Pets - Japan and Okinawa

The U.S Department of State recommends travelers start the process of preparing their pets for the trip to Japan about seven months before their scheduled arrival—since that’s how long it typically takes to complete all the requirements.

Your pet must have microchip identification, and it must be done before the two required rabies vaccinations. There are only two types of microchips that can be read at Japan Animal.

Moving overseas can be stressful enough, but deciding what to do with your beloved pet when you move can just add to your worries. Should you take Fido with you?

Some countries have strict animal importation laws and impose long quarantines when an animal is brought within their borders. In these cases, you must decide if it would be better for all involved to leave your pet in the care of a trusted loved one in the states until you complete your duty overseas.

But if you’re willing to do whatever it takes to ensure Fido stays with you no matter where
you go, here is some helpful information concerning:

Guam, Hawaii, Japan and Korea:
Quarantine Stations—for all others, you must bring your own microchip reader.

Your pet must also receive a Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) blood test
to ensure that the rabies vaccinations have provided adequate rabies antibody levels. This test
must be approved by a facility approved by the Government of Japan (there are only two such
facilities in the U.S.) No later than 40 days before arrival in Japan, you must fax a formal notification to AQS on an Import Application Form. AQS will send an acknowledgement
upon receipt of the form. Animals without the proper health certification, microchipping
and testing may be subject to up to 180 days of quarantine at their owner’s expense. The kennel rates for quarantine in Japan are roughly $30-35 per day.

For more information, including detailed checklists and necessary forms, visit Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service website at www.maffaqs.go.jp/english/index.htm— japan.