Bringing Pets to Japan: Import Guide for Cats and Dogs

Importing Pets to Japan: Strict Rules, Manageable Process

Japan applies one of the strictest animal import protocols in the world. The procedure is long and must be followed precisely. If any step is missed or timed incorrectly, your pet may face a mandatory 180-day quarantine in a government facility at your expense. This guide covers cats and dogs imported from Europe, Canada and Australia.

Most European countries (including France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium) are classified in Japan's "Zone B." This means you can avoid quarantine entirely, but only if you follow a very precise step-by-step protocol over at least 7 months before travel.

The 8-Step Protocol (Zone B Countries)

Step 1: ISO Microchip

Your pet must be identified with a microchip compliant with ISO 11784 or 11785 standard. If your pet has an older non-ISO chip, a new one must be implanted before any vaccination. Microchipping must be done first.

Step 2: First Rabies Vaccination

Administered after the microchip is confirmed to be reading correctly. The vaccine batch number and date must be recorded in your vet's records.

Step 3: Rabies Booster

If your pet had no previous valid rabies vaccination, a booster is required 30 days after the primary shot.

Step 4: Rabies Neutralising Antibody Test (FAVN or RFFIT)

This is the most critical step. A blood sample is collected by your vet and sent to a laboratory accredited by Japan. The result must be 0.5 IU/ml or higher.

Accredited laboratories in Europe include ANSES Nancy (France), the national veterinary institute in the Netherlands (CIDC), and several others. Check the current list on Japan's Animal Quarantine Service website (maff.go.jp/aqs).

Step 5: Wait 180 Days

After a passing FAVN result, you must wait exactly 180 days before bringing your pet to Japan. This is the major constraint. If you are moving in 9 months, start the protocol today.

Step 6: Official Health Certificate

No earlier than 7 days before export, your vet (working with your national authority) issues an official export health certificate. This must be endorsed by the relevant government authority and submitted to Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Step 7: Pre-Arrival Notification

At least 40 days before arrival, submit an import notification to Japan's Animal Quarantine Service online. Without this, your pet cannot enter Japan.

Step 8: Arrival Inspection

At Narita or Haneda airport, your pet goes through an animal quarantine inspection (typically 1 to 3 hours if all documents are in order). If everything is correct, your pet joins you directly.

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Flying to Japan with a Pet

In cabin: accepted by some airlines (Air France, Japan Airlines, ANA) for small pets under approximately 8 kg including the carrier. The carrier must fit under the seat in front. Book early as spots are strictly limited.

In hold (cargo animal): for larger pets. Temperature regulated, but more stressful for the animal. Some airlines refuse hold animals above certain outside temperatures. Avoid summer travel (July to August) if possible.

Airlines accepting pets on Japan routes: Air France, JAL, ANA, Lufthansa. Always confirm pet policy at booking as rules change.

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Finding Pet-Friendly Housing in Tokyo

Very few standard Tokyo rental apartments accept pets. The market for pet-friendly accommodation is narrow and more expensive. Some share houses with specific "pet welcome" policies exist. The Setagaya and Nerima wards, with more low-rise residential buildings, tend to have slightly better availability.

For housing tips, our guide to finding an apartment in Tokyo explains how to communicate pet ownership clearly in your application and which agencies have experience placing expats with animals.

FAQ

Can I speed up the 180-day wait?

No. The 180-day post-FAVN wait is non-negotiable under Japanese law. Pets arriving before the 180 days are complete will be held in quarantine for the remainder of the waiting period, at your expense (approximately 150 to 400 USD per month depending on the facility).

Do cats and dogs follow the same rules?

Yes. Identical rules apply to both species.

What happens if a document is wrong at the airport?

Your pet will be quarantined while corrections are made. This can take days or weeks. Japanese animal quarantine officers are very thorough. Having a bilingual representative who understands the protocol review your documents before travel is strongly recommended.

For your relocation to Tokyo, our [complete moving checklist](/blog/moving-to-tokyo-checklist-2026) covers all administrative steps. For housing options, see our [guide to finding an apartment in Tokyo](/blog/find-apartment-tokyo-foreigner).