Pre-Departure (In the Philippines)
Microchip Implantation
Requirement: Each pet must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit) microchip.
Action: If your pet’s current microchip is not compliant, arrange for a compliant implant or ensure you have a reader/scanner that can interpret the existing microchip.
Tip: Keep the certification documentation handy.
Rabies Vaccination
Requirement: Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Japan typically requires at least two rabies vaccinations—with the initial vaccination administered between 30 days and 12 months before entry.
Action: Consult your veterinarian to schedule the necessary vaccinations, ensuring each is properly recorded, signed, and stamped.
Comprehensive Health Examination & Export Health Certificate
Requirement: A full health check is mandatory before export.
Action: Schedule an examination with a government-approved licensed veterinarian to obtain an export health certificate. This document should include details of the microchip, vaccination records, and overall health status.
Tip: Some guidelines refer to this collection of documents as a “pet passport.” Keep all documents in a dedicated folder.
Obtain an Import Permit (if required)
Requirement: Depending on the regulations at the time, you might need an import permit issued by a licensed veterinarian or a governmental agency in the Philippines.
Action: Confirm this early with both local authorities and your veterinarian so you can secure the necessary permits well in advance.
Pre-Export Procedures
Rabies Antibody (Serological) Test
(Arranging the Serological Test Here)
Requirement: After the necessary vaccinations, your pet needs to undergo a rabies antibody test to verify that antibody levels meet Japan’s criteria.
Action: Arrange for the test with your veterinarian and retain the official results. Make sure the report includes all required details and is endorsed by the appropriate authorities.
Observe the 180-Day Waiting Period
Requirement: Japan mandates a waiting period (often 180 days) after the last vaccination or after the antibody test.
Action: Mark your calendar and ensure that the timeline between the test/vaccination and departure complies with this waiting period.
Tip: Early planning will help avoid any rushed adrenaline moments closer to your departure date.
Pre-Export Clinical Inspection
Requirement: A final clinical inspection (or pre-export inspection) by an accredited veterinarian is required to certify that your pet is fit for travel.
Action: Book this inspection as per the guidelines and ensure the veterinarian fills out all necessary forms accurately.
Airports/Ports that Accept Pet Importation in Japan:
◆ Airport: New Chitose Airport, Narita International Airport,
Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), Chubu International Airport,
Kansai International Airport, Osaka Itami Airport, Kobe Airport, Kitakyushu Airport,
Fukuoka Airport, Kagoshima Airport, Naha Airport
◆ Seaport: Tomakomai Seaport, Keihin Seaport (Tokyo, Yokohama), Nagoya Seaport,
Hanshin Seaport (Osaka, Hyogo), Kanmon Seaport, Hakata Seaport,
Kagoshima Seaport, Naha Seaport
Documentation, Notification & Arrival in Japan
Advance Notification to Japanese Authorities
Requirement: You must submit an advance notification to the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.
Action: Follow their guidelines regarding submission formats, deadlines, and any additional instructions (this is sometimes managed online or via specialized forms).
Gather and Verify All Documentation
Action Items:
Microchip Documentation: Certificate of implantation and compliance proof.
Vaccination Certificates: Detailed records of all rabies (and any other required) vaccinations.
Rabies Antibody Test Results: Official documentation proving that your pet meets the antibody threshold.
Export Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian after the comprehensive health exam.
Import Permit: If applicable, any permits required for pet entry into Japan.
Advance Notification Receipt: Confirmation from Japanese authorities that they have received your pet’s details.
Tip: Double-check each document for accuracy and completeness. Keep a backup (digital and physical) to avoid any delays at the point of entry. 2
Arrival in Japan
Tip: Stay in touch with local veterinary services in Japan to ensure your pets’ ongoing health and compliance with any local regulations.
Import Inspection Upon Arrival
Requirement: Upon arrival, your pets will undergo an import inspection by the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service.
Action: Present all compiled documentation promptly and comply with any additional requests from the inspection officers.
Tip: Having documents well-organized and easily accessible will help the process run smoothly.
Potential Quarantine Procedures
Requirement: If any health or documentation issues are identified, your pets may be subject to additional quarantine measures.
Action: Familiarize yourself with these potential procedures in advance so you’re not taken by surprise.
Tip: Ensure all paperwork is flawless to avoid any unnecessary delays or quarantine.
Follow-Up and Post-Entry Compliance
Action: After import inspection, adhere to any post-entry instructions provided by the Japanese authorities, such as follow-up health checks or monitoring periods.