Bringing Dogs, Cats and Other Animals

2024/8/30

1. Bringing Animals into Japan

 1. Animal Quarantine
 Please refer to the following for an overview of the quarantine system for animal.
 

▶ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Animal Quarantine Service’s website, (What is animal quarantine?)​Open a new window

 
 2. Procedures to Bring Animals into Japan
 Please refer to the following for procedures to bring animals into Japan.
 
  ◦　Dog, CatOpen a new window (The United States is categorized in Non-designated regions).

The "Import Guide (Non-designated regions)" can be downloaded from the following Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Animal Quarantine Service’s website.
▶ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Animal Quarantine Service’s website, (Import dogs and cats into Japan (from Non-designated regions))Open a new window

 
    
 
  ◦　BirdsOpen a new window
 
  ◦　RabbitOpen a new window
 
  ◦　Honey BeeOpen a new window
 
 
  ◦　MonkeyOpen a new window
 
 
  ◦　Other AnimalsOpen a new window
 
 3. Certificates Issued by the Government Agency of the Exporting Country
To import dogs and cats from Non-designated regions, they must meet import requirements such as microchip implanting, at least two times rabies vaccinations, rabies antibody test, and 180-day waiting, and you need to obtain certificates, which certify necessary information, issued by the government agency of the exporting country. In the case of the Unites States, The certificates must then be endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Veterinary Services. To arrange this USDA endorsement, please contact them at:
 
 ●APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices
 <Southern California>
 ・USDA, APHIS, VS, Veterinary Export Trade Services
  10365 Old Placerville Road, Ste. 210, Sacramento, CA 95827-2518
  Tel: 916-854-3960     Email: sacanimalexport@usda.gov
 
 ・Los Angeles Animal Import Center (LA AIC)
  222 Kansas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
  Tel: 310-955-3311     Email: VSPSLAX@usda.gov
 
 <Arizona> (Arizona is under the jurisdiction of the Washington State Office)
 ・USDA, APHIS, VS, Veterinary Export Trade Services
 　1550 Irving Street SW, STE 100, Tumwater, WA 98512
 　Tel: 360-753-9430     Email: wa.export.animals@usda.gov
 

2. Other Consideration

Please be aware that there are restrictions on the import and export of endangered species as listed in international treaties and Japan's Domestic Law. 

Also, please be sure to contact your airline company about the animal well in advance of your travel date as they may have separate requirements as well.

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