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Pets – Bringing In or Out of Japan

The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) is the official source of information regarding the import and export of pets in Japan. Please visit their very helpful English website.

It is imperative that persons who wish to export their pet from Japan consult the AQS website and make the proper coordination directly with the AQS in order to avoid any misunderstandings. The personnel in AQS have proved to be very helpful and they encourage direct communication through their website.

U.S. Requirements
It is imperative that pet owners check Import Requirements for the United States. The below websites will help you check the requirements to import a dog/cat into the U.S.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Importing Pets into Japan
The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) is the official source of information regarding the import and export of pets in Japan. The full procedure with time-lines is outlined in their very helpful English website.

It is imperative that persons who wish to import their pet to Japan consult the AQS website and make the proper coordination directly with AQS in order to avoid any misunderstandings. The personnel in AQS have proved to be very helpful and they encourage direct communication through this site.

Check with your airline for the terminal at which you will arrive. Other phone numbers and AQS offices around Japan are listed on their website. Note that due to strict quarantine laws of Japan, AQS is unable to grant exceptions and that animals which have not met all requirements as described on their website are subject to being held for extended periods of quarantine, or possibly deported back to the origin of the flight.

Quarantine system for dogs and cats

Information pertaining specifically to cats and dogs can be found at AQS website.