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Bringing your pet to Japan

Two rabies shots, a blood test at a designated lab and a 180-day wait after the blood draw. Notify Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days ahead. Plan about 7 months.

DifficultyVery hard
StartStart ~7 months ahead
QuarantineUp to 180 days (or sent back) if rules are missed
Rabies blood testRequired: ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, then 180-day wait
PermitAdvance notification ≥ 40 days before arrival

Rules checked Oct 27, 2026 against official sources · Dogs & cats

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Step by step

  1. At least 212 days (~7 months) before
    ISO microchip + rabies vaccine #1
    Microchip first, then rabies shot #1 (pet at least 91 days old; inactivated or recombinant vaccine).
  2. At least 182 days (~6 months) before
    Rabies vaccine #2
    At least 30 days after #1, while #1 is still valid.
  3. At least 180 days (~6 months) before
    Rabies antibody blood test
    At a designated lab after vaccine #2; result ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. The pet may land no earlier than 180 days after this blood draw.
  4. At least 40 days before
    Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service
    At least 40 days before arrival — late notices are not accepted in principle.
  5. Within 10 days before arrival
    Vet exam + USDA-endorsed certificate
    Clinical exam within 10 days of boarding; original official certificate (no pencil or correction fluid).

Watch out

  • The 180-day clock only starts at the blood draw.
  • Missing anything: quarantine for up to 180 days or the pet is sent back.
  • Entry only through designated ports.

Official sources: www.maff.go.jp. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the destination's authority.

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