Traveling to Japan with your pet
You're ready to move to Japan and want your pet to accompany you on your new adventure. But what steps do you need to take to ensure that the trip goes smoothly for both of you? The MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) have valuable information on the procedure to follow.
Procedures for moving to Japan with your pet
MAFF refers to importing pets when someone brings their pet to Japan. The procedure is tedious. That is why it should be initiated at least 8 months before departure.
Essential steps before traveling to Japan
You will need to:
- Get a passport for your pet in your country of origin
- Have a microchip implanted on your pet. You must also keep the certificate issued after the placement.
- Submit a prior notification form no later than 40 days before you arrive in Japan. The form is available for download on the MAFF website.
- Apply for an import permit and approval of import from the Animal Quarantine Service.
- Fill out a "Japan Specific Health Certificate" 48 hours before departure. Have it stamped by an official veterinarian. In France, for example, you will have to contact the Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations.
Have your pet vaccinated against:
- Rabies. Vaccine to be administered twice, more than 31 days apart
- Leptospirosis
Have your pet tested:
- Serum rabies antibody test.
This test must be done 30 days after the 2nd rabies vaccine, and must be less than 2 years old before departure. After the test, the animal must wait another 6 months before being able to travel to Japan.
Examination by a veterinarian
Your pet will need to be examined by a veterinarian in your home country. You will also need to provide a medical certificate for your pet, attesting to its good health.
Inspection upon arrival in Japan
Once in Japan, your pet will be inspected by animal quarantine services. You will be responsible for the cost of this inspection. Once all the formalities are completed, you will have to register your pet with your municipality of residence in Japan.
Accommodation in Japan
Make sure that your accommodation in Japan allows you to have a pet. Many places are still forbidden to pets.
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