Bringing a pet to Japan

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Japan has one of the strictest pet import systems in the world, with requirements that vary depending on the rabies-risk category of the origin country. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be microchipped, have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, and pass a rabies antibody test, followed by a 180-day waiting period before entry. Be prepared for mandatory quarantine at a government facility upon arrival if your pet comes from a high-risk country, and allow at least 7–8 months to complete all steps.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Japan.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 180+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
FAVN test must be performed at least 180 days before entry; no additional waiting period after results are received.
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

Japan does not have a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) due to health risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit application (submitted 40+ days before travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, dates)
  • FAVN titer test result (from OIE-approved lab, ≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Advance notification form (submitted 7-30 days before arrival)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Dogs from rabies-free countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Iceland) still require the full 180-day wait and FAVN test. No quarantine at entry if all documents are in order.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 180+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
FAVN test must be performed at least 180 days before entry; no additional waiting period after results are received.
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

Japan does not have a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) due to health risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit application (submitted 40+ days before travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, dates)
  • FAVN titer test result (from OIE-approved lab, ≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Advance notification form (submitted 7-30 days before arrival)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Same as free tier: 180-day wait from vaccination, FAVN test required, no quarantine at entry if all documents are in order.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 180+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
FAVN test must be performed at least 180 days before entry; no additional waiting period after results are received.
Quarantine
12 days
Mandatory 12-hour quarantine at the airport animal quarantine facility upon arrival. The dog is inspected, documents are verified, and the dog is released the same day if all is in order. No overnight stay is required.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

Japan does not have a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) due to health risks. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit application (submitted 40+ days before travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, dates)
  • FAVN titer test result (from OIE-approved lab, ≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Advance notification form (submitted 7-30 days before arrival)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine fees ~$50-100/day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must undergo a 12-hour quarantine at the airport facility upon arrival. The quarantine is not overnight; it is a same-day inspection and release process.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Frequently asked questions

Plan at least 8-9 months from start to finish. The rabies vaccination must be given at least 180 days before entry, and the import permit application must be submitted at least 40 days before travel. The FAVN titer test takes 2-4 weeks for results. If you start from scratch, allow 7-8 months minimum.
No. Even dogs from rabies-free countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Iceland) must undergo the same 180-day waiting period and FAVN test. However, they are not subject to the 12-hour airport quarantine upon arrival — they are released after document inspection.
Japan allows up to 2 dogs per person under the non-commercial pet travel scheme. If you bring more than 2, the import is considered commercial and additional regulations apply, including a longer quarantine period.
No. Japan does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from any import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must follow the same microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN test, waiting period, and import permit rules. Service dogs in training also have no special exemptions.
The dog will be refused entry and may be quarantined at the owner's expense for up to 180 days, or returned to the origin country. In some cases, the dog may be euthanized. The import permit is mandatory and must be obtained before travel.
No. The rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and the 180-day waiting period starts from that vaccination. A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination, and then wait 180 days, meaning the minimum age at entry is about 8 months (12 weeks + 180 days).
A titer result below 0.5 IU/ml is considered a failure. The dog must be revaccinated and a new FAVN test performed. The 180-day waiting period restarts from the date of the new vaccination. Ensure the test is done at an OIE-approved laboratory.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Japan.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued by official veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Cats from rabies-free (EU-equivalent) origins need no titer test and no quarantine. The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination still applies. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued by official veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Cats from low-risk origins (e.g. US, UK, Australia) do not require a titer test or quarantine. The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination still applies. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
180 days
Mandatory 180-day quarantine at a government facility in Japan. Owner pays all costs. No home quarantine allowed.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN titer test result (OIE-approved lab)
  • Import permit from Japan Animal Quarantine Service
  • Health certificate issued by official veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary, quarantine costs ~$20-40/day — confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Cats from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/Asia) require a FAVN titer test, import permit, and 180-day quarantine. The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination still applies. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Frequently asked questions

Japan allows up to 2 cats per person without commercial import rules. If you bring 3 or more, the shipment is considered commercial and additional permits and inspections apply. Contact the Animal Quarantine Service for details.
No. The US and UK are classified as low-risk origins. Cats from these countries do not need a FAVN titer test. Only cats from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/Asia) require the test.
No. Japan requires all cats from high-risk origins to serve the full 180-day quarantine at a government-run animal quarantine station. Home quarantine is not permitted. For low-risk and free origins, there is no quarantine at all.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. If it expires, you must get a booster and wait another 21 days before entering Japan. The 21-day wait applies to all tiers.
No. Japan does not recognize emotional support animals under import regulations. Service cats (if accepted) must still meet all standard requirements: microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and quarantine if from a high-risk origin. No exemptions.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival date in Japan. If your travel is delayed, you may need a new certificate. This applies to all origin tiers.
Yes, but the kitten must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then you must wait 21 days after that vaccination before travel. So the minimum age at entry is about 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). No lower age exemption exists.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Japan.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at travel, with 21-day wait after primary or booster vaccination)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Japan classifies ferrets as rabies-susceptible animals. For free-tier origins (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican), no titer test or import permit is needed. Quarantine is not required upon arrival if all documents are in order.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at travel, with 21-day wait after primary or booster vaccination)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

For low-risk origins (e.g., US, UK, EU countries, Australia), Japan does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for ferrets. No quarantine on arrival if paperwork is complete.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
180 days
Mandatory 180-day quarantine at a MAFF-designated animal quarantine facility in Japan. Owner pays all costs (approx. ¥100,000-200,000 depending on duration and facility).
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian endorsed by the destination country's embassy or MAFF · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at travel, with 21-day wait after primary or booster vaccination)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate from MAFF-approved lab (≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days before travel)
  • Import permit from Japan Animal Quarantine Service

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~¥5,000-10,000, quarantine costs ~¥100,000-200,000. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

High-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a rabies titer test, import permit, and 180-day quarantine upon arrival. The titer test must be done at a MAFF-approved lab; results are valid for 2 years.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Frequently asked questions

No. The US is classified as a low-risk origin for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a rabies titer test (FAVN) or an import permit. You only need a microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
180 days. The ferret must serve a mandatory 180-day quarantine at a MAFF-designated facility in Japan. The owner pays all costs, which typically range from ¥100,000 to ¥200,000. The ferret must also have a rabies titer test with a result of ≥0.5 IU/mL before travel.
Yes, but Japan limits non-commercial pet imports to a maximum of 2 ferrets per person per entry. If you bring more than 2, the shipment is treated as commercial and subject to additional import permits and inspection fees.
No. Japan does not recognize emotional support animals under its import regulations. Ferrets entering as ESAs must follow the same rules as any other pet ferret — microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine if from a high-risk origin.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. If it expires, you must get a booster and wait 21 days before entering Japan. The 21-day wait applies after the booster, even if the previous vaccine was given earlier.
Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin on international flights to Japan. Ferrets are typically required to travel as checked baggage or cargo in an IATA-compliant kennel. Check with your airline for specific policies, as some may allow small ferrets in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat.
You need the original rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785). If from a high-risk origin, also the rabies titer test certificate and import permit. All documents must be in Japanese or accompanied by a certified Japanese translation.

Good to know

Regardless of species, Japan requires an import permit application submitted at least 40 days before arrival, and all pets must enter through one of the designated airports or seaports (Narita, Kansai, Chubu, etc.). Failure to meet any requirement can result in your pet being held in quarantine for up to 180 days at your expense.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Japan, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Japan's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.