Pets (Dogs) 🇯🇵 Japan
180-day quarantine unless pre-qualified
Can I bring Pets (Dogs) into Japan?
180-day quarantine unless pre-qualified
- Microchip
- Two rabies vaccinations
- FAVN blood test
- Advance notification form
- Health certificate
- Export certificate
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Japan requires a 180-day quarantine for dogs that have not completed the pre-arrival process. To avoid quarantine: microchip, two rabies vaccinations 30+ days apart, blood test at approved lab, 180-day waiting period, health certificate, and advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service 40+ days before arrival. Enforcement in Japan carries fines from JPY 100,000 to JPY 5,000,000 under Customs Law (Kanzeihō) Art. 110, Art. 111 (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).
PENALTIES
- Fine: 100000–5000000 JPY
- Civil penalty only
Leaving Japan with pets (dogs)
Dog export from Japan requires a veterinary export health certificate issued shortly before departure (typically within 10 days), an ISO microchip, and current rabies vaccination. The destination's import rules drive the real timeline: rabies-titre blood tests with waiting periods (up to 180 days for rabies-free jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan), import permits, and quarantine bookings must be arranged months ahead. Airlines add their own container (IATA Live Animals Regulations) and breed restrictions. Start with the destination's official import checklist and work backwards.
The entire process takes 7-8 months minimum. Dogs from rabies-free designated regions (UK, Australia, NZ, etc.) have a shorter process.
- Microchip
- Two rabies vaccinations
- FAVN blood test
- Advance notification form
- Health certificate
- Export certificate
Rabies Prevention Law
This page covers destination customs rules in Japan. Whether you can carry pets (dogs) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pets (Dogs) rules in other countries
Pets (Dogs)
🇦🇺 Australia
Minimum 10-day quarantine, extensive documentation
Pets (Dogs)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Pet passport or health certificate required
Pets (Dogs)
🇸🇬 Singapore
AVS licence required, breed restrictions apply
Pets (Dogs)
🇺🇸 United States
CDC import rules tightened in 2024
Pets (Dogs)
🇩🇪 Germany
EU Pet Passport from EU; AHC from non-EU
Pets (Dogs)
🇨🇦 Canada
Valid rabies vaccination required