Flying with a Dog from Canada to Japan — Requirements

Two rabies vaccinations are required: a primary vaccination, then a booster at least 30 days later. Both must be given after microchipping. A third vaccination may be required if the titre test interval exceeds the vaccine validity period — verify the timing carefully.

An official health certificate must be issued by a Canadian government-accredited veterinarian using the MAFF-prescribed form. The certificate must confirm microchip number, vaccination history, titre test result, and that the dog has been resident in an approved country for the required period. Must be issued within 10 days before travel.

Advance notice must be submitted to the relevant Japanese Animal Quarantine Station at least 40 days before the dog's arrival. Submit using the MAFF online notification system or by post. Failure to provide advance notice will result in extended quarantine.

A FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) titre test must be conducted at a MAFF-approved laboratory and show a result of ≥0.7 IU/mL. The test must be performed at least 30 days after the second rabies vaccination. A mandatory 180-day wait period applies from the date of the titre test before the dog may enter Japan.

Dog must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before any vaccinations are given. The microchip number must appear on all documentation. If the dog was vaccinated before microchipping, the entire vaccination process must be restarted after microchip implantation.

Dogs arriving in Japan from non-designated countries are subject to quarantine for up to 180 days. The quarantine period is reduced by the number of days the dog has been continuously resident in an approved country after the titre test. If all requirements are met and the dog has spent ≥180 days in an approved country since the titre test, quarantine may be as short as 12 hours (inspection only).