Pet Relocation to Japan

Who can bring a pet?

This route is for a dog or cat that can complete Japan’s non-designated-region process. The pet must be individually identified and meet the vaccination, antibody test, residence and document rules before travel. Dogs may enter only through designated ports; check the selected airport and any breed restrictions with the Japanese authorities.

Microchip

A microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination. The number must remain readable and match the vaccination records, rabies titre report, advance notification and Indonesian government export certificate. Have the chip scanned at every examination.

Rabies vaccination

After microchipping, the pet needs two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart and within their validity periods. The first vaccine cannot be given before the minimum age in Japan’s rules. Any lapse can require restarting steps, so keep a dated record of each dose.

Rabies titre test

After the second vaccination, a blood sample must be tested at a Japanese-designated laboratory. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The pet must wait at least 180 days from the blood-sampling date before arriving; if it arrives earlier, AQS can hold it for the remaining days.

Import permit

Japan’s AQS requires advance notification at least 40 days before the planned arrival. This is a notification rather than a substitute for health compliance. Submit the animal details and supporting records to the AQS office responsible for the arrival port and wait for its acknowledgement before finalizing travel.

Government documents

Carry the accepted microchip record, two rabies vaccination records, original titre result, AQS notification acknowledgement, and an official export certificate endorsed by Indonesia’s competent authority. The certificate must confirm Japan’s required facts and dates; translations or informal clinic letters may not replace the official form. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.

Quarantine and arrival inspection

If the pet meets every condition and documents are in order, the arrival inspection is often completed within 12 hours. Non-compliance can lead to detention for up to 180 days or return to the exporting country. The importer is responsible for quarantine care and charges.

Airline requirements

Reserve an airline route that reaches a designated port and can accept the pet as cargo or approved accompanied baggage. Give the carrier the crate dimensions and confirm transfer procedures. Do not schedule arrival before the 180-day waiting period ends.

Travel crate

Use a strong airline-approved carrier that fits the animal and aircraft. The pet must be able to stand, turn and lie naturally. Check live-animal acceptance on every operating segment and ask the airline to approve water access, fasteners and seasonal restrictions.

Timeline

The earliest practical plan includes two rabies doses at least 30 days apart, titre sampling after the second dose, then at least 180 days from the sample, plus the 40-day AQS notice and export certification. Start around seven months or more before the intended arrival, and preserve vaccine validity throughout.

Cost factors

Cost drivers include two or more veterinary visits, rabies vaccines, sample shipment and designated-lab testing, official export endorsement, air freight, crate, handling and any detention at arrival. If the waiting period is incomplete or documents fail, quarantine can add substantial care and facility charges.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Japan rabies wait?

For a non-designated source such as Indonesia, wait at least 180 days from the blood-sampling date for the qualifying titre test.

When must I notify Japan’s AQS?

At least 40 days before the planned arrival. The AQS may not accept a late notice, so send the application early and wait for acknowledgement.

What happens if my pet arrives before day 180?

The Animal Quarantine Service can detain the pet for the number of remaining days, up to the applicable maximum, or require it to be returned.

Official sources

Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.

Pet relocation from Indonesia to Japan