Guides / Japan
Japan's 40-day advance notification for pets
Before a dog or cat arrives in Japan, the Animal Quarantine Service must be told at least 40 days ahead. Miss the deadline and the notice can be refused, which means changing your flight.
In short
- Send it at least 40 days before arrival.
- Send it to the quarantine office for your arrival airport, online through NACCS or by email.
- Include your pet's microchip, vaccine and antibody-test details and your flight.
- Keep the approval you receive and bring it on the day.
Who can send it
The importer sends the notification. Japan's Animal Quarantine Service describes the importer as including an agent acting for the owner, which is how pet relocation companies handle it for their clients.
What to have ready
- Owner's name and contact details
- Pet's species, breed, sex, date of birth, colour and microchip number
- Rabies vaccine dates and the antibody test date and result
- Arrival airport, flight number and date
After you send it
The quarantine office reviews it and sends back an approval. Then, within 10 days before boarding, your vet does the final check and your government endorses the health certificate.
Find your pet's earliest arrival date
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