Conclusion: Preparation should begin at least 6-8 months prior to travel.Schedules are critical, especially for immigration to countries that require rabies antibody titer testing (titer test).
What this article will tell you
Required Procedures and Documents
From microchips to quarantine certificates, what you need, organized by country
Preparation Schedule
Timeline of what needs to be done months before travel
How to choose an airline
Cat shipping conditions, carry-on vs. cargo and what to look out for
Preparation for local living
Coverage of veterinary clinics, pet supplies, and stress management
Three important points to check first
Once you have decided to emigrate abroad, you should first make sure that you have the following three things in place. These three are the starting point for all preparations:
Preparation Schedule|Timeline
The biggest question is "what to do and when." Especially if you are traveling to a country that requires a titer inspection,At least 8 months in advanceWe need to start moving from the
More than 8 months before departure: Basic Preparation
- Check the import requirements of the destination country (consult with official authorities and PetAirJPN)
- Microchip installed (if not installed)
- Microchips registered in Japan (Ministry of the Environment database, etc.)
- 1st rabies vaccination
7 months before departure: Vaccine and examination
- Second dose of rabies vaccine (at least 30 days after the first dose)
- Other necessary vaccinations (e.g., mixed vaccines)
- Tentative airline and flight reservations (pet slots are available as soon as possible)
6 months before departure: Titer inspection and document preparation
- Rabies titer test (antibody titer test) * 30 days after the second vaccine
- Test result confirmed to be 0.5 IU/ml or higher
- Application for import permit to the destination country (only for countries that require it)
- Begin preparing and breaking in IATA compliant crates (cages)
3 months before departure: Obtaining documents and making various arrangements
- Obtain an English health certificate (ask your veterinarian)
- Obtain official seal confirmation and apostille if necessary
- Booking for export inspection to animal quarantine station (Animal Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
- Confirmation of local acceptance (list of pet-friendly properties and veterinary clinics)
- Flight reservations and confirmation of pet slots
1 month before departure: Final confirmation
- Final check of document expiration date and description
- Final confirmation of export inspection (animal quarantine station) at departure airport
- Finishing crate training
- Secure local veterinary clinic and emergency contacts
Departure day: Airport and export inspection
- Microchip verification and export inspection at animal quarantine station
- Present a set of documents (health certificates, vaccine certificates, titer test results, etc.)
- Pet reception at airline counters
- Set sufficient water and waterer in crate
List of Required Documents and Conditions
| Documents and Conditions | Contents | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip Certification | ISO 11784/11785 standard (15 digits) | Fitting precedes all procedures. |
| rabies vaccine certificate | Date of inoculation, lot number, and expiration date | Valid for inoculations given after microchip installation |
| Health Certificate (in English) | Issued by a veterinarian. Government certification required depending on destination. | Note the expiration date (most are within 10 days). |
| Rabies Titer Test Results | Pass with 0.5 IU/ml or more | Required in many countries including EU, NZ, AU, Hawaii, etc. |
| export inspection certificate | Issued by the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | Same-day inspection and acquisition at departure airport |
| Import Permit / Permit | Pre-issued by destination authorities | Required in Hawaii, Guam, Singapore, etc. |
| Mixed Vaccine Certificate | Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, etc. | Different destinations require different types of |
Want to know which documents you need now?
Tell us your destination, cat type, and schedule, and we will provide you with the necessary documents and procedures free of charge.
Main differences by country and case
Requirements vary greatly depending on the destination. The following is a summary of the characteristics of typical countries and regions.
U.S.A. (mainland)
- Microchip required
- Rabies vaccine required (requirements vary by state)
- No prior CDC application is required for cats (new rules after August 2024 primarily apply to dogs).
- Health certificate required within 10 days prior to flight
Hawaii and Guam
- Very strict regulations due to rabies-free zone
- Titer test required (>0.5 IU/ml)
- Waiting period of at least 120 days after inspection (Hawaii)
- Prior Entry Permit required.
- Airport quarantine upon arrival is available.
EU countries
- Microchip -> rabies vaccine -> 21 day waiting period required.
- Titer inspection is required for entry from third countries (including Japan)
- EU Health Certificate (English and destination language)
- Note new rules after April 22, 2026: check for updates
United Kingdom
- After leaving the EU, apply your own import rules
- Microchip and rabies vaccine required
- Titer inspection required (treated as third country)
- UK government-approved health certificates required.
Australia/NZ
- Strictest quarantine system in the world
- There is a period of mooring at a quarantine facility after arrival (10 days to several weeks)
- Titer test, multiple vaccinations, parasite testing, etc. required.
- A minimum of 12 months of preparation is recommended.
Singapore/Hong Kong
- Prior import permit required.
- Rabies vaccine proof required
- Quarantine upon arrival (depends on country and situation)
- It can take several weeks from application to permit.
Transporting Cats by Air: Options and Precautions
There are two main transportation methods: "carry-on (cabin)" and "baggage/cargo transport. Please choose the most stressful and safe method for your cat.
| Transport Method | terms | Advantages and Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on (cabin) | Weight 5-8 kg or less (including case), many soft cases | The owner can stay close by. However, routes and number of seats are limited, and early reservations are required. |
| Baggage and Cargo Transportation (Cargo) | Hard cage required per IATA standards, temperature-controlled cargo hold | Large and heavy cats are here. Long hours are hard on cats. Water and feeding measures required. |
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Cases where consulting PetAirJPN is easier.
So much paperwork, I don't know where to start.
Organize all required documents, order of acquisition, and deadlines.
Complex import requirements for destination countries
Check the latest requirements for each country and accompany them to ensure that there are no deficiencies.
I want to schedule accurately.
Design an overall schedule for vaccines, testing, documentation, and quarantine appointments
I'm not sure which airline or route to choose.
Suggest the best option for your cat's transport conditions and destination.
Move abroad with your cat, start with a free consultation.
Just tell us where you are going, what kind of cat, and when you plan to depart, and we will provide you with an estimate of the necessary procedures and costs. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.


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