Bringing your dog or cat from the U.S. to Japan is governed by the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) under Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Because the continental U.S. is a "non-designated" (not rabies-free) origin, Japan's process is exacting: two rabies vaccinations, a titer test, and a mandatory 180-day wait, all completed in the correct order. Miss a step or get the sequence wrong, and the whole 180-day clock can reset. This guide covers the full 2026 process, the mistakes that restart the timeline, and what to expect at arrival. For broader relocation help, see our pet relocation specialists and our pet travel experts.

Your Japan Pet Relocation Timeline

1. 1
   Day 1

   Microchip First

   Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip before any rabies vaccination. If the chip is implanted after vaccination, Japan may not count those vaccination records at all. Have your vet scan and print the number on every rabies record and lab submission going forward — AQS cross-checks the chip against your documents at import inspection. Also confirm the number doesn't start with the "900 202" series or fall into a duplicate range, which AQS has flagged and rejected since 2023.

2. 2
   At Least 91 Days Old

   First Rabies Vaccination

   Japan requires the first rabies vaccination at a minimum age of 91 days, counting the date of birth as Day 0. This is stricter than the "12 weeks" (84 days) rule common elsewhere — a puppy or kitten vaccinated at 84 days does not qualify in Japan.

3. 3
   30+ Days Later

   Second Rabies Vaccination

   A second rabies vaccination is required, at least 30 days after the first, and less than 12 months before travel.

4. 4
   On or After the Second Vaccine

   Rabies Antibody Titer Test (RNATT/FAVN)

   Blood is drawn no less than 30 days after the second rabies vaccination and sent to an AQS-approved U.S. laboratory — Kansas State University's Rabies Laboratory or the DOD Veterinary Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory at Fort Sam Houston are the two approved options. A result of at least 0.5 IU/mL is required. The original lab report must be presented at inspection; copies aren't accepted unless endorsed by USDA APHIS. The result is valid for 2 years from the blood draw, provided vaccine coverage stays continuous.

5. 5
   180 Days From the Blood Draw

   Serve the Mandatory Waiting Period

   Day 0 is the blood draw date, not the date you receive results and not the vaccination date. Your pet must remain outside Japan for at least 180 days from that date. Arriving even one day early means detention at an AQS facility for the remaining days, at your expense.

6. 6
   At Least 40 Days Before Arrival

   Submit Advance Notification to AQS

   File the Advance Notification Form with the AQS office at your intended arrival airport, including owner and pet details, microchip number, titer results, and your flight information. AQS typically responds with a confirmation letter within about 2 weeks; if anything is incomplete, they'll contact you for corrections. See our pet documentation services for help managing this filing.

7. 7
   Within 10 Days of Departure

   USDA-Endorsed Health Certificate

   A USDA-accredited veterinarian completes Japan's official health certificate (Form AC), which is then endorsed by USDA APHIS. Recommended (though not mandatory) core vaccines: DHPPi+L for dogs, FVRCP for cats.

8. 8
   Arrival in Japan

   Inspection at a Designated Airport

   Pets must enter only through Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX) — flying into any other airport isn't an option. AQS verifies your microchip, documents, and timing. Done correctly, clearance typically takes under 12 hours; incomplete documentation can mean detention for up to 180 days at your expense.

9. 9
   Within 30 Days of Arrival

   Register With Your Local Municipal Office

   Dog owners must register with the local municipal office and present the Import Quarantine Certificate issued by AQS. Keep this certificate permanently — it cannot be reissued and is required if you ever export your pet from Japan later. Dogs also need an annual rabies vaccination in Japan under the country's Rabies Prevention Law.

Requirements Checklist

All Dogs and Cats (Non-Designated Origin, Including the Continental U.S.)

• ISO 11784/11785 MicrochipImplanted before any rabies vaccination; confirm the number isn't in a rejected series.
• Two Rabies VaccinationsFirst dose at 91+ days old, second dose 30+ days later.
• Passing Rabies Titer Test (≥0.5 IU/mL)Drawn 30+ days after the second vaccine at an AQS-approved U.S. lab. Valid 2 years from the draw date.
• 180-Day Waiting PeriodCounted from the blood draw date, not the result date.
• Advance Notification to AQSFiled at least 40 days before arrival at your specific arrival airport's AQS office.
• USDA-Endorsed Health Certificate (Form AC)Issued within 10 days of departure.

Climate & Travel Tips

• Humid summers, cold winters: Consider flying during cooler months, or overnight during summer, to reduce heat stress.
• Direct flights: Japan Airlines, ANA, and other carriers accept pet cargo at designated airports — choose as direct a routing as possible.
• Translated records: Carrying a translated copy of your pet's health records isn't required, but AQS officials may appreciate it during inspection.

Military PCS to Japan

Relocating to Japan on military orders involves the same AQS process above, with its own logistics considerations for flight coordination and base-specific quarantine arrangements. See our dedicated PCS pet move services to Japan for import rules, quarantine planning, and flight coordination specific to military moves.

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