Shipping Pets

Japanese Animal Quarantine Service Regulations require that all animals entering Japan be examined to determine if they are free from communicable diseases. You are responsible for the shipment of pets arriving, departing, and within Japan. Also, you are responsible for all matters associated with the travel arrangements, shipping requirements, and costs for your pet, to include micro-chipping, vaccinations, Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Test, etc. You will need to call the airline to reserve space for your pet. If traveling on the rotator you will need to ensure they have the space for your pet. Once arriving in mainland Japan, you will have to claim your pet, take them through pet customs, and get them to your domestic flight to Naha, Okinawa. You will pay a separate charge for the pet with the domestic airline.

The government of Japan determines the length of quarantine period for any pets arriving in Japan. Again, animals that satisfy all of the requirements are typically allowed to complete a "home quarantine" if on base, during which time the animal is required to be kept under the owner's direct control (kept indoors or kept on a hand-held leash when outdoors). Pets that do not meet the import requirements will be kept in a quarantine facility at the owner's expense. It is recommended that all pet entry documentation, as well as the pet's medical record, be kept available for reference should any questions arise during travel and entry processing.

Government carrier only allows two pets per owner depending on size of both pet(s) and carrier.

For more information please visit https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/import-other.html

The Karing Kennels, operated by the 18th Force Support Squadron, offers several services besides adoption including and boarding. For a fee, the kennels will even open after hours to accommodate people arriving to the island with their pet if needed.

For boarding fees please see our website. 

Animal Control (FOSTER) DSN: 31-645-7441
Animal Control (KADENA) DSN: 315-634-0203

If you are bringing a pet, you should have your sponsor make reservations as soon as possible with Karing Kennels. With new importation requirements, animals entering Japan requires all rabies vaccinations to be up-to-date. Those who satisfy all requirements are typically allowed to complete a "home quarantine." Pets must be kept only at Karing Kennels or on-base housing. NO off-base boarding is authorized during this quarantine period.

Pet owners are authorized to arrange quarantine quarters on base with an on-base "foster family," provided the animal is kept from having contact with any other animals. They must be kept under strict leash control and only allowed outside to eliminate. Pets under quarantine are not allowed to be taken for walks around the neighborhood or to be left outside in a fenced yard. For more information go to www.kadenafss.com/karing-kennels

The U.S. Army Okinawa Branch Veterinary Activity is a full-service veterinary clinic offering medical and surgical care, as well as international health certificates. It is located on Kadena Air Base in building 731. Veterinary care is authorized for animals owned by persons eligible to receive medical care from the Defense Department. A valid SOFA status identification card is required before services will be performed. The vet clinic provides care to over 15,000 pets owned by members of all military services and numerous federal agencies.

All U.S. SOFA status personnel stationed on Okinawa must register their pet with the vet clinic. Registration of all animals is required within 72 business hours of arrival on Okinawa. Pet registration documents can be accessed through the Public Health Command Website and emailed directly to the Kadena Veterinary Clinic. All dogs and cats must be microchipped. Dogs must be vaccinated annually against the rabies virus. Per on-base housing guidelines, personnel living on a military base may have up to two pets (two dogs, two cats, or one dog and one cat). Breeding of pets, intentional or accidental, is prohibited. Personnel found to be breeding pets stationed on Okinawa will not be authorized veterinary care through Okinawa Veterinary Services. Personnel breeding animals on base may be removed from family housing.

All U.S. SOFA personnel in Japan residing off-base with pets must register their pets with their local city government office. The initial registration fee is approximately ¥3000. An annual ¥550 rabies vaccination tag is also required for dogs and living off-base. The registration and rabies tag must be attached to the dog collar and the list of city offices in Okinawa can be obtained at the vet clinic. All U.S. SOFA personnel are required to maintain an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

For more information please call the vet clinic or email us:

• Calling from any United States phone number: 512-672-7593
• Calling from a Japanese cell phone or home phone: 036-868-2263 or DSN: 315-966-7593
• Website www.facebook.com/OkinawaVeterinaryActivity (note we do not answer messages via Facebook messenger)
• Email: usarmy.zama.medcom-ph-p.mbx.pha-j-okinawa-vetac@health.mil