Last Updated: August 1, 2026
When considering moving abroad with a dog or cat over 10 years old, many pet owners worry, “Is it really safe to have them fly at this age?” It is true that international transport of senior pets can involve higher risks in some situations compared to younger pets. This article provides a comprehensive guide covering the basic quarantine requirements for senior dogs and cats, airline policies, a preparation timeline, estimated costs, and common mistakes along with how to avoid them.
Are there any special quarantine requirements for senior pets?
Under Japan’s animal quarantine regulations, no additional quarantine requirements are imposed solely on the basis of an animal’s age. This section outlines the basic requirements that apply to all animals returning to Japan from “areas other than designated regions.” Since entry requirements for your destination are determined by separate systems specific to each country or region, please be sure to check the official information provided by the authorities of your destination. Even if you meet these basic requirements, there may be cases where your pet’s actual health condition determines whether travel is permitted.
Basic Requirements (For Returning to Japan from Outside Designated Areas)
- Microchipping: Compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards
- rabies shot: Requires multiple doses and must be within the period of effective immunity
- Rabies antibody titer test: Conducted at a testing facility designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, with antibody titers confirmed to be at or above the standard threshold. The results are valid for two years from the date of blood collection.
- waiting period: You must arrive in Japan at least 180 days after the date of the blood draw for the rabies antibody test.
*The above requirements apply to travelers returning to Japan from “areas other than designated areas.” A different set of rules applies to travelers returning from areas designated by the Animal Quarantine Service (designated areas). Additionally, if you are required to undergo an antibody titer test on your own at your overseas destination, please note that the requirements regarding testing facilities and validity periods vary by the destination country’s authorities. Therefore, do not simply apply Japan’s requirements; be sure to check the latest information from the destination country’s authorities. (Source: Animal Quarantine Service, “Entry of Dogs and Cats into Japan (Non-Designated Areas),” verified August 2026)
Even if all quarantine requirements are met, the airline may refuse to allow your pet to board if it is determined that the pet’s health condition “cannot withstand long-distance travel.” For elderly pets, this health requirement is the biggest hurdle. The required quarantine conditions vary depending on the destination country’s entry requirements and which system (designated areas vs. non-designated areas) applies when returning to Japan. Whether your pet qualifies depends onAnimal Quarantine Office Designated Areas PageAfter checking the information here, be sure to also check the latest information from the authorities in your destination country.
How do airlines handle the transport of elderly pets?
Neither JAL nor ANA officially states in their regulations that they will uniformly deny boarding based on advanced age. However, there may be separate age requirements that must be met when checking in, so it is not the case that “there are absolutely no age-related conditions.” You may also be denied boarding if there are concerns about your health. Be sure to check the specific age requirements on each airline’s official website.
| airline company | Approximate Age Range | precautions |
|---|---|---|
| JAL | No specific age limit is stated | Checked baggage is accepted only in the cargo hold. Owners of puppies, senior dogs, and brachycephalic breeds—which are sensitive to heat—are advised to pay close attention to the timing and duration of transport. Restrictions specific to brachycephalic breeds include:Guide to Transporting Brachycephalic Breeds on International FlightsThis is explained there. |
| ANA | No specific age limit is stated | If there are concerns about your pet’s health, you may be refused transport. The carrier may not be liable for any injury or death during transport resulting from the pet’s own health condition. |
In other words, the reality is that “while pets aren’t automatically denied boarding simply because of their age, they may be denied depending on their age in months and health condition.” That is precisely why a veterinary certificate issued before travel is so important. Since airline regulations are subject to change, please check the latest requirements on each airline’s official website (JAL／ANA) (Please check the official JAL and ANA websites for the latest information; the table above is based on information verified on those sites in August 2026).
When should I start preparing for my trip?
For senior pets, since time is needed for a thorough health examination in addition to the basic quarantine requirements, it’s best to start preparing as early as possible for peace of mind. In particular, if you plan to return to Japan from outside a designated area and the process involves a rabies antibody test, you’ll need to allow for a waiting period of at least 180 days from the date of the blood draw.
Early in the preparation process: Check the entry requirements for your destination
Check the latest entry requirements on the official websites of the embassy and the quarantine authorities in your destination country.
Early in the preparation process: Microchipping and rabies vaccination
If your pet has not been microchipped or vaccinated, please follow the procedures outlined here. If you plan to return to Japan from a region other than a designated area, your pet must have a microchip that complies with ISO standards and must have received multiple doses of the rabies vaccine (a different system applies to returns from designated areas). Since requirements may vary depending on your destination, please proceed while taking into account the entry requirements for your destination, as confirmed in Step 1.
[Most Important] Comprehensive Health Checkup by Your Regular Veterinarian
You will undergo more thorough examinations than usual—including blood tests, X-rays, and electrocardiograms—so that experts can determine whether you are fit to endure a long-haul flight.
Rabies antibody titer test
Have your blood drawn at a designated testing facility to confirm that your antibody titer is at or above the reference range. The results are valid for two years from the date of the blood draw (a requirement for those returning to Japan from areas outside the designated regions). If your destination country requires a separate antibody titer test, the testing facilities and validity period requirements may differ, so please also check the information provided by the authorities in your destination country.
180 days or more from the date of the blood draw for the antibody test: Waiting period
You must arrive in Japan at least 180 days after the date of your blood draw (a requirement for returning to Japan from areas other than designated regions). Please take thorough care of your health during this period.
Airline Selection and Reservations
We will give priority to direct flights. Since layovers add to the burden, we will avoid them as much as possible.
Preparing Health Certificates and Medical Reports in English
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please provide a written statement in English detailing your condition, any medications you are taking, and any precautions to be taken during transport.
Up to 14 days before the desired inspection date: Application for export inspection
Use NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations) to apply for an export inspection at the animal quarantine office at the airport of departure.
Within 10 days prior to departure: Japanese export quarantine
Have your pet undergo a clinical examination at an animal quarantine station to obtain a Japanese export health certificate. Please also check the latest information from the authorities in your destination country, as some countries may have their own specific requirements regarding the validity period of health certificates (the number of days between the examination and entry).
(If you plan to return to Japan) Up to 40 days before your scheduled arrival date: Advance notification of your return
This is a separate procedure from the export inspection application. You must file a notification upon your return with the Animal Quarantine Station that has jurisdiction over the airport or seaport where you will arrive in Japan. For detailed requirements,Animal Quarantine Service, "Entry of Dogs and Cats into Japan (outside of designated areas)"You can check it on that page.
Day of Departure: Check-in
Check in at the airline counter. Be sure to double-check that you have all your documents before departure.
Please keep the application for an export inspection (due 14 days before the desired inspection date) and the advance notification for those planning to return to Japan (due 40 days before the expected arrival date) separate, as they are easy to confuse. For detailed deadlines and required documents for export inspections,Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats.", The requirements for advance notification upon returning to Japan areAnimal Quarantine Service, "Entry of Dogs and Cats into Japan (outside of designated areas)"You can check each of these on the respective pages (Source: Animal Quarantine Service; last checked August 2026).
How much does shipping cost?
The total cost is determined by a combination of factors, including examination fees, document preparation fees, the cost of the crate, airfare, and the specific transportation support services requested. Since costs can vary significantly depending on the veterinary clinic, airline, and the details of your request, we have provided approximate guidelines for each cost category below.
| Expense Category | Contents | Main Factors Affecting Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Microchipping | Performed when not installed | Varies by veterinary hospital |
| rabies shot | Receiving the Remaining Doses | Varies by number of doses and veterinary clinic |
| Rabies antibody titer test | Testing at a Designated Testing Facility | This varies by testing facility |
| Comprehensive Health Checkup | Blood tests, X-rays, electrocardiograms, etc. | Older pets tend to require more tests |
| Health Certificate and Medical Certificate in English | Preparation of English-Language Documents by a Veterinarian | May vary depending on whether you have any pre-existing conditions and the details provided |
| Crate (transportation cage) | Compliant with IATA-recommended crate requirements | Varies by size and material |
| Airfare (pet/international) | Fares Based on Pet Weight and Crate Size | Varies by route and weight |
| Request for Assistance with International Pet Transportation | Guidance on preparing documents, explanations of the application process, support with coordinating with airlines, and more | Varies depending on the scope of the request |
For details on quarantine-related procedures, such as microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and antibody titer testing, please seeOfficial Website of the Animal Quarantine ServiceYou can check it here (verified in August 2026).
An accurate estimate depends on your destination, departure date, your pet’s size, and whether your pet has any pre-existing conditions. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Common mistakes and cautions
When transporting elderly pets internationally, issues can arise that are rarely seen with younger pets. I’ll be honest with you.
During long-haul flights, changes in air pressure and temperature, as well as noise and vibration, can place a greater strain on older pets than you might imagine. Special care is required for pets with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or respiratory disorders, so please consult your regular veterinarian thoroughly before traveling to discuss the status of your pet’s condition and the risks associated with transport.
Although the cargo hold is climate-controlled, pets are exposed to outside temperatures while waiting on the ground or being transported to the aircraft. Older pets, whose ability to regulate body temperature is reduced, tend to be at higher risk than younger pets.
Anxiety about spending long periods of time in a dark cargo hold can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is not uncommon for older pets to take some time to adjust to their new environment after traveling.
If your documents are incomplete and you do not meet the quarantine requirements for your destination or upon returning to Japan, depending on the country and travel route, you may be subject to a long-term quarantine (isolation for quarantine purposes) at your destination or be sent back to your country of departure. If you do not meet the requirements upon returning to Japan, you may be subject to a quarantine inspection lasting up to 180 days (Animal Quarantine Service, verified August 2026). Since quarantine procedures and durations vary by country or region, it is essential to ensure you meet all requirements in advance. For elderly pets, this unplanned long journey can be a significant burden.
Sedatives can cause respiratory depression or a drop in blood pressure, so caution is required when using them during air travel.IATA (International Air Transport Association)We do not recommend its use either; please be sure to consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is necessary.
What measures can be taken to reduce risk?
While it's impossible to eliminate risk entirely, there are many ways to reduce it. Let's tackle them one by one, starting with what we can do.
Before deciding to travel, consult your regular veterinarian and have your pet undergo thorough examinations, such as blood tests, X-rays, and an electrocardiogram. If your pet has any pre-existing conditions, ask your veterinarian to provide an English-language medical certificate and information about any prescribed medications.
Prioritize direct flights, choose to travel during the milder seasons of spring and fall, and avoid traveling during the height of summer or winter as much as possible. Set up a water bowl to prevent dehydration. Since regulations regarding what can be placed inside the carrier (including whether everyday items such as towels and toys are allowed) and the recommended size vary by airline, be sure to check in advanceIATA Traveler’s Pet CornerBe sure to check the official information from the airline you're using.
From guidance on preparing the necessary documents to coordinating with the airline, consulting a pet shipping service provider can significantly reduce the burden on pet owners.
If your veterinarian determines that air travel poses a high risk, traveling by land or sea (such as by ferry) is another option. Since the level of stress caused by each mode of transportation varies greatly from animal to animal, we recommend consulting with your regular veterinarian to determine which method is most suitable.
Your domestic pet insurance policy may not necessarily cover medical expenses incurred overseas. Be sure to check the details of your policy with your insurance company and, if necessary, look into insurance options available at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following answers are based on the quarantine requirements and airline policies explained in this article, as well asOfficial Website of the Animal Quarantine ServiceThis information is based on data as of August 2026.
summary
It’s true that moving abroad with an older pet presents more challenges than with a younger one. However, please consider this not as a “reason to give up,” but as a “reason to prepare carefully.”
Key points of this article
- First, have the animal undergo a thorough examination by a veterinarian, and work with an expert to determine whether it can be transported.
- Take every possible precaution—such as direct flights, traveling during mild seasons, and crate training—and build on them one by one.
- If you find the process complicated, don't try to handle it all on your own—consult a professional.
PetAir is a service that provides guidance on preparing documents, explains the procedure flow, and assists with coordination with airlines. It does not guarantee the acquisition of import/export permits, flight confirmation, or your pet’s health. Treatment at veterinary clinics, vaccinations, and daily health management are the sole responsibility of the pet owner.
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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. Be sure to check the latest official information before traveling.
Reference Information and Sources
- Animal Quarantine Service Home Page: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/
- Animal Quarantine Service: Bringing Dogs and Cats into Japan (Excluding Designated Areas): https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/animal/dog/import-other.html
- Animal Quarantine Station: How to Export Dogs and Cats: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/animal/aq12-1.html
- Animal Quarantine Service: Q&A on the Export of Dogs and Cats: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/tetuzuki/qanda/dogcatqaex.html
- Animal Quarantine Office Designated Areas: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/animal/dog/rabies-free.html
- For JAL International Flights Customers Accompanied by Pets: JAL International Flights https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/ja/inter/support/pet/
- ANA International Flights Passengers with Pets https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/jp/guide/reservation/support/international/pets/
- IATA Traveler’s Pet Corner: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/
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