Shipping Pets from the U.S. or Other Countries
There are a few ways to bring your pets to Japan from other countries.
You could hire an animal shipping service or bring the pet on your own. If you decide to hire an animal shipping service, you can find a list of service providers through an online search.
If you decide to handle transportation for your pet, you can use a military vet program or use standard commercial services.
Information about importing your pet to Japan can be found on the Animal Quarantine Service website (https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/)
On the website, there are several options for importing animals. One for cats and dogs, and several other lists for other animals.
Vaccinations
Rabies vaccinations are the most important vaccine to have a good understanding on. If your dog or cat has a lapse in between their rabies shots, don’t delay, go ahead and get a new shot for your pet. Japanese authorities said, even if there is a delay in between the expiration date and the following rabies shot, your pet will be required to get another rabies vaccine. A delay of one day, could potentially derail your planned import process.
For example, the rabies vaccine expired on 12/12/2012. Your pet received their following rabies vaccine on 12/13/2013. Japanese authorities may deny your import of your pet.
You must submit all of your paperwork to the Japanese authorities at least 40 days before you plan to import your pet(s) for pre-screening. If you submit your paperwork one day late (don’t forget to count for the time difference between the States and Japan), the import may be delayed.
Chip Readers
The international community accepts chips that use a 15-digit numbering system. The standard U.S. chip tracking systems use between 9 or 10 digit systems. Japanese airports may not have the same brand of reader that may your pet(s) may be microchipped with. You can email the possible ports of entry to verify whether they have the microchip reader brand.
Summer Travel
During the summer months. It is better to plan to travel during evening hours while traveling with your pet(s) especially if your pet is traveling in the cargo area. While that pet cargo area may be climate and pressure controlled, the issue lies in the ground temperatures and the amount of time a plane is on the tarmac after landing or before takeoff.
For example, it may be 50-degrees Fahrenheit at the airport you’re departing from, but if the temperature forecast in Japan is above what the airlines deem to be safe when you’re scheduled to land, your pet will be denied travel.
It is also advised to book directly with the Japanese airline carrier that you choose. Codeshares between U.S. and Japanese airlines do not honor pet travel reservations. Various third-party travel sites, such as Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline, do not assist with pet reservations.