Planning a move to Japan with your pet can feel overwhelming—but Pets in Transit makes it simple. We handle every detail—from pre-travel documentation and health requirements to safe, comfortable travel arrangements. Whether you’re relocating, returning home, or traveling for an extended stay, we ensure your pet’s journey is smooth, stress-free, and compliant with all Japanese import regulations. With personalized care, real-time updates, and experienced handlers, Pets in Transit helps you focus on your trip while your pet travels safely and comfortably.
Once you approve your pet’s custom travel plan, we start by carefully reviewing your pet’s microchip information, vaccination history, and veterinary records to ensure they meet Japan’s import standards. If any updates, boosters, or additional treatments are needed, we guide you through each step with clarity and care.
Japan has strict entry requirements and precise timelines. We work directly with your veterinarian to prepare accurate health certificates, confirm vaccination windows, and complete all export and import paperwork—so everything aligns perfectly with Japanese customs and regulations.
With paperwork finalized, we secure the safest, most efficient flight options to Japan. We choose airlines with excellent pet care protocols, minimize layovers, and prioritize climate-controlled cabins or cargo spaces to ensure your pet travels comfortably from start to finish.
You’ll receive a detailed, easy-to-follow itinerary that maps every part of your pet’s journey—check-in times, handling procedures, and arrival steps in Japan. This gives you confidence and peace of mind knowing exactly what to expect.
Whether your pet is at home, a boarding facility, your veterinarian’s office, or another location, we organize a smooth, stress-free pick-up. Our trained transport team ensures your pet is safe, comfortable, and ready for their journey.
With Pets in Transit, you stay informed at every stage of the journey. From airport check-in to in-flight updates and arrival in Japan, we provide timely communication so you always know where your pet is and how they’re doing.
Upon arrival in Japan, our experienced partners handle customs clearance, veterinary inspections, and required documentation. Once cleared, we arrange safe delivery straight to your home or chosen destination—making your reunion happy, smooth, and worry-free.
Moving your pet to Japan requires careful preparation, strict documentation, and full compliance with Japanese import rules. While pets who meet every requirement typically avoid quarantine, even small errors can result in delays, temporary confinement, or complete denial of entry. At Pets in Transit, we guide you through every step—from microchipping and vaccinations to health certificates, rabies titer tests, customs procedures, and post-arrival compliance. Here’s what you need to know before your pet travels:
All dogs and cats must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip before traveling.
Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) requires advance notice of your pet’s arrival at least 40 days prior to entry. Notification must be submitted by fax or mail to the AQS office overseeing the port or airport of arrival. Separate forms are required for:
Japan requires that pets receive two rabies vaccinations after the microchip is implanted.
Pets must have a rabies antibody titer test from a Japan-approved laboratory with a result ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.
Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) requires advance notice of your pet’s arrival at least 40 days prior to entry. Notification must be submitted by fax or mail to the AQS office overseeing the port or airport of arrival. Separate forms are required for:
Dogs and cats must have a USDA-accredited veterinarian inspection confirming they are free from clinical signs of infectious disease. Required documents include:
Japan recommends additional vaccines and treatments for pets over 91 days old, administered at least 30 days before travel:
Pets must travel in IATA-compliant crates with proper ventilation and durability. Airlines may have additional breed or size restrictions. Pets in Transit ensures your crate meets both airline and Japanese entry standards.
While Japan allows most dogs and cats to enter if all vaccination, microchip, and documentation requirements are met, certain breeds may face restrictions or additional scrutiny:
Here are the rules for pet travel to Japan according to the USDA website.
Let us handle all of the details and effortlessly manage your pet’s relocation from start to finish!
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