Traveling Abroad with Your Pet! A Complete Guide from Preparation to How to Spend Your Time There

You want to go abroad with your pet or follow your dog on an overseas assignment. How can we make such dreams come true?Advance preparation and reliable supportThe following is a brief overview of the requirements for international travel with your precious family pet. By completing the necessary documents and quarantine procedures in Japan and each country, complying with airline regulations, and preparing the living environment in the destination country, you can ensure smooth international travel with your precious family pet.

Here is a "Complete Guide to Traveling Abroad with Pets," assuming dogs are the main focus.

This article is based on our extensive experience in supporting international pet transportation.PetAirJPNThe following is a summary of our findings. Please read to the end to ensure that your overseas trip or stay with your pet is safe and comfortable.

About PetAirJPN

I want to take my precious family abroad, but the procedures seem so difficult..."

Do you have such concerns? PetAirJPNis a company specializing in total support for you and your pet's overseas travel and immigration. We help you and your pet to go abroad with peace of mind by taking care of complicated procedures and paperwork on your behalf.

Three reasons why customers choose us

1. Pet safety is our top priority.We offer the best plan for each animal and provide the least stressful transportation method.

2. Staff with expertiseSupported by professionals who are familiar with the latest regulations and airline standards in each country

3. Detailed follow-upWe will accompany you and your pet from pre-departure preparation to post-arrival so that you can travel with your pet without anxiety.

Main Services

– Departure and entry quarantine procedures on behalf of the clientSupporting smooth entry and departure from Japan by handling complicated application procedures on behalf of the client
– Preparation of necessary documents and application supportPrepare professional documents such as: English health certificates, import/export permit applications, etc.
– Pre-departure counselingThe best plan for your pet's condition and destination
– Transportation arrangements and local supportCoordination of all the necessary arrangements, from safe transportation to pick-up at the site

Myles.

I was also anxious when I first took my dog overseas, but PetAirJPN helped me with everything and was really helpful! I am especially glad that I left the English paperwork and communication with the quarantine office to the professionals.

Miley.

No matter what country you travel to, we will always be with you. we will support you and your pet on your precious journey. We can handle the complicated procedures that vary from country to country! First, please contact us for a free consultation.

Procedures for taking a dog abroad from Japan

If you are traveling abroad with a dog, the first step is toAnimal quarantine upon departure from Japanare required. If you ignore the necessary procedures, you risk not being able to leave the country at the airport on the same day.

Attachment of microchip

All traveling dogs must be microchipped in accordance with ISO standards (ISO11784/11785). The microchip number isIDand various certificates,Assumptions for all proceduresThe first two are the following.

Early fitting and veterinarian-issued certificateIt is important to ensure that the

Myles.

A microchip is like an "ID card" that identifies your pet. The fitting is done by a veterinarian and is almost painless. Without this chip, all subsequent procedures cannot proceed, so be sure to do this as a first step!

The following article explains microchipping in detail.

rabies vaccination

In most countries,Certificate of rabies vaccinationis required as an entry requirement. For the first vaccination, after vaccinationfixed period（In most cases, travel is possible after a lapse of 21 days (21 days, or 30 days, etc.).

In some countries, even a second vaccination may be required, or additional vaccines and parasite prophylaxis may be required.Regulations in each countryand be sure to note the timing of the vaccination and the expiration date of the certificate.

The following article explains more about the rabies vaccine.

Obtaining health certificates

Before departure,family veterinarianThe dog will then undergo a medical examination by a health professional and obtain a health certificate in English (or the language specified by the destination country) stating that the dog is free from various infectious diseases. After that, the dog will be checked at the airport'squarantine station for animalsThe health certificate is submitted to the export inspection conducted by the "Export Quarantine Certificate" and a "Export Quarantine Certificate" is issued as the final step.

Inadequate documentation does not allow departure from the countryPast vaccination and medical history should also be organized, as it may be

Issue of Export Quarantine Certificate

Make an appointment at the animal quarantine station at the airport where you plan to leave Japan, and have a final inspection on the day of travel or just before. If there are no health problems,Export Quarantine Certificate(Export Quarantine Certificate) will be issued and you will be allowed to board the plane.

Documents must be original (original)Be sure to bring it with you. You will often be asked to present it at your destination, so it is a good idea to have a copy ready as well.

Importing Country Requirements: Differences by Country

Entry requirements for each country vary widely, so it is essential to check the requirements for each destination. Here are some examples of major countries and regions.

United States of America (USA)

Japan is treated as a rabies-free country,rabies vaccination certificateIn principle, if you present your health certificate or health certificate, you can enter the country without quarantine quarantine.

However,Additional provisions by stateand checks may be required. Areas such as Hawaii and Guam, which are rabies-free, require particularly strict quarantine procedures.

When I traveled with my dog to Los Angeles, USA, I was surprised to find that each state had different rules. Thanks to my advance research, I was able to enter the country without any problems, but I realized that I should prepare ahead of time.

Hawaii and Guam are described in detail in the following articles.

EU countries (Europe)

MicrochippingLater, rabies vaccine and proof of rabies vaccination.Health Certificate in EU standardized formListed in.

In many countries, rabies antibody titer testing is not usually required for direct travel from Japan, but in the United Kingdom and other countries, rabies antibody titer testing is not required for direct travel from Japan.Echinococcus Controlis additionally required in some cases.

Australia

in the worldStrictest quarantine systemOne of the countries that lay

Japan is recognized as a relatively low-risk country, though,Rabies antibody titer testPreparation is essential for a wide variety of tests, including parasitology and other parasitological tests.

After entering the country, a minimum of 10 daysquarantine at mooringis mandatory.

Air travel: airline support and crate selection

When traveling abroad with your dog, you will generally fly. To ensure safe and comfortable air travel, it is important to understand the airline's regulations and crate requirements.

Airline Pet Policy

– Checked as checked baggage: Many international flights have a system to allow pets to be checked in the cargo hold. Advance reservations are required and additional fees are often charged.

– Carry-on (in-cabin): Some foreign airlines allow small dogs to be carried in the cabin. There are detailed requirements such as weight and carry-on size, so please check in advance if applicable.

– Restrictions on short-horse breeds: Some airlines restrict the transportation of short-breed dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs during certain periods (e.g., summer months) due to respiratory risks.

Myles.

Short-breed dogs (such as pugs and bulldogs) are restricted by many airlines from being transported during the summer months due to the risk of breathing problems during flight. If you have such a breed of dog, special care should be taken!

IATA standard crate preparation

The crate isInternational Air Transport Association (IATA) RegulationsThe product must conform to the

The dog must meet requirements for strength, ventilation, and locking functions, and the dog must be able toI stand up and my head doesn't hit the ground running.Size is ideal.

Because crate selection is directly related to the safety of your pet,Proven manufacturer's productand familiarize your pet with it to facilitate the process.

Checkpoints for the day

– Dietary and fluid managementAvoid feeding large amounts of food just before boarding, and keep meals light. Make sure your pet has plenty of water, but avoid spills in the crate.

– Excretion and Exercise: Taking a walk beforehand to eliminate waste and making them moderately tired will help reduce stress during the flight.

– Allow plenty of time for check-in procedures.: It often takes longer for passengers with pets to complete procedures than for regular passengers. Arrive at the airport early and make a final check at the airline counter.

The crate is explained in more detail in the following article.

How to spend your time locally: Tips for a comfortable trip

Make sure that your dog has a stress-free environment after arriving safely at your overseas destination.

Selecting Accommodations

Pet FriendlyChoose a hotel or private accommodation that is

At check-in, reconfirm "pet-allowed rooms" and "rules for moving around the building". Some rooms may require a pet fee or deposit, so it is best to understand the details at the reservation stage.

When I traveled with my dog to Europe, I researched pet-friendly hotels in advance, but was surprised to learn that there was an additional fee. When making a hotel reservation, be sure to inform the hotel that you will be traveling with your pet and confirm whether or not there is an additional charge.

Food & Fluid

Sudden changes in food can cause diarrhea and loss of appetite.Bring your regular dog foodIf you want to transition them to a local food while acclimating them to it, switch gradually.

As for water, local tap water may not suit your needs. If you are traveling for a short period of time, try toCommercial mineral water (soft water)It is safe to give the

Walking/Exercise

DestinationObligation to wear a leadand areas off limits to dogs,Local RulesTake a walk while observing the following.

Dog runs, parks, dog cafes, etc,A place where pets can relaxIt is smooth to find out in advance whether there are any

Emergency Preparedness

We also expect you to go to a veterinary clinic in your destination country,24-hour veterinary informationMake a note of the following

As a lost-and-found measure, your dog will not only have contact information in Japan,Local accommodation contact and email addressIt is also recommended to wear a lost child tag that states

Miley.

Because of the language barrier overseas, it is important to check veterinary hospital information in advance in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to take note of simple English phrases such as "Pet Emergency" and "My dog needs help" that you can use when you are in trouble!

Procedures and precautions when returning home

Even when re-entering Japan after an enjoyable time abroad,Animal Quarantine Procedures in JapanIt is necessary to prepare based on the following

advance notification

At least 40 days before you plan to return to your home country, contact the airport that has jurisdiction over the airport you will be entering.Prior notification to the animal quarantine stationSubmit the

Required documents include,Health certificate obtained locallyand rabies vaccination certificates. If the advance notification is approved, the quarantine station will issue a "Notification Acceptance Certificate".

Rabies antibody test and waiting period

Japan is a rabies-free country,Smooth re-entryhas two rabies vaccinations after being microchipped, andAntibody titer test...180-day wait is a key requirement.

Insufficient quarantine isolation for up to 180 days may occur,Preparation for returning home before departure, even for short tripsIt is safe to do so.

Once when I went abroad with my dog, I did not check the quarantine conditions for returning home beforehand, and we had to be quarantined in Japan for a long period of time. It was really hard to say goodbye to my dog. Please make sure to check the conditions before you leave Japan and when you return to your home country.

Flow on the day of entry into Japan

Upon arrival, go directly to the animal quarantine station at the airport to present your documents and have your pet actually inspected.

If the waiting period and documentation are in order, the quarantine is usually lifted in a few hours and you can return home with your pet.

The following article explains in detail the process of returning to Japan.

Unique support from PetAirJPN

Taking your pet abroad requires a lot of formalities and preparation, but that's where we come in.Smooth supportPetAirJPN is the one that does it for you.

PetAirJPN's staff has a wealth ofInternational Transportation Resultsand constantly updatedLatest import/export regulationsWe are well versed in the following. If you are not comfortable with the procedures yourself or are too busy to prepare, please consult with our experts.

Miley.

We at PetAirJPN provide detailed support so that pets and their owners can live overseas with peace of mind. Our staff, who are well versed in the latest regulations and airline requirements of each country, will propose a plan tailored to each and every pet!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the necessary procedures for "Traveling Abroad with Pets"?

A: A Microchipping, rabies vaccination, and health certificates must be obtained. Finally, the animal should undergo an export inspection at the animal quarantine station and obtain an "export quarantine certificate.

If there are additional documents required by the destination country (e.g., import permits), we recommend that you start preparing as soon as possible.

Q2: Is it better to carry-on or check-in in the cargo compartment?

A: A It depends on the airline's regulations. Most international flights of Japanese airlines are treated as cargo holds, but some foreign airlines allow small dogs in the cabin.

Select an appropriate method based on the size, breed, and health of your pet.

Q3. I am worried that my dog will be stressed on a long flight.

A: A Crate selection and prior familiarization are key. It is a good idea to make the crate a comfortable place on a regular basis and to exercise it moderately on the day of boarding to get it settled.

If you are concerned, consult a professional support like PetAirJPN.

Q4: Do I need to go through quarantine when I return home?

A: A Yes, we have a rabies quarantine in place. Japan has a strict rabies quarantine in place and import quarantine is mandatory. In particular, failure to comply with requirements such as rabies antibody titer testing and a 180-day waiting period risks a lengthy airport quarantine.

Even on short trips, be prepared for when you return home.

Q5. What are the advantages of using PetAirJPN?

A: A Since professional procedural support is provided based on the latest information, risks such as incomplete documents and quarantine refusals can be greatly reduced. Support is available in areas that cannot be covered by individuals, such as optimization of transport routes and handling of troubles should they occur.

Other Q&A can be found at the following link.

Summary: To enjoy more time abroad with your pet

Time spent abroad with your dog will be an irreplaceable memory. However, careful preparation is necessary to comply with the strict quarantine requirements and airline rules of each country.

Microchippingand ... andrabies vaccineIn addition to basic steps such as the following, detailed country-specific requirements must also be met.

When returning to Japan, there is also a risk of long-term quarantine at the airport if you do not understand Japanese quarantine procedures (antibody titer test and notification) in advance.

So there,PetAirJPNWith the help of a professional support company such as ANA, you will be able to complete a wide range of paperwork, coordinate with the airline, and even get assistance once you arrive.one-stop serviceIt is possible to leave the work to us at

We encourage you to utilize the help of professionals so that the safety and health of your pets, your precious family members, can be your top priority and their owners can feel safe and secure on foreign soil.

Take your pets with you to the world! Pet Friendly Airlines Ranking TOP 15 - PetAir JPN [Official] - Support for Pets Traveling and Moving Overseas

Travel abroad with your dog or cat! Compare 15 airlines from around the world that accept pets in the cabin or cargo hold. Detailed explanations of pet policies, fees, pet breeds accepted, weight restrictions, and special services of American Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, and other airlines. Full of useful information for planning travel with pets!

Support

– Request a free counseling or estimateis now being accepted.
- Please feel free to contact us through our official line.
- Together, we can achieve fulfilling time abroad with your dog!

Myles.

Traveling abroad with your pet can be difficult to prepare for, but it will be a wonderful memory. If you have any concerns, please consult with an expert. We will support you and your pet's wonderful life abroad!

References

1. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Taking Dogs and Cats Overseas (Animal Quarantine)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Bringing an Animal into the United States
3. European Commission: Travel with Pets (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) to the EU
4. Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources: Bringing cats and dogs to Australia
5. International Air Transport Association (IATA): Traveler's Pet Corner