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From the UK
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.
Time you needAbout 7 months — the first deadline is 212 days before you fly
Easy to get wrong on this route
- Counting the 180 days from the vaccine — Japan’s clock starts at the blood draw.
- Notifying Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service less than 40 days before arrival — late notices are not accepted in principle.
- A microchip starting with 900 202 — Japan doesn’t accept it for now.
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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 28, 2026 against official sources · Dogs & cats · Free route check for your date →
Flying from somewhere else?From the US →From the EU →
Step by step
- At least 212 days (~7 months) beforeISO microchip + rabies vaccine #1
Microchip first, then rabies shot #1 (pet at least 91 days old; inactivated or recombinant vaccine). - At least 182 days (~6 months) beforeRabies vaccine #2
At least 30 days after #1, while #1 is still valid. - At least 180 days (~6 months) beforeRabies 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. - At least 40 days beforeAdvance notification to Animal Quarantine Service
At least 40 days before arrival — late notices are not accepted in principle. - Within 10 days before arrivalVet exam + government-endorsed certificate
Clinical exam within 10 days of boarding (no signs of rabies; dogs also no signs of leptospirosis); the certificate must be endorsed by the UK government (your official vet signs the export health certificate). Bring the original (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.
- Japan does not accept microchips starting with 900 202 for now — check the number before the first vaccine.
- Dogs may only arrive at 19 designated ports — including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, Fukuoka and Naha airports. Cats arriving elsewhere: contact the Animal Quarantine Service first.
- These rules are for travel from England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own.
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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