Bringing a pet to Japan

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Japan is rabies-free and enforces a strict pet import regime administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). Dogs and cats must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and — unless continuously resident in a MAFF-designated rabies-free country or region — pass a FAVN rabies antibody titre test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, followed by a 180-day wait from the blood draw. Advance notification to AQS is mandatory at least 40 days before arrival. Owners should plan 7–8 months ahead and verify current requirements with AQS.

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
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country, endorsed by that country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Japan does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, individual airlines and some accommodation providers may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers) on certain routes or in cargo. Japanese customs and quarantine do not ban specific breeds, but the Animal Quarantine Service may require additional health checks for dogs showing signs of illness on arrival.

Documents checklist

  • Advance notification to Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (at least 40 days before arrival)
  • ISO-compliant microchip implantation certificate or record
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, valid at time of export)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure and endorsed by the exporting government
  • Proof of continuous residence in the rabies-free country (e.g. pet passport entries, veterinary records)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate and government endorsement ~$100–250, AQS notification free. No FAVN test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

Even for rabies-free origins, the 40-day advance notification to AQS is mandatory. Arrival must be at a designated port of entry with an AQS animal quarantine counter (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, Naha). If any document is missing or inconsistent, the animal can be held at the owner's expense.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
No quarantine if all conditions are met: microchip, at least one rabies vaccination after chipping, FAVN titre ≥0.5 IU/ml, 180 days elapsed since blood draw, advance notification to AQS at least 40 days before arrival, and a valid health certificate. If the 180-day wait is not complete, the animal is quarantined at an AQS facility for the remaining days (up to 180 days).
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country, endorsed by that country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Japan does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, individual airlines and some accommodation providers may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers) on certain routes or in cargo. Japanese customs and quarantine do not ban specific breeds, but the Animal Quarantine Service may require additional health checks for dogs showing signs of illness on arrival.

Documents checklist

  • Advance notification to Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (at least 40 days before arrival)
  • ISO-compliant microchip implantation certificate or record
  • Rabies vaccination certificate(s) — at least one vaccination after microchipping
  • FAVN rabies antibody titre test result from a MAFF-designated laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure and endorsed by the exporting government
  • Proof that 180 days have elapsed since the date the FAVN blood sample was drawn

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titre test ~$150–300 including shipping to a designated lab, health certificate and endorsement ~$100–250, AQS notification free. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

The 180-day wait is counted from the date the blood sample was drawn, not the date the result was issued. If the titre falls below 0.5 IU/ml, revaccinate and re-test — the 180-day clock restarts from the new blood draw. AQS must be notified at least 40 days before arrival; arriving without notification can trigger quarantine even if all other documents are perfect.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
No quarantine if all conditions are met: microchip, at least one rabies vaccination after chipping, FAVN titre ≥0.5 IU/ml, 180 days elapsed since blood draw, advance notification to AQS at least 40 days before arrival, and a valid health certificate. If the 180-day wait is not complete, the animal is quarantined at an AQS facility for the remaining days (up to 180 days).
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country, endorsed by that country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Japan does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, individual airlines and some accommodation providers may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers) on certain routes or in cargo. Japanese customs and quarantine do not ban specific breeds, but the Animal Quarantine Service may require additional health checks for dogs showing signs of illness on arrival.

Documents checklist

  • Advance notification to Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (at least 40 days before arrival)
  • ISO-compliant microchip implantation certificate or record
  • Rabies vaccination certificate(s) — at least one vaccination after microchipping
  • FAVN rabies antibody titre test result from a MAFF-designated laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure and endorsed by the exporting government
  • Proof that 180 days have elapsed since the date the FAVN blood sample was drawn

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titre test ~$150–300 including international shipping to a designated lab, health certificate and government endorsement ~$100–250, AQS notification free. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

Japan does not impose a separate, longer quarantine for CDC high-risk origins than for low-risk origins, but the 180-day FAVN wait applies in full and there is no shortcut. Owners from high-risk countries should budget 7–8 months from first microchip to arrival. Some airlines impose their own embargoes on dogs from high-risk rabies countries — check with the carrier separately.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Frequently asked questions

From a low-risk or high-risk country, budget 7–8 months minimum. The sequence is: microchip first (day 0), then rabies vaccination (day 0 or later), then a FAVN blood test at a MAFF-designated lab (at least 1–2 weeks after vaccination), then a 180-day wait from the date the blood was drawn, then a health certificate within 10 days of travel, and AQS notification at least 40 days before arrival. From a MAFF-designated rabies-free country, the process can be as short as a few weeks if the dog has been continuously resident there.
The dog fails the requirement. You must revaccinate against rabies and then take a new blood sample for a fresh FAVN test. The 180-day waiting period restarts from the date of the new blood draw. There is no appeal or waiver — 0.5 IU/ml is a hard threshold.
Yes, if every condition is met: ISO microchip, at least one rabies vaccination after chipping, FAVN titre ≥0.5 IU/ml from a MAFF-designated lab, 180 days elapsed since the blood draw, AQS notified at least 40 days before arrival, and a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. If any of these is missing or the 180-day wait is incomplete, the dog is quarantined at an AQS facility for the remaining days — up to a maximum of 180 days.
Japan's Animal Quarantine Service generally treats a single non-commercial traveller as bringing one or two personal pets. There is no published hard cap like the EU's 5-pet rule, but bringing more than a small number of animals on one itinerary can lead AQS to classify the movement as commercial, which triggers additional import licensing and inspection requirements. If you plan to bring more than two dogs, contact AQS in advance.
No. Japan does not exempt service dogs, guide dogs, or emotional support animals from the rabies vaccination, microchip, FAVN titre test, 180-day wait, or AQS notification requirements. A service dog entering Japan must meet exactly the same import conditions as any other dog. Some airlines make cabin exceptions for service dogs, but that is an airline policy, not an import exemption.
You must arrive at a port with an Animal Quarantine Service counter. The main ones are Narita, Haneda, Kansai (KIX), Chubu (Centrair), Fukuoka, New Chitose, and Naha. If you arrive at a port without an AQS counter, you may be required to arrange onward transport to a designated port at your own cost, and the dog may be held.
No separate import permit is issued for dogs. Instead, you must file an advance notification with the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival. This notification is mandatory and is separate from the health certificate. Arriving without having filed it can result in quarantine even if all other documents are in order.

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)
Required
Blood draw 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK, or equivalent national authority). Must be endorsed by the government. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and after microchip implantation)
  • FAVN rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 180 days before arrival)
  • Import permit (issued by Japan's Animal Quarantine Service, valid for 90 days from issuance)
  • Health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip implantation certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service (at least 40 days before arrival)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, health certificate ~$100-200, quarantine fees if applicable ~$20-30 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Japan requires a rabies titer test and import permit for cats even from rabies-free countries. The 180-day waiting period after titer test applies. If all requirements are met, quarantine is waived (0 days). If not, quarantine can be up to 180 days. Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service is mandatory at least 40 days before 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 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK, or equivalent national authority). Must be endorsed by the government. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and after microchip implantation)
  • FAVN rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 180 days before arrival)
  • Import permit (issued by Japan's Animal Quarantine Service, valid for 90 days from issuance)
  • Health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip implantation certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service (at least 40 days before arrival)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, health certificate ~$100-200, quarantine fees if applicable ~$20-30 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Same requirements as for rabies-free countries. Japan does not differentiate between low-risk and rabies-free origins for cats; all require titer test, import permit, and 180-day wait. Quarantine is waived if all conditions are met.

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 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK, or equivalent national authority). Must be endorsed by the government. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and after microchip implantation)
  • FAVN rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 180 days before arrival)
  • Import permit (issued by Japan's Animal Quarantine Service, valid for 90 days from issuance)
  • Health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip implantation certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service (at least 40 days before arrival)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, health certificate ~$100-200, quarantine fees if applicable ~$20-30 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Same requirements as for low-risk and rabies-free countries. Japan applies the same rules regardless of origin rabies risk. Quarantine is waived if all conditions are met. If any condition is not met, quarantine can be up to 180 days.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Frequently asked questions

Japan does not set a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats in its import regulations. However, if you are bringing more than a small number (typically interpreted as more than 5 animals), customs may consider it commercial and require additional permits. For personal pets, there is no stated cap, but each cat must meet all import requirements individually. Always check with Japan's Animal Quarantine Service if bringing multiple cats.
No. Japan does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from its import requirements for cats. All cats, regardless of their role, must comply with microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test, import permit, and health certificate rules. Service animals may be allowed in cabin, but import conditions remain the same.
After a rabies antibody titer test (FAVN) showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, you must wait at least 180 days before the cat can enter Japan without quarantine. This waiting period is counted from the date the blood sample was taken. If the cat arrives before 180 days, it will be quarantined until the 180-day period is complete, up to a maximum of 180 days.
Yes. The cat must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If the microchip is not ISO compliant, you must bring your own microchip reader. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
If the rabies antibody titer is below 0.5 IU/ml, the cat is considered unvaccinated and must be revaccinated and retested. The 180-day waiting period restarts from the date of the new blood test. If the cat arrives without a valid titer, it will be quarantined for up to 180 days at the owner's expense.
Yes. You must obtain an import permit from Japan's Animal Quarantine Service before arrival. The permit is valid for 90 days from issuance. Apply well in advance, as processing can take several weeks. The permit application requires details of the cat, vaccination dates, and titer test results.
You must notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival. This notification is mandatory and separate from the import permit. You can submit the notification form online or by mail. Failure to notify may result in quarantine or denial of entry.

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 veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before departure and not expired
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Microchip identification certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No import permit or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

Japan does not recognise any country as rabies-free for ferret imports. All ferrets must meet the standard microchip and rabies vaccination requirements. A 12-hour quarantine at the port of entry may be imposed if documentation is incomplete.

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 veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before departure and not expired
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Microchip identification certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No import permit or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

Japan applies the same rules to ferrets from low-risk countries as from high-risk countries. There is no simplified pathway. The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination is mandatory. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination. Quarantine at the port of entry is not required if all documents are in order, but a 12-hour quarantine may be imposed if there are discrepancies.

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 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
12 days
12-hour quarantine at the port of entry if all documents are complete. If the titer test is not done or fails, quarantine can be up to 180 days.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Import permit (apply at least 40 days before arrival)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before departure and not expired
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Microchip identification certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine fees if applicable ~$50-100 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.

Japan requires an import permit for ferrets from high-risk countries. The permit application must be submitted at least 40 days before arrival. The 180-day waiting period after the titer test is strictly enforced. Ferrets from high-risk countries are subject to a 12-hour quarantine at the port of entry even with complete documents. If any requirement is not met, quarantine can be extended up to 180 days at the owner's expense.

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service Japan

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if your ferret is arriving from a country that Japan does not classify as high-risk for rabies. Japan does not officially designate any country as rabies-free for ferrets, but in practice ferrets from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe do not require a titer test. Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a FAVN titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml and wait 180 days from the date the blood was drawn before entering Japan.
Japan does not set a specific numerical limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. However, if you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, they may be considered a commercial import and subject to additional regulations, including possible import permits and inspections. For personal pets, each ferret must meet the same health and documentation requirements. Contact the Animal Quarantine Service in advance if you plan to bring more than a couple of ferrets.
No. Japan does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must comply with the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if applicable, titer test and import permit. Service animals are not recognised as a separate category for import purposes.
If all documentation is complete and the ferret meets all requirements, there is no quarantine required for ferrets from low-risk or free countries. For ferrets from high-risk countries, a 12-hour quarantine at the port of entry is standard. If the ferret does not have a valid titer test or the documents are incomplete, quarantine can be extended up to 180 days at the owner's expense.
Yes. Japan requires that all ferrets be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, and the microchip number must be recorded on all documents. If the ferret does not have a microchip, it will not be allowed entry.
Start at least 7 months before travel if you are coming from a high-risk country, because the rabies titer test requires a 180-day waiting period after the blood draw. For low-risk countries, start at least 2 months before travel to ensure the rabies vaccination is valid (at least 21 days after vaccination) and the health certificate is issued within 10 days of departure. The import permit, if required, must be applied for at least 40 days before arrival.
No. Japan does not impose breed restrictions on ferrets. All ferrets are treated the same under the import regulations. However, some airlines may have their own restrictions on transporting ferrets, so check with your carrier.

Good to know

Japan's pet import rules are administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). Japan is rabies-free and any dog or cat that cannot prove a compliant rabies antibody titre will be quarantined. Advance notification to AQS is required at least 40 days before arrival for dogs and cats. All dogs and cats must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 chip before rabies vaccination. The 180-day waiting period after a passing FAVN test is the single biggest planning constraint. Rabies-free countries and regions are listed by MAFF and change occasionally — verify your origin against the current MAFF list before assuming any exemption.

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.