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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When Traveling Abroad with Your Pet
50 Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve organized the information you’ll want to know before consulting with us—from the preparation period, quarantine, required documents, flights, and costs to your return to Japan—by search intent.

Starting with the topic you want to know about,
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This answer reflects general guidelines. Actual conditions vary depending on the country of departure, the country of arrival, the animal species, the time of year, and the airline.

Last Updated: July 2026
01

Consultation and Preparation Period

When should I start consulting with you?

The time required varies significantly depending on your destination. Since some trips may require several months or more of preparation, please contact us as soon as possible once you have a general idea of your destination and the approximate travel dates.

Can I get advice even if my travel dates or flight tickets haven't been decided yet?

Yes. Once we know the candidate countries and the approximate timeframe, we can organize the necessary checks and estimate the preparation period.

Can I seek consultation from anywhere in Japan or overseas?

Yes. We can conduct initial consultations and provide guidance on the process online. For matters that require in-person meetings or travel, we will confirm the location and details and provide individual guidance.

Can I still make a reservation even if I don't have much time before departure?

First, please provide us with the departure country, destination country, desired travel dates, and your pet’s information. We will let you know whether we can accommodate your request after confirming quarantine requirements, testing procedures, and airline availability.

How long does it take to prepare?

This varies depending on the country, animal species, vaccination history, testing, and transit points. Since the process can be completed in a few weeks in some cases but may take several months or longer in others, we do not provide a standard timeframe.

Where can I schedule an online consultation?

Please open our official LINE account and make a reservation by selecting “Schedule an Online Consultation” from the Rich Menu. You can also send general inquiries via our official LINE account.

What should I tell them during my first consultation?

Please let us know the countries of departure and arrival, the approximate travel dates, the breeds, ages, and number of dogs and cats, and whether you have already booked flights or undergone any required health inspections. You do not need to provide sensitive information, such as passport numbers, during the initial consultation.

02

Services and Scope of Responsibility

What kinds of pet travel abroad can I consult about?

We are available to consult with you regarding round-trip travel from Japan to overseas destinations and from overseas to Japan. We will provide individualized guidance on whether we can accommodate your request after confirming the animal species, country, travel dates, and airline requirements.

Does PetAir prepare and submit the application documents?

PetAir does not prepare or submit documents to government agencies. If administrative procedures or legal determinations are required, we will refer you to a qualified professional, such as a certified administrative scrivener, and clearly define the scope of our responsibilities on a case-by-case basis.

Can I get advice on NACCS procedures as well?

Yes. We can discuss how to organize the necessary information and the process moving forward. If you require assistance with administrative procedures—such as preparing and submitting application documents—we will refer you to a qualified professional, such as a certified administrative scrivener.

Can you handle all the communication with the airline and the veterinary clinic?

A dedicated representative will handle your inquiries and provide updates regarding PetAir, but we may ask you to handle tasks such as confirming details with airlines, making reservations, or taking your pet to the veterinarian. We will let you know in advance who is responsible for each task.

Can I request assistance with just some of the procedures?

We will review the situation and your specific requirements before providing guidance. If responsibilities are divided among multiple parties, we will clearly define the roles of PetAir, the customer, and any experts or partners prior to signing the contract.

Can the entire process be completed online?

While consultations and information sharing can be conducted online, there are certain steps—such as veterinary examinations, obtaining original documents, and airport procedures—that cannot be completed online alone.

Can I discuss corporate overseas assignments and multiple projects?

Yes. We also handle inquiries from corporations regarding matters such as the travel arrangements for pets accompanying expatriate employees and their families. We will review the number of pets, the travel dates, and your company’s reimbursement policies, and then advise you on the best course of action.

03

Fees, Estimates, and Contracts

Are consultations and quotes free?

Yes. The initial consultation and estimate are free. After reviewing the terms, we will provide you with the support fees and estimated out-of-pocket expenses before you sign the contract.

What are the costs involved in shipping a pet overseas?

In addition to the support fee, you may be required to pay actual expenses for examinations, vaccinations, certificates, airfare, crates, quarantine, veterinary care, and local partners. We will provide a detailed breakdown in a customized quote.

When will I know the exact total amount?

We will prepare a quote after confirming the countries of departure and arrival, the animal species and size, the number of animals, your preferred travel dates, and any required inspections or on-site arrangements. We will clearly indicate any items that may change later, such as airfare and exchange rates.

What payment methods are available?

We accept credit cards and bank transfers. Please review the payment schedule and terms of use along with your quote and contract details.

Are there any discounts for early bookings, repeat customers, or multiple pets?

Discounts may be available depending on certain conditions. Please check the pricing page and your individual quote for eligible base rates, whether discounts can be combined, and the terms and conditions.

What are the terms and conditions for rescheduling or canceling?

Change and cancellation fees vary depending on the terms of the contract and the status of your booking. Please review the terms and conditions before making a reservation. Separate regulations from airlines or partner companies may also apply.

04

Quarantine and Required Documents

Do the required documents vary by country?

Yes. It varies depending on the country of departure, country of arrival, animal species, transit points, travel dates, and other factors. We will compile the information by checking the latest updates from the relevant national authorities, the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the airline you are using.

What kinds of documents do you typically review?

We may need to verify health certificates, vaccination records, test results, and permits or notifications related to import and export. However, the required names, formats, and issuance dates vary by country.

Is a microchip required?

While microchipping is a requirement in many countries and regions, the standards, timing of implantation, and order of administration relative to vaccinations may vary. Please check the latest requirements for your destination before having the procedure performed at a veterinary clinic.

How many rabies shots are required?

The required number of doses, validity period, and vaccination schedule vary by country, region, and your pet’s vaccination history. Do not proceed based on your own judgment; please check the latest requirements with the authorities at your destination and the animal quarantine office.

Is a rabies antibody titer test necessary?

Whether testing is required, the timing of the blood draw, the designated testing facility, and the waiting period vary depending on your destination. Since the preparation process can take a long time if testing is required, it is important to check these details well in advance.

Where can I get a health certificate?

After confirming the requirements for your destination, have a veterinarian examine your pet and issue the necessary documentation. In some cases, there may be specific requirements regarding the format of the document, endorsement by a government agency, and the validity period.

What is a pet passport?

The meaning varies by country and region. Since the term can refer to official documents required by organizations such as the EU, or be used as a general term for a set of required documents, you should confirm the specific document names and requirements that are valid in your destination country.

Where can I find the latest information on quarantine requirements?

Please check with the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan, and with government agencies or embassies in the destination country, for information regarding the destination country. For transportation conditions, please refer to the official information provided by the airline you are using. Regulations are subject to change.

05

Airline, Flight, Crate

Do pets travel in the passenger cabin or the cargo hold?

This varies depending on the airline, route, the animal’s size and species, and the country’s regulations. Please check individually to determine whether the animal will travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo.

How long does it take to transport a pet internationally?

In addition to flight time, you’ll need to factor in the time required for check-in, connecting flights, customs, and baggage claim at the airport. This can vary significantly depending on whether you’re taking a direct flight or a connecting flight.

What should I keep in mind when taking a connecting flight?

You’ll need to check the rules regarding stopovers, layover times, pet policies, required documents, and seasonal restrictions. Compare the costs and conditions of the available routes.

What kind of crate should I get?

In accordance with the IATA Live Animals Regulations and other guidelines adopted by airlines, the carrier must provide sufficient space for pets to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, as well as adequate ventilation and structural strength. Please be sure to check the specific approval requirements of the airline you are using.

Can large dogs be shipped overseas?

We may be able to accommodate your request, but there are restrictions regarding the crate’s external dimensions, total weight, the equipment we can carry, and airport facilities. We will check whether your request can be accommodated by verifying the dog’s breed, weight, height, and length, as well as your desired route.

What about water and meals during the flight?

Policies regarding water and food vary by airline, route, and flight duration. Please follow the instructions of your regular veterinarian and the airline, including regarding the amount of food to feed before departure and any medication.

Is there ever a time when you can't fly in the summer or winter?

Depending on the temperature and the dog or cat breed, airlines may impose restrictions on check-in times and periods. Please check the temperatures at your departure, stopover, and arrival locations, as well as the latest transportation conditions.

06

Health, Safety, and Animal Welfare

Is the safety of air transport guaranteed?

Since this involves the transport of living creatures, we cannot guarantee safety or the feasibility of transport in all cases. We will assess the animal’s health, temperature, route, and the airline’s conditions, and consider options that minimize the stress of the journey.

Can brachycephalic breeds travel by plane?

Due to the strain on their breathing, brachycephalic breeds are subject to boarding restrictions depending on the airline and season. Please check the dog or cat breed, health condition, temperature, and flight route, and make your decision based on the advice of your veterinarian and the airline.

Can elderly pets, pets with pre-existing conditions, and pregnant pets travel?

Depending on your pet’s health, stage of pregnancy, and the airline’s regulations, travel may not be possible. Please consult your regular veterinarian first and confirm the medical certificates and requirements specified by the airline.

At what age can puppies and kittens travel?

The minimum age varies depending on a country’s entry requirements, the timing of vaccinations and tests, and airline regulations. We do not base our determination solely on the child’s age in months; instead, we verify the schedule from birth on a case-by-case basis.

What can you do to reduce the stress of traveling?

It is important to get your pet accustomed to the appropriate crate early on and to practice in a calm environment that closely resembles your pet’s daily routine. Please follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding meals, hydration, and overall health management.

Is it okay to use sedatives or medication?

Do not use this product without consulting a veterinarian. Always consult a veterinarian before using any medication, and be sure to check the regulations of your airline. There may be restrictions on transporting this product by air.

07

After Entering or Arriving in Japan

Can I also consult with you about returning to Japan from abroad?

Yes. We will confirm the preparations required by the country of departure and Japan’s animal quarantine requirements, and then work backward from the scheduled return date to outline the necessary steps.

Do I need to file a report before entering Japan?

Depending on the animal species and region of departure, advance notification, applications, or a quarantine period may be required. Please check the latest guidelines from the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and allow plenty of time to prepare.

Will I be quarantined after I arrive?

Quarantine periods and holding arrangements vary depending on whether you meet the required documentation and conditions. Please check the latest requirements at the animal quarantine station based on the country of departure, animal species, and your preparation status.

Where do I pick it up at the arrival airport?

The pickup locations and procedures vary depending on whether your items are carried as carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or cargo. Please follow the instructions provided by your airline, the airport, and the quarantine and customs authorities.

Who handles quarantine and customs clearance?

Quarantine and customs clearance procedures are carried out by government authorities or licensed experts and service providers in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country. PetAir organizes the necessary information and the process, and refers you to experts and partners as needed.

08

Multiple Pets and Special Cases

Can I travel with multiple pets at the same time?

We may be able to accommodate your request. We will check the number of animals, species, number of crates, and restrictions imposed by the airline and country of arrival, and determine on a case-by-case basis whether they can be loaded onto the same flight.

Can I consult with you about animals other than dogs and cats, such as birds, rabbits, and ferrets?

Regulations vary significantly depending on the combination of animal species and countries. Please provide us with the species name, country of origin, country of destination, and your desired travel dates, and we will confirm whether we can accommodate your request.

Is there a chance that an airline or quarantine office might determine that an item cannot be transported?

Yes. Depending on factors such as your health condition, temperature, equipment, documents, and national regulations, airlines or authorities may refuse to check you in or allow you to enter the country. The final decision rests with the airline or the authorities.

Can I ship my moving belongings and my pet together?

Pets require different quarantine and air transport procedures than regular household goods. While we can consider coordinating the schedule, the transport contract and procedures will be confirmed separately.

Make sure to use the latest firsthand information.

Quarantine, entry requirements, and airline regulations are subject to change. For individual travel plans, please check the official information below and the latest guidance from the authorities in your destination country.

Animal Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Government agencies, embassies, and other similar organizations in the destination countryOfficial Policies of the Airline You Are Using

If you can't find the question you're looking for,
Please contact us via our official LINE account.

The best way to contact us is through our official LINE account. To schedule an online consultation, please select “Schedule an Online Consultation” from the Rich Menu.

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