When you're wondering, "Where do I start?" with travel preparations,
I'll answer your questions in order.

When traveling abroad with your dog or cat, it can be hard to know where to start. After you sign up, we’ll provide you with a schedule worked backward from your departure date, and we’ll handle everything from communicating with the quarantine office to notifying you upon arrival at your destination.

The difficult part is,
The order of preparation is more important than the actual transport.

When it comes to international pet transport, the most nerve-wracking part isn’t the actual flight—it’s the journey leading up to it.Order of Preparations and DeadlinesThat's right. The rules vary depending on your destination, and if you get even one step out of order, your departure could be delayed by several months.

That’s why we’ll start by explaining the prospects and general process during a free consultation. Then,After signing the contractAfter discussing your pet’s vaccination history and other details, we’ll provide each pet with a personalized schedule. This schedule is designed by working backward from the departure date. All you need to keep track of is “when and what.” The same process applies whether you’re moving abroad or returning to Japan (from overseas to Japan).

Participants checking the preparation items and deadlines for their respective destinations during a pre-departure counseling session

Estimated time difference compared to doing it yourself

If you handle this on your own, just the research, communication, and document review alone will takeApprox. 90 to 125 hoursThis may be the case. If you leave it to us, the only tasks you’ll need to handle are taking your pet to the vet and preparing the necessary paperwork, etc.About 8 to 11 hours in practiceThis is a rough guide.
* These are approximate estimates calculated by our company based on typical travel scenarios (not actual averages). They may vary significantly depending on conditions, and we do not guarantee that the time will be shortened.

The cases we handle,
5 Things.

Our job is to coordinate all aspects of travel preparations and ensure they proceed smoothly. We’ll explain our responsibilities by dividing them into five categories.

  1. A single schedule worked backward from the departure date

    Destination, pet type, and vaccination status.After signing the contractAfter discussing these points with you, I’ll provide you with a schedule that lists the tasks in chronological order. The preparations, which were previously scattered,One sheetThis helps ensure that the order is followed correctly, making it less likely for mistakes to occur.

  2. For correspondence with the quarantine office, please click here

    We’ll handle all appointments and inquiries with the Animal Quarantine Office on your behalf. We’ll keep a record of when, with whom, and what was confirmed, so you won’t have to worry about it later. There’s no need for you to call or visit the office on weekdays.

  3. Check documents with two sets of eyes

    We handle the collection, organization, and coordination of information, while the preparation and submission of documents isQualified Individuals...will be in charge. A certified professional will double-check the content we have prepared.Two EyesBy handling everything through us, it reduces the likelihood of omissions or errors in the documentation. We will remain your sole point of contact.

  4. Always use a single point of contact

    From the initial consultation through the signing of the contract, Mr. Seto, our business manager, will handle your case; after the contract is signed, a dedicated representative will take over. Even if your representative changes, the handover is handled entirely within our company, andThere is always a single point of contact. There's no need to explain the situation over and over again.

  5. What to Do on the Day of the Event and How to Let Them Know You've Arrived

    On the day of departure, we’ll provide you with a single sheet summarizing the time, destination, and order of procedures. We’ll give you this summary in advance so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your trip. After your flight, please let us know as soon as you’ve safely collected your luggage at your destination. Even though we’re far apart, hearing “I’ve arrived”—the news we want to hear most—will bring us peace of mind.

Starting with your consultation,
Steps to Follow Before Arriving at the Destination

I’ve noted who is responsible for each step to clarify which processes each person is in charge of.

  1. free consultation

    Feel free to contact us via phone, LINE, WhatsApp, or our online form—any method is fine. We’ll ask about your destination, your pet’s breed, your preferred travel dates, and your pet’s vaccination status, and we’ll let you know right away whether we can accommodate your schedule. We also welcome inquiries from those who are still considering their options.

    Estimated time: 30 minutes or more Contact: PetAirJPN
  2. Quotes and the Preparation Process

    We’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to preparing for your trip, tailored to your destination, along with an estimate of the costs. Before signing the contract, you can review the general process and cost estimate to see for yourself if this is a viable option for you.

    Estimated time: 1–3 business days after consultation Contact: PetAirJPN
  3. Contract

    The entire process is completed via electronic contract. The contract will clearly specify the delegation of responsibilities—who is in charge of what. From this point forward, a dedicated representative will serve as your point of contact and assist you every step of the way until the process is complete.

    Estimated delivery: Same day or later— Contact: PetAirJPN
  4. Preparing Documents, Checkups, and Vaccinations

    After you sign the contract, based on the information you provide,ScheduleWe will prepare and provide you with the necessary documents. We will inform you of the required examinations, vaccinations, and paperwork at that time. Your main responsibilities as a pet owner are to visit your regular veterinarian for checkups and vaccinations in the specified order and to prepare the necessary documents. We will compile all the information you provide and proceed with making an appointment with the Animal Quarantine Station.

    Duration: Varies by destination Contact: PetAirJPN / Pet Owner
  5. Application to the Quarantine Station

    Based on the information we have compiled,Qualified Individualswill submit the application to the quarantine station. As a general rule, pet owners do not need to handle this directly.

    Time: Before Departure Handled by: Qualified professionals (affiliated partners)
  6. Pre-Departure Quarantine

    This involves pre-departure testing at the quarantine station and the issuance of a certificate. Depending on your preferences or circumstances, our staff will accompany you.

    Time Frame: The day before departure through the day of departure Responsible Party: Animal Quarantine Station / Pet Owners
  7. Flight and Arrival at Destination

    On the day of the event, theGuidelines for MovementWe will proceed with the process based on this information. If the pet is traveling as a carry-on, it will travel with the owner. If traveling as cargo, we can arrange for a local agent to pick up the pet at the airport and deliver it to your location upon request (subject to the country or region). Once the pet has been picked up, theInitial Report.

    Time required: A few hours to one day Responsible Party: Airline / Local Partner

About the Preparation Period

The time required for preparation varies considerably depending on the destination. In countries that require antibody testing,It may take more than 180 days.. The process takes particularly long for rabies-free countries (such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom), so it is essential to start early. We will provide an estimate of the timeframe during your free consultation, and the specific schedule will be outlined in the timeline we provide after you sign the contract.

Check in advance to see if you’ll make it by the scheduled departure date

Pre-trip Health Check at Your Regular Veterinary Clinic

The preparations took place at the usual hospital and at home.

You can get vaccinations, antibody tests, and health checkups at your regular veterinary clinic. We’ll guide you step by step on what to do and when, based on your schedule, so there’s no need to look for a new clinic.

As your departure date approaches, it’s important to gradually get your pet used to the carrier you’ll be using for the trip. Don’t wait until the day of the trip—make it a natural extension of your pet’s daily routine. We’ll also share some tips on how to help your pet get used to the carrier so you can set off on your trip with peace of mind.

A scene of a pet crate being carefully loaded onto a plane at the airport at dawn

Once everything is ready,
The day of our departure has arrived.

Pets spending time calmly in their crates in an area with controlled temperature and ventilation

Choose based on how well the routes complement each other.

Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin or the cargo hold, the temperature, ventilation, and air pressure conditions in the area where your pet will be staying are strictly regulated based on the destination and the airline. Before making a reservation, we recommend checking—including the time required for layovers and boarding—Assessing Route CompatibilityWe’ll suggest the best way to transport your pet based on its species and size. Even if you’re heading to the same destination, your comfort will vary depending on the flight you choose.

From selecting the right crate size to check-in on the day of travel and picking up your pet upon arrival, we’ll take care of every detail to ensure your pet stays calm and isn’t exposed to sudden temperature changes during the trip.

The process of handing over import documents and proceeding with customs clearance at the local airport

See it through until it’s delivered to its destination,
"I'm here"—for you.

What's Included in the Price, and What's Not

We’ll explain before you sign the contract exactly what’s covered by the service fee and what additional out-of-pocket costs may apply. This is to ensure there are no surprises later, such as you saying, “I wasn’t told that.”

Included in the service fee

  • Creating a Preparation Schedule and Managing Progress Through to the End
  • Record of Appointments and Correspondence with the Animal Quarantine Office
  • Preparation and submission of documents by a qualified professional (based on a power of attorney from the client)We will provide you with a quote for the total amount, including the administrative scrivener's fees.
  • Assessing Route Compatibility and Coordinating with Local Agents
  • I will be handling communications with overseas parties in English.
  • Support via LINE, email, and phone from a dedicated representative, plus notification upon arrival
  • Guidance on the Day’s Schedule and Assistance with Departure Quarantine (if necessary)

Items Subject to Additional Charges

  • Costs for Examinations, Vaccinations, and Antibody Tests at the Veterinary Clinic
  • Microchip Implantation Fees
  • Air Freight Rates (Baggage and Cargo)
  • Cost of purchasing a crate (carrier)
  • Entry Fees and Local Quarantine Fees at the Destination
  • Optional Services (Pet Taxi, Airport Pickup Service, etc.)
Staff at the airport who see pets off with care

Whether in Japanese or English.
Always use a single point of contact.

In addition to Japanese staff, PetAirJPN also has staff members from the United States.

When preparing for a trip, there are countless situations where you need to switch back and forth between Japanese and English. Since outsourcing this work often leads to miscommunication, weHandling both Japanese and English within the same team...I've compiled all the correspondence in one place.

Whether you’re an expatriate who isn’t fluent in Japanese or a client who prefers to conduct business entirely in Japanese, we’ll communicate with you in your preferred language.

Start with a free 30-minute consultation.

Please let us know your destination, the type of pet, and your preferred travel dates. We’ll provide you with an estimate of whether we can accommodate your request and a rough cost estimate on the spot (a detailed itinerary will be provided after the contract is signed). It’s okay if you’re still undecided. Please feel free to share any concerns you may have.

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