Flying with a Dog from United States to Japan — Requirements

Your dog must be at least 91 days old at vaccination (birth = day 0). Must be given after microchip implantation (same day is acceptable). Only inactivated (killed) virus or recombinant vaccines are accepted — live vaccines are NOT accepted.

A second rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days after the first vaccination (first vaccination day = day 0), and within the validity period of the first vaccination.

A health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS. Must include all required information (microchip date, vaccination records, antibody test results). Confirm format with AQS in advance.

A blood sample must be taken after the second rabies vaccination (same day is acceptable) at a MAFF-designated laboratory using FAVN or RFFIT method. Result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Valid for 2 years from blood sampling date (if rabies vaccination remains current). See approved lab list: maff.go.jp/aqs/animal/dog/lab.html.

Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit numeric microchip before the first rabies vaccination. Both can be done on the same day. If the microchip cannot be read or numbers do not match on arrival, your dog may be detained for up to 180 days.

If all requirements are met, import inspection takes up to 12 hours at a designated entry port. If requirements are not met, quarantine at the AQS detention facility for up to 180 days at the owner's expense.

Your dog must wait at least 180 days after the blood sampling date (day 0 = blood sampling day) before arriving in Japan. If the dog arrives before 180 days have elapsed, it will be quarantined at the AQS detention facility for the remaining days — up to 180 days at the owner's expense.

You must notify the Animal Quarantine Service office at the expected port of entry at least 40 days before your dog arrives in Japan. Notification by email or via NACCS. Only 11 airports and 8 seaports are designated entry points.

A veterinarian in the USA must perform a clinical inspection within 10 days before departure, confirming absence of rabies and leptospirosis symptoms.