People returning to Japan with pets
In the case of dogs and cats
(Excerpted from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Animal Quarantine Service website)
Preparation before import
- Microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination
- Testing of serum neutralizing antibody titers against rabies virus
- Submission of prior notification form
- Notification Acceptance Form
- Pre-departure clinical examinations
- Obtaining a certificate issued by the exporting country's government agency.
Required documents for import
- Acceptance of import notification from the animal quarantine station
- Health certificate
A document certifying that the dog is healthy and free from rabies, or at least not suspected of having it. - Rabies vaccination certificate
A document certifying the date of vaccination, type of vaccination, and validity period.
Note
- The above certificates must be issued by the exporting country's government agency. If you obtain these documents from a private animal hospital or similar institution, the veterinarian's signature and an endorsement from the exporting country's government agency are required.
- Implantation of a microchip (ISO standard) is mandatory.
- The process is as follows: vaccination → antibody test → issuance of vaccination certificate → 180-day waiting period (after antibody test) → issuance of health certificate.
For detailed information on the procedures and other information regarding the import of animals, please refer to the website of the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.