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Paws & Papers / Routes / United States → Japan

Bringing a dog or cat from the USA to Japan in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 211 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Minimum from scratch
211 days
If already vaccinated
211 days
Quarantine
None for pets that meet the rules
Last checked
3 November 2026

Steps, in order

  1. Start nowMicrochip. ISO microchip first (check it is not a duplicated 900-prefix number)Skip if already chipped and vaccinated
  2. With or after the microchipRabies vaccination record. First rabies vaccine (pet at least 91 days old)Skip if already chipped and vaccinated
  3. 30 days after the first rabies vaccineSecond rabies vaccine, at least 30 days after the first
  4. 1 days after the second rabies vaccineRabies antibody test result. Blood test at Kansas State University or the DoD lab, result at least 0.5 IU/ml
  5. 40 days before travelAdvance notice to Japan quarantine. Notify the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival Official page
  6. 10 days before travelHealth certificate endorsed by APHIS: USDA-accredited vet fills it in, APHIS endorses it (about $101). Must be within 10 days before arrival Official page
  7. 180 days after the blood testEarliest arrival: 180 days after the blood draw

Documents

Already vaccinated? Japan needs two rabies shots after the microchip, then the blood test and the 180-day wait. Ask your vet whether earlier shots count; until then the plan keeps the full timeline.

Get the dated plan for your trip. Pick your pet and travel date and see every deadline from today.

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Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from the USA to Japan?

Plan at least 211 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Which documents do I need from the USA to Japan?

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Second rabies shot record (vet); Rabies antibody test result (approved lab, blood drawn by a vet); Health certificate for Japan (usda vet, endorsed by aphis).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

Yes. Blood test at Kansas State University or the DoD lab, result at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. ISO microchip first (check it is not a duplicated 900-prefix number).

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order.

Good to know

  • Arriving before the 180 days end means quarantine for the remaining days.

Sources

Confidence. High: every rule confirmed on an official page.

Last checked 3 November 2026. Your vet, the airline and the border authority have the final word. Rules change: check the official pages again before you fly.