quarantine officers at airports keep the peace here in Japan.Border Patrol."They are. They are, even if the person they are dealing with is a cute pet,If there is a deficiency of 1mm in the documents, we will categorically deny entry.
Perspectives from 🌟 PetAir
We are committed to making this rigorousLove."We believe that it is It is a double love: to protect your pet from unknown diseases and to keep Japan safe. This procedure is your responsibility as an owner to respond to that "love".
STEP 2: The "two paths" that determine the route of preparation and a critical misunderstanding.
Before you start preparing,Which route applies to the country/region from which you are travelingPlease check the
| root | Applicable countries/regions | feature |
|---|---|---|
| Route A designated area |
6 locations only Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam |
Exemption from rabies antibody titer test and 180-day waiting period. Preparation time is about2 to 3 monthsThe following is a list of the most common problems with the |
| Route B Outside of designated area |
Worldwide except above Mainland U.S., all of Europe, Asian countries, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, etc. |
Rabies antibody titer test and 180-day waiting period are required. Minimum preparation time7-8 monthsThe following is a list of the most common problems with the |
[Serious Warning] The misconception that "designated areas are easy" leads to tragedy.
What should never be misunderstood here is,It's not at all "easy because it's Route A."That is to say.
Indeed, the most time-consuming steps are waived. But instead ofExtremely strict conditions for proving that a person "definitely resided in the designated area."will be
The accuracy required in terms of completeness of documentation and adherence to prior notification deadlines is no different from that of Route B.
If you are not careful, you run the same risk of being stranded at the airport.
STEP 3: [Route A: Designated Areas] 4 ironclad rules to be followed in the short term!
This applies to entry from Hawaii and Guam.The plan will fail if any one of the following four conditions is absent.
Hawaii and Guam are described in detail in the following articles.
▶︎A complete guide to traveling to Guam with your dog｜Thorough explanations of everything from procedures to sightseeing!
Prove strict residency requirements.
Any of the following,Perfect proof with official documentsThe following is a list of the most important factors that need to be taken into account when making a purchase:
- Bred exclusively in that designated area ever since birth.
- Before arriving in JapanMore than 180 daysThe animals are raised exclusively in the designated area and continuously.
- Travel directly from Japan to the designated area and return to Japan without stopping at any other area
The most common mistake is the misunderstanding of the residency requirement. A case such as "from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii for a month and then back to Japan" does not meet the requirements for designated area.
40 days advance notification is absolute.
As well as Route B,Up to 40 days prior to arrival in JapanThe animal quarantine station must be notified to the Animal Quarantine Service at
If it is delayed even one day, it will not be accepted.
Without the Notification Acceptance Form, the airline may deny boarding. Please submit the notification well in advance.
Endorsement" issued by a government agency is required.
It was issued by a local government agency (such as the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture for Hawaii),An official health certificate certifying that you meet the requirementsis required.
If even one item on the certificate is incomplete, the applicant will be detained at the airport. Please be sure to check the information on the certificate in advance.
Direct to Japan
Entering Japan from a designated area without passing through another country/regionIt must be done.
If there are connections, they can only be made within the same designated area.
When booking your ticket, be sure to confirm that your transfer point is within the designated area.
Perspectives from 💡 PetAir
Interpretation of the "continuous 180 days" requirement has forced many to change their plans. If you have any questions at all, be sure to consult with the animal quarantine office or a specialist.
STEP 4: [Route B: Outside of designated area] Perfect roadmap with zero failures
This applies to entry from the U.S. mainland, Europe, and Asian countries.If we proceed accordingly, there is no way we can fail.
Microchipping
Most important: Always use the ISO standard (15 digits)!
All vaccinations prior to this date are invalid. To your veterinarian.For animal quarantine.and clearly communicate this to them.
🔍 Pros look here!
Always check on the spot that the chip number is correctly listed on the certificate. Misreading the number can cause moorings.
Microchipping is explained in the following article.
Rabies vaccination (1st)
Vaccinations are given after 91 days of age after microchipping.
🔍 Pros look here!
Check on the spot that the chip number on the vaccination certificate matches the individual's information. The veterinarian's signature, date, and vaccine lot number are also required.
Rabies is explained in detail in the following article.
Rabies vaccination (2nd)
Inoculation should be given at least 30 days after the first dose.
🔍 Pros look here!
The vaccine is.Inactivated vaccine."Please have the certificate clearly state that the vaccine is Live vaccines are not acceptable.
Rabies antibody titer test
Blood was drawn after the second vaccination,AQS-designated inspection agencyTo.
Results.0.5 IU/ml or moreRequired.
🔍 Pros look here!
This blood collection date is the start of the 180-day waiting periodThe test will be conducted at an AQS-designated facility. Please be sure to select an AQS-designated laboratory. Non-designated laboratories will not be valid.
180-day waiting period
If even one day is not enough, the boat is moored immediately.
🔍 Pros look here!
Do not count the day of blood collection as "day 0",Safer to calculate as "Day 1."The following is a list of the most important factors to consider when booking airline tickets. Book your airline tickets well in advance. Many people have made a day's mistake here and have been berthed in tears.
Prior notification to Japan
Notify the animal quarantine station at the arrival airport via NACCS, etc. If accepted"Notification Acceptance Form."will be issued.
🔍 Pros look here!
Without it.If the airline denies boardingAlso. The earlier the notification is made, the safer it is.
Pre-departure clinical examination
Physical examination by a local veterinarian. Check for external parasites and general health.
🔍 Pros look here!
This inspection is conducted just prior to departure (usually within 10 days). If the inspection date is too old, it may be invalid.
Obtain certification from the government agency of the exporting country
[Final boss].
All records to date are submitted to the government of the exporting country (USDA in the U.S.) for endorsement (Endorsement).
🔍 Pros look here!
Omissions and signature errors are the biggest cause of moorings.The use of the recommended Japanese form (Form AC) is strongly recommended. Even the smallest error will not be tolerated.
Import inspection at Japanese airports
Present all original documents and pet. The quarantine officer reads the microchip and checks it against the documents.
✨ If there are no deficiencies, it is an emotional reunion!
The moment when all your hard work pays off. A new life with your precious family is about to begin.
STEP 5: [Professionals warn] "The biggest pitfall" when leaving Japan that 99% people do not know about.
❗ Warning from PetAir: finish preparations for your return "before you leave"!
If you plan to return to Japan in the future for a short-term assignment or trip,Before leaving Japan, please be sure to complete up to STEP 4 (4) "Rabies Antibody Titer Test".
Failure to do so will result in having to start preparations from scratch overseas when you return home,A 180-day waiting period will be imposed.
I got a company offer, but I can't go back home because of my pet..."
This is a consultation with us toMost common cry of distressIt is.
The following article explains about returning to Japan.
STEP 6: [Cost and Airlines] Only an expert knows how to make a wise choice.
Realistic cost breakdown
Microchip, vaccines, antibody titer testing, and certification
Varies depending on pet size and route
Mooring fees for up to 180 days
The total cost is approximately 30,000 to 60,000 yen just to prepare the documents, and more than 100,000 yen in total if airfare is included. If the vessel is moored, be prepared to spend an additional 500,000 yen or more.
Zero mooring risk with the right preparation results in the greatest savingswill be
Three ironclad rules for choosing an airline
- Reservations for pets are a top priority.
Make sure you have a slot for your pet onboard before a seat for a human. During peak season, seats may fill up months in advance. - Be careful with short-headed breeds.
Many airlines stop transporting French Bulldogs and other dogs with flat noses during the summer. Check with the airline directly as soon as possible. - Cabin or Cargo
Japanese-affiliated companies often allow cargo rooms, while foreign-affiliated companies allow guest rooms with conditions. Select your pet in consideration of its personality and physical condition.
The following article provides more information on pet-friendly airlines.
Summary: Three absolute rules to protect your future with your beloved pet.
Finally, I will condense the most important points of this long article into three.If you follow this, your pet transportation is as good as a success.
- Law 1: Time is your greatest ally (thorough planning for your route).
The cause of failure in animal quarantine is lack of preparation.Minimum 8 months for "Route B" and 3 months for "Route A".is required.Today is the day to start your preparation.
- Law 2: Abandon self-judgment and take official information as absolute.
The slightest carelessness on the part of the traveler can lead to stranding at the airport. The rules are absolute. Always.Official website of the Animal Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesPlease check the
- Law 3: "Prepare for your return home before you leave" is the watchword.
I can say this out loud because I am an expert,The Biggest SecretsIt is. If there is even a 1% possibility of returning to Japan in the future,Antibody titer testing must be completed in Japan.This one step will save you and your pet in the future.
I want to fly with my pet, but where do I start preparing?" Is my pet going to be okay?" These worries are solved! Our international transportation experts provide easy-to-understand explanations on flight preparation, airline selection, and precautions on the day of the flight to ensure the safety of your pet. Don't give up on bringing your dog in the cabin! PetAirJPN will help you make it happen. Travel with peace of mind.
Now it's your turn. Best of luck on your journey with us.
Thank you for reading this far; I hope you now have a clear understanding of the difference between the two routes and what needs to be done.
If you have anyMight be hard to do on your own."I want it double-checked by a professional."If you feel that you are not alone, please do not worry alone.There will be no unreasonable sales pressure just because you consulted with us.
What we offer is more than just procedural representation.Peace of mind" to start a new life with your precious family in the best possible manner.It is.
Back up your information and get "peace of mind" for free.
PetAir will do its best to support your best first step.
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