Pets to bring into Japan
There's a new system and basically four steps to take, starting several months before your planned move.
- The first step is to have your pet fitted with a microchip for identification.
- Then if it's more than 90 days old, have it vaccinated against rabies with an inactivated vaccine, then given a booster shot more than 30 but less than 365 days later.
- Then there is a blood test at a Japanese approved lab that shows a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. At least 180 days but less than 2 years should have elapsed since the blood test upon your arrival in Japan; plus your pet should be given periodic booster shots, and not appear ill when it arrives.
- You are supposed to notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days prior to your arrival. People coming from a designated rabies-free area have a bit looser regulations, as well as animals of US military personnel.
