Taking Your Dog to Japan
Japan has strict dog import rules for pets arriving from the United States, including microchip identification, rabies vaccinations, a rabies antibody test, advance notification, and official health paperwork.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Japan
ISO Microchip
Your dog must be individually identified with a microchip before Japan-required rabies vaccinations and rabies antibody testing. Japan recognizes ISO-standard microchips, and the microchip number must match all certificates and test records.
Must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination used for Japan entry.Rabies Vaccination
For dogs arriving from the United States, Japan treats the U.S. as a non-designated region. Dogs must receive at least 2 rabies vaccinations after microchip implantation. The first vaccination must be given at 91 days of age or older, and the second must be given at least 30 days after the first and within the effective period of the first vaccine. Inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccines are used for Japan import procedures.
Start at least 7 months before travel to allow for the second vaccine and 180-day wait after the titer blood draw.Rabies Titer Test
After the second rabies vaccination, a rabies antibody test using FAVN or RFFIT must be performed at a laboratory designated by Japan. The antibody level must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 2 years from the blood sampling date as long as rabies boosters stay current. Japan requires the dog to arrive after at least 180 days have passed from the blood sampling date; if fewer than 180 days have passed, the dog may be quarantined until the total reaches 180 days.
Blood draw after the second rabies vaccine; arrival must be at least 180 days after sampling and within 2 years of sampling.Health Certificate
A USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete Japan’s export health paperwork, and APHIS endorsement is required for U.S. dogs. USDA APHIS notes that accredited veterinarians may issue the certificate electronically through VEHCS, and a printed APHIS-endorsed paper copy must accompany the dog. APHIS also states it may endorse APHIS Form 7001 for qualifying military travelers when Japan’s requirements are met; civilian travelers typically use Japan’s country-specific health certificate format.
Obtain shortly before departure in line with Japan’s certificate instructions and APHIS endorsement processing time.Advance Notification / Import Permit
Japan requires advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service at the expected port of entry. After review, AQS issues an Approval of Import Inspection of Animals. This functions as the required pre-arrival authorization for pet entry.
Must be submitted not less than 40 days before arrival in Japan.Parasite Treatment
Japan’s dog import rules do not list a routine parasite treatment requirement for pet dogs entering from the United States under the standard rabies-control procedure. Your airline or transit country may still require flea, tick, or internal parasite treatment.
Check airline and any transit-country rules before departure.Quarantine Period
If all requirements are met, Japan states the quarantine period on arrival is within 12 hours, often much shorter after inspection. If requirements are incomplete or documents are deficient, the dog can be detained at an AQS facility for the necessary period, up to 180 days, or refused entry/returned.
Inspection occurs on arrival; noncompliance can trigger detention for up to 180 days.Banned Breeds
Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service materials for dog importation do not list a national breed ban for pet dogs. Airline breed restrictions may still apply, especially for brachycephalic or strong-jawed breeds.
Confirm with your airline before booking.Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-200 | Typical U.S. private-practice exam pricing; your accredited vet may charge more for travel paperwork appointments. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | If your dog does not already have an ISO-compatible microchip. |
| Rabies vaccination | $20-50 | Per vaccine if a booster or restart is needed for Japan timing. |
| Rabies titer test | $120-300 | Lab fee commonly charged separately from the blood draw and office visit; total can vary by clinic and shipping. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $160-206 | APHIS user fee depends on how many tests/vaccinations must be verified on the certificate; APHIS lists $160 for 1-2 tests and $206 for 3-6 tests for one animal. |
| Import permit fee | $0 | Japan’s AQS advance notification/approval process does not list a standard pet import permit fee on the official guidance reviewed. |
| Airline pet fee (cargo/checked hold) | $167-267 | ANA publishes JPY 25,000 for sectors within one area and JPY 40,000 for sectors across two areas, approximately $167-$267 at about JPY 150/USD. Final cost depends on route, airline, crate size, and whether the carrier accepts pets on your itinerary. |
| Total | $567-1,098 |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
As of March 25, 2026, CDC says all dogs entering the United States must be at least 6 months old, appear healthy on arrival, be microchipped, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt completed before entry. The exact re-entry rules depend on where your dog has been during the 6 months before returning to the U.S. Japan is listed by CDC among dog rabies-free or low-risk countries, so if your dog has been only in Japan and other low-risk or rabies-free countries during the previous 6 months, the basic CDC Dog Import Form route generally applies. If your dog has been in any CDC high-risk country during the previous 6 months, additional rabies documentation is required, and foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries must also have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility and enter through an approved airport. You must also comply with any USDA and state-level requirements that apply at your U.S. destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preparing to take my dog to Japan?
For a dog traveling from the United States, start at least 7 months before departure. Japan requires 2 rabies vaccinations after microchip implantation, then a rabies antibody blood test, then a 180-day wait from the blood sampling date before arrival.
Does Japan require a rabies titer test for dogs from the United States?
Yes. Because the United States is treated as a non-designated region for Japan’s dog import rules, a rabies antibody test is required after the second rabies vaccination. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
How long is quarantine for dogs entering Japan?
If all requirements are met, Japan says the quarantine period is within 12 hours after arrival inspection. If paperwork is incomplete or the 180-day waiting period has not been satisfied, the dog can be detained for the necessary period up to 180 days.
Do I need to notify Japan before arrival with my dog?
Yes. Japan requires advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service at the expected port of entry not less than 40 days before arrival.
Can I use APHIS Form 7001 for Japan?
USDA APHIS says it may endorse APHIS Form 7001 for pet dogs and cats for military personnel when Japan’s import requirements are met. Civilian travelers usually follow Japan’s country-specific export health certificate process through a USDA-accredited veterinarian and APHIS endorsement.
Are there banned dog breeds in Japan?
Japan’s national animal quarantine guidance reviewed here does not list a breed ban for imported pet dogs. However, airlines may restrict certain breeds, especially snub-nosed dogs or breeds they consider higher risk for transport.
Which airports can dogs enter through in Japan?
Japan allows dog importation only through designated airports and seaports. Official AQS guidance lists major approved airports including New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Osaka Itami, Kobe, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Naha.