Pet knowledge that applies across all species — relocation, regulations, and general care guides
A complete, country-agnostic guide to importing cats and dogs into Japan. Covers microchip requirements, rabies antibody testing, the 180-day waiting period, AQS advance notification, and what to expect at the airport quarantine.
Moving to Japan with a cat or dog looks completely different depending on where you are leaving from. This guide explains Japan's short list of designated rabies-free regions, the antibody test and 180-day waiting period that apply everywhere else, which laboratories can run the test, and how to work out your own timeline without adding months by mistake.
How pets really fly to Japan: cabin (PETC) versus hold (AVIH), IATA container sizing and ventilation rules, seasonal and snub-nosed breed limits, and the published pet policies of ANA, JAL, EVA Air, China Airlines, STARLUX and United.
How to file the import notification that Japan's Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) requires 40 days before your pet arrives — through NACCS or by email — plus what goes into the exporting country's certificate (MAFF's Form AB), which government body endorses it, and the document mistakes that cause the most delays.
Everything you need to know after arriving in Japan with your pet: step-by-step Airport Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) clearance at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports, what happens if your pet is held, dog registration (Chikuken Toroku), mandatory annual rabies vaccination, and settling-in admin essentials.
What bringing a pet to Japan actually costs: microchip, rabies vaccination, the antibody titre test with a MAFF-designated laboratory, airline transport, agent fees, and the post-arrival costs in Japan — with estimates in USD, JPY and local currencies.