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The international shipping process for pets may take approximately 90-125 hours (actual work) if handled by yourself.The design can reduce the burden on the owner to approximately 8 to 11 hours if an expert is hired. This article provides a thorough breakdown of the time required for the procedure, the difference between handling the procedure on one's own and utilizing an expert, and key points to avoid mistakes.
What this article will tell you
⏱
Time required for the entire procedure
Time breakdown for self-support and work required for each phase of the project.
📋
Overview of required procedures
A list of things to do, from microchipping to export inspections
👨⚕️
Advantages of Using Experts
Not only in terms of time savings, but also in terms of avoiding incomplete paperwork and risks.
⚠
Common mistakes and countermeasures
Real-life examples of failures and how to prevent them
Three important points to check first
Before you begin the process of shipping your pet overseas, please be sure to keep the following three points in mind. Knowing these three things will help you avoid significant delays in your schedule.
📅 Preparation should be done at least 6 months in advance
- Rabies vaccination → antibody titer test → waiting for results → fulfillment of destination requirements takes several months at minimum
- Long advance preparation time, especially in Hawaii, Australia, and England.
- Many countries are not ready for last minute preparations for departure.
🌍 Requirements vary widely by destination
- USA (CDC): Dog Import Form required (from August 1, 2024), at least 6 months old
- EU: New rules from April 22, 2026 will make document screening stricter
- Australia: prior import permit and mooring quarantine required
✈ Different airlines have different rules.
- ANA stops accepting international cargo shipments of shorthorse breeds throughout the year.
- JAL can accept short-heads itself, but recommends caution during hot weather.
- Conditions vary depending on cage size, weight limit, and whether accompanied or cargo.
Important:Import regulations and airline conditions in each country are subject to change at any time. This article is based on information as of April 2026, but please be sure to check the latest information before actual travel.
Preparation Schedule for Pet Transport Procedures｜Timeline
If you handle the international shipping of your pet on your own, the entire procedureApproximately 90 to 125 hours (actual working hours)may be required. This corresponds to approximately 2 to 3 weeks' worth of work on a weekday basis. The following is a general schedule guideline.
8 months or more before departure｜Information gathering and research (25-35 hours)
Research the import regulations of the destination country and understand the overall schedule. This is the stage of checking the official websites of each country's quarantine authorities, airline regulations, and required documents one by one.
- Import regulation survey of destination country: 8-10 hours
- Identification and verification of required documents: 5-7 hours
- Understanding of procedural flow: 7-8 hours
- Confirmation and comparison of airline regulations: 5-10 hours
6-7 months before departure｜Basic preparation (30-40 hours)
Basic preparations such as microchipping, rabies vaccination, antibody titer testing, etc. are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the destination country. Cooperation with veterinarians is an important stage.
- Microchip installation and confirmation: 2 to 3 hours
- Coordination with/visit to veterinarian: 5-7 hours
- Administration of rabies vaccine and various vaccinations: 3-5 hours
- Documentation, verification and translation: 20-25 hours
3 months before departure｜Perform procedures (20-25 hours)
We execute specific procedures such as applying to the animal quarantine station, coordinating with airlines, and obtaining import permits. This is the stage where there is a lot of communication with each contact point.
- Application to the animal quarantine station (NACCS or e-mail): 5-7 hours
- Obtaining import permits and pre-applications: 8-10 hours
- Coordination and booking with airlines: 7-8 hours
Just before and on the day of travel｜Final confirmation and handling of unexpected events (15-25 hours)
This is the final check prior to departure and addressing any incomplete documentation or additional requirements. Rework at this stage is the most time consuming.
- Revision and resubmission of documents: 5-8 hours
- Responding to additional requirements: 5-7 hours
- Handling various inquiries/troubleshooting: 5-10 hours
List of Required Documents and Procedures
The following is a list of documents and procedures generally required for the international transportation of pets. The items required will vary depending on the destination, type of dog or cat, age, breed, health condition, etc.
| (data) item | Contents | Approximate time required |
|---|---|---|
| Microchipping | Fitted with ISO 11784/11785 standard (15 digit) chip. Required prior to vaccination. | Veterinary treatment 30 minutes + confirmation |
| rabies vaccination | Inoculation after microchip is installed. (The number of times and intervals between vaccinations are specified by the government. | 1 or 2 visits to the hospital |
| Rabies antibody titer test | Serum test of 0.5 IU/ml or more is the acceptance criterion. 2 to 3 weeks for results. | Blood draw + 2-3 weeks waiting for results |
| health certificate | Issued by a veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure, etc. Forms tailored to the requirements of the destination country. | Hospital visits + paperwork |
| Export Quarantine Certificate | Inspection and issuance at the animal quarantine station. Apply at NACCS at least 10 days before the inspection date. | Application + inspection day |
| Import Permits for Destination | Prior application required by country (e.g. Australia, Hawaii, India, etc.) | Several weeks from application to acquisition |
| CDC Dog Import Form | Required for all dogs upon entry into the U.S. (effective August 1, 2024) | Online application 10-30 minutes |
| EU Animal Health Certificate | Required for entry from outside the EU; stricter screening after April 22, 2026 | Veterinarian-issued + certified |
Caution:The above is a general guideline for procedures. Required documents and procedures vary depending on the destination country/region and the type and health status of the pet. Please check with the quarantine authorities in your country for exact requirements.
Want to know which documents you need now?
We will guide you through all the necessary procedures according to your destination and pet's situation.
Self-support vs. use of experts｜Comparison of time and risk
This section compares the difference between "handling the international transportation of pets all by yourself" and "hiring an expert".
| Comparison items | self-response | Utilization of experts (PetAirJPN) |
|---|---|---|
| Actual working hours of the owner | Approx. 90 to 125 hours | Approx. 8 to 11 hours |
| Period (weekday equivalent) | About 2-3 weeks' worth of work | Accompanied by veterinarian, signature and final confirmation only |
| Regulatory Surveys | Research the websites of the authorities in your country by yourself | Experts check and guide you through the latest requirements |
| paperwork | All created and translated by myself | Expert support and representation in the preparation |
| Quarantine arrangements | Self-supporting applications and reservations in NACCS | Application and reservation on behalf of the client |
| Airline Coordination | Self-support for checking regulations and making reservations | Propose the best route and airline |
| Risk of incomplete documentation | First time, it is easy for deficiencies to occur. | Risk reduction through experience-based checks |
| Responding to sudden changes | Contact and coordinate with various offices by yourself | Experts serve as contact points and provide flexible support |
This is where hiring an expert makes a difference.
🔍
Prevent regulatory oversight.
We check the complex requirements that vary from country to country without omission based on our experience
📄
Reduce incomplete paperwork.
Lower risk of resubmission or delayed departure due to errors in forms and descriptions
⏰
Easier schedule management
Manage vaccination timing and application deadlines backwards.
🌐
Reduced language and window support
We will communicate with overseas quarantine authorities and agents on your behalf.
Common mistakes｜This is what we want to avoid.
These are actual mistakes that can occur in the international transportation of pets. Knowing them in advance can help you avoid the same mistakes.
Microchip and vaccines in the wrong order.
The rabies vaccine was inoculated before the microchip was installed, and the vaccination was invalidated. In some cases, the vaccination was invalidated, and the travel was delayed for several months because it had to be re-administered. Be sure to follow the sequence of microchipping and vaccination.
The rabies vaccine was inoculated before the microchip was installed, and the vaccination was invalidated. In some cases, the vaccination was invalidated, and the travel was delayed for several months because it had to be re-administered. Be sure to follow the sequence of microchipping and vaccination.
Antibody titer test results did not reach reference values
If the rabies antibody titer test shows less than 0.5 IU/ml, the dog must be revaccinated and retested. It will take another 2 to 3 weeks to receive the results, so it is important to schedule your vaccination well in advance.
If the rabies antibody titer test shows less than 0.5 IU/ml, the dog must be revaccinated and retested. It will take another 2 to 3 weeks to receive the results, so it is important to schedule your vaccination well in advance.
Export quarantine appointments were not available.
Especially at Haneda Airport, inspection reservations continue to be extremely difficult to obtain. There have even been cases where passengers have had to change their flights because they could not get a reservation on the date they wanted. Early reservations are essential.
Especially at Haneda Airport, inspection reservations continue to be extremely difficult to obtain. There have even been cases where passengers have had to change their flights because they could not get a reservation on the date they wanted. Early reservations are essential.
Overlooked changes in destination regulations.
Cases in which the import requirements of the destination country have changed during preparation and additional documentation is required. It is essential to regularly check for the latest information. For example, the new EU regulations from April 22, 2026 onward make the document screening more stringent than before.
Cases in which the import requirements of the destination country have changed during preparation and additional documentation is required. It is essential to regularly check for the latest information. For example, the new EU regulations from April 22, 2026 onward make the document screening more stringent than before.
Health certificate expired
Health certificates must be obtained within a certain period of time before departure (usually within 10 days, etc.). There have been cases where the certificate has expired due to a flight change and needs to be re-obtained.
Health certificates must be obtained within a certain period of time before departure (usually within 10 days, etc.). There have been cases where the certificate has expired due to a flight change and needs to be re-obtained.
I didn't know about the restrictions on acceptance of shortbread.
ANA has stopped accepting international cargo shipments of short-breed dogs (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, etc.) throughout the year. There have been cases where this was discovered just prior to departure, necessitating a change of airline or route.
ANA has stopped accepting international cargo shipments of short-breed dogs (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, etc.) throughout the year. There have been cases where this was discovered just prior to departure, necessitating a change of airline or route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I handle all the procedures for transporting my pet overseas by myself?
Yes, systematically, owners can handle this on their own. However, it may take approximately 90 to 125 hours of actual work due to a wide variety of tasks such as researching the destination's regulations, preparing necessary documents, applying to the animal quarantine office, and coordinating with the airline company. For first-time travelers or those who work concurrently, the burden can be greatly reduced by using a specialist.
How much does it cost?
PetAirJPN's basic service starts from 130,000 yen (tax not included). Since it varies depending on the destination and pet's situation, please contact us for a free estimate first. Please note that veterinary hospital treatment fees, airfares, and application fees for the destination country will be charged separately.
When should I start preparing?
Ideally, 6 to 8 months prior to departure. Especially for destinations that require rabies antibody titer testing (Hawaii, Australia, return to Japan, etc.), it takes several months to get the vaccination, have blood drawn, and wait for the test results. The earlier you move, the more options you have and the more time you can afford to schedule.
Do cats need the same procedure?
The basic process (microchip → vaccine → health certificate → export inspection) is the same as for dogs. However, dogs may require additional testing for leptospirosis. In addition, requirements may differ for dogs and cats depending on the destination, so individual confirmation is required.
Are pets safe on airplanes?
Airlines properly control the temperature and air pressure in the cargo hold. However, it is essential to prepare for safety by preparing appropriate kennels, conducting health checks in advance, and confirming airline restrictions for short-haul animals. If you are unsure, please contact us for advice, including the selection of the best route and airline.
If I hire an expert, what do I have to do?
When using PetAirJPN, we mainly require the following services from the pet owner: initial consultation (1 to 1.5 hours), accompanying the pet to the veterinary clinic (2 to 3 hours), signing and confirming documents (1 to 1.5 hours), and final confirmation before travel (about 1 hour). Regulatory research, documentation, quarantine arrangements, airline coordination, etc. are handled and supported by our company on your behalf.
If I cancel during the course of the program, will I get a refund?
As a general rule, cancellations for the customer's convenience after the contract has been concluded are non-refundable. Please check the Terms and Conditions at the time of contract for details. In addition, additional costs may be incurred in the event of a schedule change.
Cases where consulting PetAirJPN is easier.
📋 So much paperwork, I don't know where to start.
- Microchipping, vaccines, antibody titer testing, health certificates, export inspections... we will organize the necessary procedures and provide you with priorities and schedules all in one place.
- We can also check document formats and descriptions.
🌍 Complex import requirements for destination countries
- We can handle complex requirements based on our experience, such as Australia's mooring quarantine, Hawaii's advance entry permit, and compliance with new EU regulations.
- We can also liaise with the quarantine authorities and local agents in each country.
💼 No time to prepare along with work
- While you are busy just preparing for overseas assignment or emigration, it is a big burden to deal with the pet transportation procedures on your own!
- We can reduce the burden on the owner by conducting regulatory research, documentation, quarantine arrangements, and airline coordination on your behalf.
🐶 I have concerns about special cases.
- Flexible handling of cases with more complicated conditions than usual, such as large dogs, elderly pets, short-breed pets, and multi-pet households
- We can assist you in selecting airlines and routes, including advice on cages.
Pre-departure Checklist
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15 digits) already installed and read
Rabies vaccine has been administered after microchipping (meets destination requirements)
Clear rabies antibody titer test of 0.5 IU/ml or higher (in countries that require it)
Import permit and prior application for the destination country has been obtained (if required by the country)
Health certificate has been obtained within the validity period prior to departure
Completed application for export inspection to the animal quarantine office and reserved inspection date
Pet transportation reservations have been confirmed with the airline (cage size and weight restrictions have been confirmed)
CDC Dog Import Form has been submitted (for entry into the U.S.)
EU Animal Health Certificate obtained (for entry into the EU)
Cage meets airline regulations and IATA standards
Caution:The above are general checklist items. There may be additional requirements depending on the destination and pet's situation. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact us.
Traveling abroad with your pet, start with a free consultation
We will guide you through the necessary procedures and estimated costs according to your destination and pet's situation.
Leave the complicated procedures to the experts.
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