Japan enforces strict import requirements through MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). Pets meeting all requirements clear quarantine within 12 hours, but non-compliant animals face up to 180 days of detention. An ISO microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination, and a rabies antibody test from a designated laboratory is mandatory.
Companies Listed
6
Quarantine
Yes (180 days)
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required (implanted before first rabies vaccination)
Two rabies vaccinations required (given at least 30 days apart)
Rabies antibody test from MAFF-designated laboratory (≥ 0.5 IU/mL)
180-day waiting period from blood draw for titer test
Compliant pets cleared within 12 hours; non-compliant detained up to 180 days
Entry only through designated airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and others)
Dogs must be registered with local municipality within 30 days and vaccinated annually
Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Japan vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds can be imported into Japan. The Animal Quarantine Service does not require quarantine inspection on arrival for pet birds such as parrots, parakeets and mynas, but other ministries impose controls: CITES/METI rules for protected species and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's animal import notification system. Rules tighten during avian influenza outbreaks.
Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) inspection is not required on arrival for pet birds (e.g. parrot, parakeet, myna, pigeon); however, restrictions by other ministries apply
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) import notification requirements apply to imported animals to prevent zoonoses
CITES-listed species (many parrots) need a valid export permit from the origin country and, for certain species, METI import approval
Poultry imports are suspended from countries/areas where avian influenza is detected; pet birds from affected regions may be affected via other ministry controls
Animals may only be imported at designated ports
Although AQS quarantine does not apply to common pet birds, eligibility still depends on CITES status (METI) and MHLW notification rules, which change with avian influenza outbreaks. Confirm your species' CITES status and the current MHLW/AQS conditions before purchasing flights.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Japan as quarantine-designated animals under the Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control Law. Importers must obtain certification or authorization from the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, complete import quarantine inspection, and present a certificate of completed quarantine to Customs.
Horses are designated quarantine-required animals; AQS (MAFF) certification or ministerial authorization required
Import quarantine inspection by the Animal Quarantine Service on arrival
Certificate of completed import quarantine must be submitted to Customs to clear the horse
Government veterinary health certificate from the country of origin
Compliance with disease controls under the Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control Law
Exact disease test panels (e.g. EIA, EVA, dourine, glanders, piroplasmosis), required quarantine day-counts, and fees depend on the origin country and current AQS conditions and were not specified in the official pages reviewed. Confirm the specific protocol with the Animal Quarantine Service for your departure country before planning.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Japan allows many pet reptiles to be imported, but CITES (Washington Convention) rules are decisive. Non-CITES species are generally importable with documentation, while CITES-listed reptiles such as many tortoises and turtles require an export permit from the origin country and, for certain species, METI import approval, making species eligibility the key factor.
Animal Quarantine Service does not subject reptiles to animal quarantine inspection; controls come from other ministries
Check the CITES/Washington Convention status of the exact species before any planning
CITES-listed species (turtles, tortoises, iguanas and others are representative examples) need a valid export permit from the origin country, plus METI import approval/prior-confirmation for certain species
Appendix I species (e.g. sea turtles) are effectively banned from trade; Appendix II species require permits
Non-CITES reptiles generally do not require a Japanese import application, but verify species status
Eligibility hinges on the exact species. Common non-CITES pet reptiles can generally be imported with documentation, while many tortoises and turtles and other Appendix I/II species are blocked or require hard-to-obtain CITES permits. Always verify the species against the CITES/Species+ database and confirm with METI.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Japan?
A full-service move to Japan typically costs $2,270–$7,510 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, rabies titer test, import permit, customs clearance, and mandatory quarantine boarding. Typical process time: 180-day pre-export process; ~12-hour quarantine if compliant.
Pet size
Estimated full-service cost
Small pet / cat
$1,770–$6,530
Medium dog
$2,270–$7,510
Large dog
$3,060–$8,620
Japan requires government quarantine on arrival, which is the single biggest cost driver for this destination.
