Tailtrip / Routes / United States → Japan

Bringing a dog or cat from the USA to Japan in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 211 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Minimum from scratch

211 days

If already vaccinated

211 days

Quarantine

None for pets that meet the rules

Last checked

3 November 2026

Steps, in order

1. Start nowISO microchip first (check it is not a duplicated 900-prefix number)Skip if already chipped and vaccinated
2. With or after the microchipFirst rabies vaccine (pet at least 91 days old)Skip if already chipped and vaccinated
3. 30 days after the first rabies vaccineSecond rabies vaccine, at least 30 days after the first
4. 1 days after the second rabies vaccineBlood test at Kansas State University or the DoD lab, result at least 0.5 IU/ml
5. 40 days before travelNotify the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival Official page
6. 10 days before travelHealth certificate endorsed by APHIS: USDA-accredited vet fills it in, APHIS endorses it (about $101). Must be within 10 days before arrival Official page
7. 180 days after the blood testEarliest arrival: 180 days after the blood draw

Already vaccinated? Japan needs two rabies shots after the microchip, then the blood test and the 180-day wait. Ask your vet whether earlier shots count; until then the plan keeps the full timeline.