Taking Pets to Japan

One of the main airlines we use for taking pets to Japan is British Airways, they have a direct route into a few of the airports in Japan. A direct flight is always better for pets to help minimise stress.

The most popular place we fly pets into Japan is Tokyo. We can fly into other airports, we have a trusted IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transport Association) agent in Tokyo that can assist with internal flights throughout Japan.

Veterinary preparation will need to be carried out well in advance for Japan.  Pets must have a working microchip in place before starting any vaccines. Pets require two rabies vaccinations, given at least 30 clear days apart (the 1^st vaccine must still be valid when the 2^nd vaccine is administered). Pets then require a rabies blood sample to be taken (this can be taken immediately after the 2^nd rabies vaccination). Your pet will need to wait 180 days from the date of blood sampling before they can travel. If you are sending a younger animal to Japan please make sure that your pet is at least 91 days old before your vet gives the first rabies vaccine.

The Animal Quarantine Service in Japan require a notification of any animals arriving, this notification must be given at least 40 days in advance, and there are several forms that need completing in order to do this notification. Once this has been done the Animal Quarantine Centre will issue an ‘approvals’ document. You can view the advice direct from the Japanese authorities here.

Flying pets to Japan is tricky and needs to be very precise and some clients do find it stressful to complete the 40 day notification of arrival. We are happy to arrange this for you through our trusted agent in Japan. They complete these notifications on a daily basis and are well versed with dealing with the Animal Quarantine Centre.