Japan Pet Import Reality
Three Things That Control the Move
01
Correct Sequence
The microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination sequence used for Japan entry.
02
180-Day Wait
The rabies antibody blood test starts the waiting period that usually controls the earliest arrival date.
03
AQS Notification
Japan Animal Quarantine Service must receive advance notice at least 40 days before arrival.
Pets we've guided to Japan
Japan Entry Rules
Japan Entry Rules: The 180-Day Rule Comes First
For Japan, dogs and cats from Vietnam follow almost the same process. The critical rule is the 180-day wait after the rabies antibody test.
Start with the timeline first. The flight date comes later.
- Step 1: Microchip first, then two rabies vaccinations
- Step 2: Rabies antibody test with result ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
- Step 3: Wait 180 days from the blood sample date
- Step 4: Submit AQS notification at least 40 days before arrival
- Step 5: Prepare export certificate and complete arrival inspection
How We Help
We Manage the Timeline Before the Flight Is Booked
Japan moves fail when the flight date is chosen before the medical timeline is ready. We check the sequence first, then align the documents, AQS notification, and route.
Get a Custom Plan
Timeline Assessment
We calculate the earliest realistic arrival date based on microchip, rabies vaccine, blood test, and 180-day waiting-period records.
Record & Sequence Review
We check whether the microchip, two rabies vaccinations, lab report, owner details, and travel documents match correctly.
Blood-Test Planning
We coordinate the rabies antibody test and confirm whether the result supports the planned Japan arrival date.
AQS Notification Support
We prepare the Japan Animal Quarantine Service notification and help align it with the intended arrival airport or seaport.
Export Certificate Preparation
We help prepare the final veterinary and government-endorsed export documents before departure.
Final Pre-Flight Review
Before booking or departure, we review the microchip number, vaccine dates, blood-test result, AQS notice, certificate, and flight timing.
Clear Answers
Pet Relocation FAQs
How early should we start?
We recommend starting 6–8 months before the target travel date. From Vietnam, the 180-day waiting period after the rabies antibody blood sample usually controls the earliest possible arrival date.
Do dogs and cats follow the same Japan rules?
Almost yes. Dogs and cats follow the same core sequence: microchip, two rabies vaccinations, rabies antibody test, 180-day waiting period, AQS notification, export certificate, and arrival inspection. Dogs may also need clinical confirmation related to leptospirosis before export.
Why does Japan require two rabies vaccinations?
Japan requires a controlled rabies vaccination sequence after microchip identification. The second rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days after the first, and the blood test is then used to confirm the antibody level.
Does my pet need a rabies blood test?
Yes. The rabies antibody test is required for pets coming from Vietnam, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The waiting period is counted from the blood sample date.
Can my pet arrive before the 180 days are complete?
If your pet arrives before the 180-day waiting period is complete, Japan may require quarantine until the remaining period is satisfied. This is why the flight date should follow the medical timeline, not the other way around.
When do we notify Japan Animal Quarantine Service?
The import notification should be submitted to Japan Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival at the planned airport or seaport.
Will my pet be quarantined in Japan?
If all requirements are completed correctly, arrival inspection is usually short. If the timeline is incomplete, documents do not match, or notification is missing, quarantine may apply.