Japan
Countries
Import / Transit Requirements for Cats and Dogs into Japan
Age Of Animal
Puppies and kittens have to be older than 10 months. Puppies and kittens have to travel on their own valid rabies, annual vaccinations and Rabies Neutralization Antibody Titre Test.
Microchip
Required prior or at the same time as Rabies Vaccination. It is recommended that microchip brands should confirm to the ISO standard.
Rabies Vaccinations
Dogs or cats must be at least 91 days old at the time of the first rabies vaccination. Pets must be vaccinated against rabies with inactivated or recombinant vaccines at least twice after the microchip has been implanted.
Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)
The pet must be accompanied by a laboratory result form, from a laboratory approved by the government veterinary authorities of the exporting country, stating that the animal was subjected to a neutralizing antibody titration test on or after the date of the second rabies vaccination.
- The results of the blood test has to be equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml of antibody in its serum.
- The result of blood test is valid for two years after the date of blood sampling.
- Dogs and cats are required to undergo a wait of at least 180 days between the date the blood sampling is taken and the date of the dogs and cats arrives in Japan.
- In case 180 days have not passed at arrival, the animals will be quarantined in AQS facility to make up for the days in shortage
If unable to arrive in Japan within the validity period of the rabies antibody test:
- A second rabies antibody test must be performed and the dog or cat must arrive in Japan within the validity period of the rabies test (within 2 years after the date of blood sampling).
If the following three conditions are all met, another waiting period (180 days or more) is not necessary after the second rabies test:
- The effective period from the first rabies vaccination continues up to arrival in Japan with necessary additional rabies vaccinations.
- The date of blood sampling for the second antibody test is at least 180 days after the date of blood sampling for the first rabies antibody test, which is counted as day 0.
- The rabies antibody titre is 0.5 IU/ml or more in both of the rabies antibody tests.
Normal Canine and Feline vaccinations
Annual canine and feline vaccinations are recommended. Kennel cough vaccinations and snuffles vaccinations for cats are also recommended, should your pet require boarding before or after they travel all reputable kennels would insist that you produce a valid vaccination certificate.
Import Permit
An Import Permit is required.
Health Certificate
The pets have to be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a private veterinarian certifying compliance with the above requirements and countersigned by the State Vet.
The health certificate has to be done within 48 hours of departure.
~ Our clients will be supplied with the correct & filled in Heath Certificate.
