2026-09-10

Moving to Japan with pets without spending time in quarantine

Japan is a rabies-free country and has some of the strictest pet importation laws in the world. The usual 180-day figure is a waiting period before you travel, counted from the titer blood draw. It is not the same as the pet being held for 180 days after landing. A pet that arrives without the required steps can still be detained.

To avoid quarantine, your pet needs a microchip, two separate rabies vaccinations, and a rabies titer test from an approved lab. Most importantly, you must wait exactly 180 days from the date of the successful titer blood draw before arriving in Japan.

Japan also asks for an Advanced Notification before arrival. The policy checker can list that requirement on your trip. Confirm the dates on the official animal-quarantine page before you fly.