Last Updated: August 7, 2026
Transporting Pets from Japan to Taiwan: What Should You Know First?
Japan is classified as a “rabies-free country” in Taiwan, and as long as preparations are made in accordance with the prescribed procedures, a rabies antibody titer test is not required (Source: Official Documents from the Taiwan Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Agency (APHIA)(as of July 2026). Please be sure to check the latest classifications and requirements using official information from the Taiwanese authorities. However, you must obtain both the import permit from Taiwan and the export quarantine certificate from Japan.
Three Basic Points to Keep in Mind First
- Since Japan is classified as a "rabies-free country" under Taiwan's regulations,Rabies antibody titer testing is not required. However, there are requirements such as microchipping, rabies vaccination, and the period the animal must have been kept in a rabies-free country; please refer to the official documents for details on these requirements.
- It’s important to prepare early. The “Import Permit (Import Consent Form)” from Taiwan must be obtained at least 20 days before the scheduled shipment date, and the export quarantine inspection in Japan must be completed within 10 days of departure.
- Bried-nosed breeds are subject to strict acceptance restrictions by airlines, andPeach Airlines does not handle the transport of dogs and cats.. Be sure to check directly before making a reservation.
The latest requirements areOfficial Documents from the Taiwan Agency for Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (APHIA)andJapan's Animal Quarantine ServicePlease be sure to check this.
It must comply with the rules of both Taiwan and Japan.
To bring a pet to Taiwan, you must comply with both Taiwan’s import requirements and Japan’s export procedures. You cannot enter the country if you meet only one of these requirements.
Main Rules on the Taiwan Side
- Microchip Implantation (ISO Standard)
- Rabies Vaccination
- Obtain an “Import Permit (Import Approval Letter)” in advance from the Taiwan Agency for Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (APHIA) (Source: Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan(as of July 2026)
- Since Japan is classified as a rabies-free country, rabies antibody testing is not required (Source: Official APHIA Materials from Taiwan(as of July 2026)
Main Rules on the Japanese Side
- Animal Quarantine ServiceThen, undergo an export inspection to obtain an “Export Quarantine Certificate”
- Applications for inspections must be submitted via NACCS (an online system for animal quarantine-related procedures) at least 14 days prior to the desired date.
- The export quarantine itself must be conducted within 10 days of departure.
- Exporting goods without undergoing quarantine constitutes a violation of the law and may result in penalties. Please contact the Animal Quarantine Station for details on the applicable laws and penalties.
These two rules are separate, and meeting only one of them is not sufficient. You can travel only after obtaining both the import permit from Taiwan and the export quarantine certificate from Japan.
The "rearing period in a clean country" requirement—a condition that’s easy to overlook
Be careful with animals that have just arrived in Japan
The Taiwanese side'sOfficial Documents from the Agency for Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (APHIA)The regulations specify the length of time that animals intended for export must have been continuously raised in a disease-free country (such as Japan) (as of July 2026).The terms and conditions vary depending on the individual's circumstances.Therefore, if you have recently arrived in Japan from abroad or plan to travel to Taiwan for a short stay, it is important to check with the Taiwan Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Agency (APHIA) as soon as possible—either through their official materials or by contacting their office—to confirm whether you can meet these requirements.
What is the process for procedures and preparations? (Overall Schedule)
We will proceed with preparations in the following order, keeping in mind the deadlines for both Taiwan’s import permit and Japan’s export quarantine. For details and the latest information on each procedure,Official Documents from the Taiwan Agency for Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (APHIA)andJapan's Animal Quarantine ServicePlease be sure to check this.
Start Preparations (Get a Head Start)
We will verify the latest regulations from Taiwan and implant an ISO-compliant microchip.
Rabies vaccination (administered between 30 days prior to the scheduled transport date and within the past year)
You will receive an inactivated vaccine. You must be at least 90 days old (Source: Official APHIA Materials from Taiwan(Last checked: July 2026). Be sure to check the official documents for the latest requirements.
At least 20 days before shipment: Apply for an import permit (most important)
Submit an application online or by mail to the Taiwan Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Agency to obtain an “Import Permit (Import Approval)” (Source: Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan(Last checked: July 2026). Please refer to the latest official guidelines for application procedures and required documents.
Booking airline tickets and transportation space
Reserve a space for your pet at the same time you book your own flight ticket. Please check the acceptance conditions for brachycephalic breeds in advance.
Up to 14 days before the desired inspection date: Application for export inspection
Japan'sAnimal Quarantine ServiceSubmit the “Export Inspection Application” via NACCS. Please check the Animal Quarantine Service’s official website for the latest application requirements.
Within 10 days of departure: Export quarantine
Have your pet undergo export quarantine at an Animal Quarantine Station and receive an “Export Quarantine Certificate.” Please check the Animal Quarantine Station’s official website for details.
Day of Departure: Check-in
Submit all the necessary documents at the airline counter at the airport.
Upon Arrival in Taiwan: Quarantine Counter
You will be required to submit documents and undergo a health screening. If there are no issues with your documents or health status, you can clear customs without undergoing long-term quarantine. Since actual quarantine measures vary depending on individual circumstances, please check the latest guidelines from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (Source: Official APHIA Materials from Taiwan(Verified July 2026).
What is the approximate cost?
If you handle the procedures yourself, you’ll incur costs for various items, ranging from microchipping to airfare. Since prices vary significantly depending on the veterinary clinic, airline, and time of year, it’s difficult to provide a standard estimate for the total cost. Please use the table below as a reference to get an idea of the breakdown of costs. For details on the export quarantine procedures themselves,Animal Quarantine ServiceYou can check this on the official website.
| Items | Cost Trends | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip implantation | It varies by veterinary clinic | Please check with the veterinary clinic in advance. |
| rabies vaccination | It varies by veterinary clinic | Please check with the veterinary clinic in advance. |
| Issuance of health certificates and medical certificates | Varies depending on the hospital and the number of required documents | In some cases, multiple certificates may be required. |
| Airfare (checked baggage) | Varies by airline and weight | Please check with each company when making a reservation. |
| Transport Crate | Varies by size and specifications | Compliant with the standards established by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) |
| Fees Charged by the Local Contact in Taiwan | Subject to change | This may occur at the local service counter (please confirm). |
Actual costs vary depending on the veterinary clinic, airline, and time of year, so please check with each provider directly for exact amounts. If you hire a company specializing in international pet transport to handle the procedures, an additional administrative fee will apply. Since the amount varies depending on the specifics of your request, please contact us for a free consultation.
Why not take a look at the breakdown of costs—even if it's just for an estimate?
Please let us know your destination and planned departure date.
Here is a summary of the necessary procedures and estimated costs.
What should you look for when comparing airlines?
There are only a limited number of airlines that allow dogs and cats on flights to Taiwan. In particular, brachycephalic breeds may not be accepted at all depending on the season or aircraft type, so it is essential to check directly with the airline before making a reservation.
| Airlines | Transport Method | Short-horse handling | remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Airlines | Checked baggage (cargo compartment) | For routes to Taiwan, Northeast Asia, and China, bookings are accepted only in January, February, March, and December. | Pets are not allowed in the cabin. On certain aircraft, pets may not be accepted in the cargo hold due to temperature control requirements. Please check the official website for a list of affected aircraft. Certain dog breeds, such as fighting breeds, are not permitted for transport. (Source: China Airlines official website; verified July 2026) |
| EVA Air | Checked baggage (cargo compartment) | Bookings are not accepted for departure and arrival points in the Northern Hemisphere from April 1 through November 30 (for departure and arrival points in the Southern Hemisphere, from October 1 through March 31). | Only service dogs for people with disabilities are permitted in the cabin. General pets are not allowed in the cabin. |
| Peach | — | — | We do not accept pets—including dogs and cats—as either carry-on or checked baggage. |
Some airlines, such as Peach, do not offer pet transport services for dogs and cats. When considering flights to Taiwan, be sure to check each airline’s official website before booking to confirm whether they accept dogs and cats. It’s also important to note that there are seasonal restrictions on accepting brachycephalic breeds. Since flight schedules and acceptance conditions are subject to change, please be sure to check the latest information on each airline’s official website before booking. If you’d like to learn more about international flight policies for brachycephalic breeds,Summary of Airline Restrictions on Brachycephalic BreedsPlease see this as well.
What are some common mistakes and things to watch out for?
What are the key points to keep in mind when making preparations?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary
Transporting a pet from Japan to Taiwan involves a lot of steps, but if you follow the proper order and take it one step at a time, you’ll find a way. The key is to allow plenty of time for preparation, verify details accurately based on official information, and not try to handle everything on your own.
If you'd like to learn more about airline policies regarding brachycephalic breeds,Summary of International Flight Guidelines for Brachycephalic Breeds, Basic Information on the Rabies Vaccine isVaccine Explanatory ArticlePlease see the following as well.
🐾 Shipping Pets to Taiwan: Start with a Free Consultation
Please let us know your destination, desired departure date, and pet situation.
A summary of the required procedures and deadlines will be provided.
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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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