Import and export quarantine of dogs and cats

Based on Rabies Prevention Act and Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control, only dogs and cats that have been quarantined can be imported into /exported from Japan.

A person who fails to have inspection of dog shall be either imprisoned up to three years or fined up to three million Japanese yen (N.B. A juridical person shall be fined up to fifty million Japanese yen); and that of cat shall be fined up to 300 thousand Japanese yen.

Import quarantine:

Dogs and cats to be imported into Japan must undergo import quarantine.
Importer must notify the arrival plan to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) by the due date and apply for import inspection on arrival.
Animal quarantine officer inspects the health certificate, physically checks the animal and issues the import quarantine certificate.

The quarantine period varies by measures taken before export and certified by the exporting country/region.
If dogs and cats meet import requirements upon arrival in Japan, the quarantine period will be within 12 hours. On the other hand, dogs and cats that do not meet the requirements are subject to quarantine at a detention facility of AQS for the necessary period (up to 180 days).

Depending on the results of quarantine, the dog or cat cannot be allowed to enter Japan.

Export quarantine:

Dogs and cats to be exported from Japan must undergo export quarantine.
Exporter must make prior application for export inspection to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) and the animal must undergo the inspection at the date and hour directed by the AQS officer.

Dogs and cats need to meet the import requirements of the destination country/region. The exporter must be aware of the requirements to be certified by the AQS.
If returning to Japan, it is recommended to take measures to meet the import requirements of Japan before departure.

Based on the information provided by the exporter, the animal quarantine officer inspects the certificates and test reports, physically checks the animal and issues the export quarantine certificate.

Contacts:

The following is the contact list of Animal Quarantine Service at international airports and seaports, where your dogs and cats undergo physical checks.
Please first refer to the guide for import and export, then contact the AQS for necessary arrangements.

Importer and exporter's responsibility

Person who intends to import/export dogs or cats is responsible for the quarantine and must do all the necessary procedures at their own expense.

Import guide

Import procedures differ in where the dogs and cats come from.

Export guide

Export procedures vary depending on the destination of dogs and cats, and whether there is any possibility of returning to Japan.

Rabies antibody testing laboratories (Biobest Laboratories Ltd)

Rabies antidody test must be performed at one of the designated laboratories.
This facility(Biobest Laboratories Ltd.) has been revoked from the list of designated laboratories due to violations of the designation standards.
Individuals with certificates issued between November 27, 2024 and June 25, 2025, are kindly requested to contact the Animal Quarantine Office at your port of entry.
At this moment, Animal Health Division of MAFF is working with the relevant authorities of the UK government to confirm the situation. We are planning to inform persons who have already submitted the notification of import individually about the future course of action.

Travelling with your assistance dog

Assistance dogs (guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs regulated by law in Japan) need to meet the same import requirements.

If you plan to come to Japan with your assistance dog, make preparations in advance and make early contact with Animal Quarantine Service at the expected airport/seaport of entry.

Notice to assistance dog users from overseas can be found at the following website:
"Assistance dogs for persons with physical disabilities" Portal site (External Link)