Guides / Japan

Japan's 180-day rule for dogs and cats, explained

For most countries, Japan requires a series of steps that takes at least seven months. Each step has a date rule, and a pet that misses one can be held for up to 180 days at the owner's cost.

The steps, in order

1. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785, 15 digits). It must come before the first rabies vaccine; vaccines given earlier don't count.
2. Rabies vaccine 1, when your pet is at least 91 days old.
3. Rabies vaccine 2, at least 30 days after the first and while the first is still valid.
4. Blood test for rabies antibodies at a lab Japan designates, after vaccine 2 (the same day is allowed). The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. It stays valid for 2 years from the blood draw.
5. Wait 180 days. The day of the blood draw is day 0. Your pet can arrive from day 181.
6. Advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival. See the notification guide.
7. Vet check within 10 days before boarding, with the health certificate endorsed by your country's official authority.
8. Import inspection on arrival in Japan.

An example

Things that restart the clock

• A blood result below 0.5 IU/ml: a new blood test is needed and the 180 days start again.
• A rabies vaccine that expires before the booster: the series breaks. Always give the booster before the old one expires.
• Vaccines given before the microchip: they don't count.