Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to take pets to Japan? Nowadays, it’s even hard to find someone who doesn’t have a pet friend. Here in Brazil, for example, it is the second country with the most pets in the world based on the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
According to data from 2018, there are more than 139.3 million pets, meaning this number is greater than that of children in their homes. So, sometimes you need to travel and have nowhere or no one to leave your pet with, and then comes the concern: Can I take my pet to travel with me?
Japan is one of the destinations with the most requirements regarding this. They are strict to avoid the risk of bringing pets with any problems that could be passed on to other animals or even to humans.
Therefore, to take your little animal to Japan, it is necessary to strictly follow a series of requirements that can financially generate somewhat high costs. And remember that the whole process is time-consuming, so be patient and prepare yourself.
Now that we have seen that it is possible to take your four-legged friend to Japan, let’s see what must be followed so that everything is done without problems.
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How to take dogs and cats to Japan
One of the first things that is essential to look for are airlines that have clear specifications about the transport of animals and then the comfort of your animal since the trip to Japan is long.
The standard recommended by Japan is the introduction of a microchip in the pet (ISO 11784 and 11785), which can be done at most veterinary clinics. But rest assured that your little friend will not feel pain!
Everyone knows the importance of keeping your pet’s vaccination card up to date, but when this chip is inserted, the previous vaccinations are no longer valid, so you need to vaccinate them after insertion.
The essential vaccine is the rabies vaccine, and since here in Brazil the inactivated virus is used for immunization, it is accepted by Japan, but it doesn’t hurt to confirm with the veterinarian!
It is also essential to inform yourself about the validity period of the vaccine, as you can only take the animal during the duration of the immunization.
After the vaccine, the animal will undergo a blood test to be tested for antibodies against rabies. The laboratory for the test must have international validity.
Next, be patient and wait another 180 days to enter Japan. If this wait does not occur, the pet will be quarantined in Japan until this period is fulfilled.
Forms and transportation of the Pet
When you plan to take your furry friend to Japan, you must inform within forty days prior to the trip that you will be taking them. You should contact the Animal Quarantine Service at the airport you will arrive at in Japan.
The notification is done online, and as soon as it is accepted, you will receive an approval that will be printed and delivered for check-in. Oh, and the form can be done in your original language, but if done in Japanese, the wait will be faster.
Ten days before the trip to Japan, the pet must undergo a veterinary evaluation to ensure that everything is fine with their health. Then, you must obtain a country of origin certificate with the following information about the animal:
- Birth and age of the animal;
- Pet’s Name;
- Microchip identification and insertion date;
- Validity of the rabies vaccine, number of doses, product, and manufacturer;
- All information about the blood test;
- Results of the final tests.
This certificate must be approved by the government authority of your own country.
And how to take our animal in the most comfortable way possible?
There are some limitations regarding the boxes for transporting animals. There are various models and sizes, but it is important to pay attention to the standard that is requested. See what requirements must be followed when obtaining the animal transport box for travel:
- The box must be 10 cm larger between the end of the animal’s head and the box, with space for it to roll and lie down;
- It must be well reinforced and without latches, as they may come loose depending on how the animal moves;
- It must have ventilation openings on all four sides, so that the animal cannot leave any part of itself outside;
- It cannot have wheels;
- To prevent the animal from becoming restless, it is good to leave a toy that it likes or a blanket;
- The bottom of the box must contain an absorbent mat and be waterproof;
- The water container must have a dispensing nozzle.
- Once again! Latch boxes are not allowed.
Is it possible to take other animals to Japan?
When talking about pets, the first thing that comes to mind is dogs and cats, but these are not the only ones considered pets. Birds, for example, are in second place among the animals that Brazilians prefer to have at home. Dogs are first, and cats are third. But there are those who like other animals such as reptiles, rabbits, rodents, fish, and many others.
To know more details about these animals, you should contact the government authority in your country responsible for the export and import of animals or the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.
On the Japanese ministry’s website, you can better understand the process of taking other animals to Japan: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/im_index.html
On this site, you can find information about any type of animal you want to take, from dogs to bees! However, the site is in Japanese and English. But regardless of the animal you want to take, the most important thing is to do everything within the rules to avoid headaches!
If moving to Japan? Should I take the animal?
Now that you know the correct way to take your pet, make sure to check if the place where you will live allows animals. If the house is yours, it will probably be easy, but most live in apartments or condominiums that do not allow animals.
I have seen in some apartments that owners have cats and rabbits, but dogs are probably more difficult due to barking.
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