Taking Your Dog From the US to Japan

Two rabies shots, a titer test, and a 180-day wait.

DogsUS → JapanTiter test

Japan's dog-import process is strict and heavily time-based, so it needs planning around seven months ahead. The core of it is two rabies vaccinations, a rabies antibody (titer) test, and a 180-day waiting period measured from the date of the blood sample — plus an advance notification to Japan's Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before you arrive. Get the sequence right and quarantine on arrival is usually minimal.

The checklist, step by step

ISO microchip

🗓 First — before the rabies vaccinations

An ISO 11784/11785 microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccinations that count toward entry.

Two rabies vaccinations

🗓 After the microchip

Japan requires two rabies vaccinations (the second at least 30 days after the first, both after the microchip).

Rabies titer test

🗓 Starts the 180-day clock

A rabies antibody titer test at an approved lab must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. Your dog can enter no sooner than 180 days after the blood sample date.

Advance notification

🗓 At least 40 days before arrival

Notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service of your planned import at least 40 days before arrival.

Health certificate & import inspection

🗓 Before departure and on arrival

A government-endorsed health certificate is required, and your dog is inspected on arrival at the Animal Quarantine Service.

Good to know

If the full process is completed correctly, import inspection is usually brief; if requirements are incomplete, dogs can face long quarantine. Follow the Animal Quarantine Service's instructions precisely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to bring a dog to Japan?About 7 months. The 180-day waiting period after the rabies titer blood test is the long pole, plus a 40-day advance notification before arrival.

Does my dog have to be quarantined in Japan?If every requirement is completed on time, on-arrival quarantine is usually short (often same-day). Missing or late steps can lead to a long quarantine, so timing is everything.

Official sources

MAFF Japan — Animal Quarantine Service (import of dogs)

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This guide is for general information and is kept in step with official sources, but requirements change and can vary by case. Always confirm the current rules with the official authority for your route before you travel.

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