Japan welcomes different kinds of animals however, in order to protect the country from the spread of animal diseases such as rabies, animal inspection is implemented upon arrival. Note that this article will cover rules for dogs and cats. For other pets, please seek information on the Animal Quarantine Service website.
The process of importing dogs and cats to Japan is slightly different depending on where you are importing from.
A. The designated regions: Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Island, Hawaii, Guam
B. None-designated regions: all other countries
Step 1. Microchip
Regardless of your region, all dogs and cats entering Japan must have microchip implants.
Step 2. Rabies Vaccination & Rabies Antibody Test
For those coming from non-designated regions, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 2 times, after a microchip has been implanted. In addition, a serological test must be performed at the laboratories designated by the Ministry of Agriculture. The list can be found here.
Step 3. Waiting Period
180 days must be passed from the date of blood sampling from the rabies antibody test. Moreover, the date of arrival must be within the expiry period of the rabies vaccine.
Step 4. Advance Notification
Notification form must be submitted via online, email, or fax, no less than 40 days before arriving in Japan. Animal Quarantine Service will then check the documents and will issue “Approval of Import Inspection of Animals”, which permits pets to enter the country.
Notification form for dogs
Notification form for cats
Step 5. Pre-Export Clinical Inspection
Prior to entering Japan, all dogs and cats must undergo a clinical inspection to prove the pet is free from rabies and leptospirosis.
Step 6. Certificate
Once all is cleared, a certificate must be issued by the government agency of the exporting country. This certificate must include microchip numbers, the date of rabies vaccinations, results of the clinical inspection, blood sampling, and other health information about your pets. Animal Quarantine Service in Japan recommends filling in the certification form.
Step 7. Import Inspection
Upon arrival, the animals will go through an inspection by the Animal Quarantine Service. Note that the importer is responsible for applying for this inspection. Pets will be returned to the owner if there is no problem, however, pets that did not meet the import requirements might have to be quarantined at a detention facility for up to 180 days.
For Further Information:
Please refer back to the Animal Quarantine Website for an official source of information that contains detailed instructions and necessary forms regarding importing pets.
From Designated Regions
From Non-designated Regions
Other animals
Pet-Friendly Apartments
When it comes to pet-friendly apartments, the reality is that there are not a lot of them in Japan. However, that is not to say that there aren’t any. When you are searching for properties, make sure that it is listed as Pet Available (ペット可). Some apartments ask for an extra pet fee that you have to pay on top of your rent. Some charge a different fee depending on the size and the number of dogs/cats you own. In other cases, it is already included in the rent. Nonetheless, it will end up a bit more expensive than living without pets. Make sure to check the specifics with the renter as if you unknowingly bring pets into pet-free apartments, you will likely be fined or asked to move out immediately.