Japan Pet Relocation Requirements Overview: Moving Pets to Japan from Hong Kong (Relocation from/to other territories, please feel free to contact us for details) Japan accepts cats and dogs for import and maintains its status as a rabies-free country through strict quarantine regulations and vaccination protocols. Unlike countries requiring extended quarantine periods, pets meeting all Japanese import requirements undergo only a brief quarantine upon arrival, with inspection usually completed within one hour for cats and dogs traveling with their owner. Japan offers flexible travel options for pets, including in- cabin, excess baggage and manifest cargo depending on airline policies and pet size—providing greater convenience compared to destinations that mandate cargo-only transport.
Start planning 7-9 months in advance to complete all required procedures 180-day mandatory waiting period after rabies antibody test before entry Quarantine within 12 hours may be required upon arrival, although pet cats and dogs usually release if all necessary documentations are prepared. If fail, you pet may required to be quarantined for 180 days. Key Planning Requirements: Timeline & Advanced Planning
Essential Requirements Checklist 1. Country Classification & Special Exemptions Japan classifies countries into two categories: Category 1 (Rabies-Free): Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam Category 2 (All Other Countries): Includes Hong Kong - requires rabies vaccination and titer test 2. Microchipping Compliant microchip is mandatory Must be implanted before rabies vaccination for proper identification linkage 3. Rabies Vaccination Requirements Rabies vaccinations required and has to remain valid 4. Rabies Antibody Test (RNATT) Blood test mandatory for Category 2 countries including Hong Kong Minimum antibody level: 0.5 IU/ml required
Additional Health Requirements Recommended Vaccinations Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus Cats: Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper), Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus Parasite Treatment: Internal and external parasite prevention recommended Age Restrictions Minimum age for entry: 3 months Minimum age for rabies vaccination: 91 days (approximately 13 weeks) Unvaccinated pets under 3 months cannot enter Japan
Entry Points & Transportation Designated Airports New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport Chubu International Airport, Kansai International Airport Kitakyusyu Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Kagoshima Airport, Naha Airport Designated Seaports Tomakomai, Keihin (Tokyo/Yokohama), Nagoya, Hanshin (Osaka/ Hyogo) Kanmon, Hakata, Kagoshima, Naha Seaports Travel Methods Excess baggage permitted for eligible pets and airlines Manifest cargo available for larger pets or airline-specific requirements IATA-approved travel crates mandatory for all air transpor
Quarantine Process Standard Quarantine 12-hour quarantine maximum for compliant pets Inspection typically completed within 1 hour No breed restrictions—Japan does not ban any dog or cat breeds Extended Quarantine Up to 180 days quarantine for pets not meeting requirements Pets may be returned to country of origin if documentation incomplete All quarantine costs at owner's expense
PetMover specializes in Japan pet relocation, managing the complex 7-9 month preparation timeline. Our experienced team coordinates RNATT blood testing at designated laboratories, handles AQS advance notifications, arranges required vaccinations and health certificates, and ensures smooth customs clearance— delivering confidence for your pet's journey to Japan. Expert Pet Relocation Support Contact PetMover today to begin your pet's exciting journey to Japan with expert guidance and professional care.