Bringing a dog or cat to Japan in 2026 falls into the strict category for international pet travel. Japan is in Asia. Pets entering Japan face quarantine on arrival (typically 180 days). A rabies titer (FAVN/RNATT) test is mandatory, with a 180-day waiting period between the blood draw and arrival.
Reviewed by Clifford Wilson, Founder of ClearToFly.pet. Compiled from official government and airline documentation. Last reviewed 2026-06-08.
Beyond rabies, Japan requires or recommends these vaccinations:
Plan to present the following at check-in and on arrival:
Japan has one of the strictest pet import processes. The entire process takes 7+ months. Two rabies vaccinations required after microchip implantation, with the second at least 30 days after the first. Advance Notification must be submitted to AQS at least 40 days before arrival. Animals from rabies-free countries may qualify for shorter quarantine.
Use the ClearToFly Trip Planner to build a personalized checklist with exact deadlines for your route into Japan. Compare carriers that fly your route on the airline pet policy directory, or get expert eyes on your paperwork with a Route Review.
Government pet import rules change without notice. Before booking flights, confirm requirements directly with the Japan veterinary authority. We also recommend cross-referencing the USDA APHIS Pet Travel database for U.S.-origin pets.
Data last verified 2026-06-08 from National Authority. Country code: JP.