Moving your dog or cat from United States to Japan
Short answer: start at least 215 days before your flight. Rules last checked against official sources on 2026-10-30.
This page and the planner are generated automatically from official government sources. Planning tool only — not veterinary, legal or professional advice; no human expert reviews your plan. Always confirm with your vet, the official authority and your airline.
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United States → Japan pet import requirements
| Requirement | Status | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip | required | ISO 11784/11785 microchip before the first rabies vaccination. | official |
| Rabies vaccine | required | Two or more vaccinations: first at 91+ days old after microchip; second 30+ days after first; inactivated or recombinant vaccines only. | official |
| Rabies titer test (RNATT) | required | Antibody test at a designated lab, ≥0.5 IU/ml, after second vaccination; arrival at least 180 days after blood sampling. | official |
| Health certificate / endorsement | required | Government-endorsed certificate (Form AC recommended); clinical inspection within 10 days before departure; a USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and USDA APHIS endorses it (VEHCS online or by mail). | official |
| Import permit / pre-notification | required | Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival (NACCS or email). | official |
| Quarantine | conditional | Up to 180 days detention if requirements are not met; minimal inspection if compliant. | official |
| Approved routes / airports | required | Dogs only through designated ports (e.g. Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka...). | official |
Order of steps
- Microchip your pet (ISO, 15 digits) — at least 215 days before the flight. Before the first rabies vaccination (same day allowed).
- First rabies vaccination (pet at least 91 days old) — at least 213 days before the flight. Inactivated or recombinant vaccine only.
- Second rabies vaccination — at least 182 days before the flight. At least 30 days after the first, within its effective period.
- Rabies antibody blood sample (designated lab) — at least 181 days before the flight. After the second vaccination (same day allowed); result ≥0.5 IU/ml; arrival ≥180 days after sampling.
- Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service — at least 40 days before the flight. Not less than 40 days before arrival.
- Clinical inspection by veterinarian — between 10 and 1 days before the flight. Within 10 days before boarding.
- Government-endorsed certificate (Form AC) — between 10 and 1 days before the flight. A USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and USDA APHIS endorses it (VEHCS online or by mail).
- Arrive at a designated airport; import inspection — at least 0 days before the flight. Keep the import quarantine certificate; register dog with municipality within 30 days.
Items marked “verify” could not be fully confirmed; check the official source and your vet.