Shipping Pets

Pet Ownership and Travel Requirements for SOFA Personnel in Japan

Misawa AB, Japan — Status of Forces Agreement personnel stationed in Japan who own pets must comply with strict Japanese animal import/export regulations and military installation veterinary policies. Ensuring all requirements are met protects community health, base privileges, and family pets.

Core Ownership Standards

All pets owned by SOFA-sponsored personnel must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• Microchipping: Animals must be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip.
• Clinic Registration: Pets must be registered with the on-installation Veterinary Treatment Facility upon assignment.
• Current Vaccinations: All required immunizations, particularly rabies vaccinations, must remain up to date in accordance with host-nation law and military regulations.
• Individual Travel Carriers: Owners must maintain an individual, IATA-compliant airline pet crate/carrier appropriate for their animal's size and breed for mandatory movements or emergency evacuations.

In-Processing Timeline (Arrival)

• 72-Hour In-Processing Window: All pet owners are required to in-process their pets through the local VTF within 72 hours of arriving in Japan.
• Documentation Check: Bring all health certificates, rabies titer results, import approvals, and vaccination records to complete local registration.

Out-Processing Timeline (Departure / PCS)

Planning ahead is critical when preparing pets for departure from Japan:

• 30-Day Minimum Notice: Pet owners must contact the VTF at least 30 days prior to their scheduled departure date, or immediately upon receiving permanent change of station orders.
• Health Certificates & Endorsements: The pet export process requires rigorous paperwork, physical examinations, and Japanese quarantine coordination.
• Early Action Advised: Due to stringent carrier flight restrictions, space allocations, and quarantine validation timelines, personnel should initiate out-processing as early as possible.

Contact Information

For appointments, microchip verification, or PCS pet travel questions, contact the base

Veterinary Treatment Facility:

• Location: Bldg. 1370
• Phone / DSN: 315-226-4502
• Hours of Operation:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Closed weekends, federal holidays and the last business day of the month for inventory

Permanent Change of Station Pet Travel & Quarantine Guide: Misawa Air Base

Relocating with pets to Japan requires meticulous preparation, strict adherence to timelines, and coordination across multiple military and host-nation agencies. Inbound Status of Forces Agreement personnel should begin the pet importation process as soon as orders or assignment notifications are received.

For official overseas travel guidance and official forms, consult the following resources:

• Misawa AB Official Pet Travel Fact Sheet
• Japan Animal Quarantine Service (MAFF AQS)

1. Step-by-Step Medical & Testing Requirements

To avoid mandatory quarantine in host-nation port holding facilities at owner expense, complete all medical prerequisites in the exact chronological sequence outlined below.

Step 1: ISO-Compliant Microchip

• Mandatory First Step: Your pet must be microchipped prior to receiving rabies vaccinations or serology testing. Any vaccines or laboratory results administered prior to microchip implantation are legally invalid under Government of Japan regulations.
• Standards: International Organization for Standardization 11784/11785 chips (15-digit) are strongly recommended. AVID and HomeAgain chips are acceptable.
• Documentation: The unique 15-digit microchip number must appear verbatim on all subsequent veterinary documents, vaccination certificates, FAVN laboratory forms, and health certificates.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccinations (Two Doses Required)

• SOFA personnel importing dogs or cats must present documentary proof of at least two lifetime rabies vaccinations (inactivated/killed vaccine only) administered after microchip placement.
• Interval & Validity:
  • The second (booster) vaccination must be administered at least 30 days after the primary vaccine.
  • The most recent rabies vaccination must be administered not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to arrival in Japan.
• Records: Original, signed Rabies Vaccination Certificates for both vaccinations are required.

Step 3: Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Rabies Blood Test

• Timing: Drawn on or after the date of the second rabies vaccination. For optimal antibody response, U.S.-approved reference laboratories (K-State or DoD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory) recommend waiting at least 21 days following the second rabies booster before drawing blood.
• Validity & Threshold: A passing antibody titer level must be . The test is valid for two years from the date the blood was drawn.
• 180-Day Quarantine Clock: The official 180-day quarantine countdown begins the date the FAVN blood sample was drawn by your veterinarian (Day 0).
  • If 180 days elapse between the blood draw and your arrival date in Japan, your pet completes quarantine upon arrival.
  • If fewer than 180 days have passed, your pet must serve the remaining balance of the 180 days under quarantine on base in Japan.

Step 4: Kennel Cough / Bordetella (Canines Only)

• Canines staying in the Misawa Temporary Lodging Facility or utilizing base boarding facilities (such as the Misawa Pet Kennel) must maintain an up-to-date Bordetella vaccination.

2. Age Restrictions & Young Animals

The Government of Japan strongly discourages importing dogs and cats younger than 12 months of age:

• Puppies and kittens rarely meet the required two-dose rabies interval and the subsequent 180-day FAVN waiting window before reaching 11 to 12 months.
• Pets under 11 months imported into Japan will face an extended quarantine period to fulfill the mandatory 180-day timeline upon arrival.

3. Flight Booking & Advance Notification

Commercial Airline: Mandatory: Submit an Advance Notification form to the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at your port of entry at least 40 days prior to arrival.

Air Mobility Command Patriot Express: Exempt: Advance Notification is not required when traveling via military contract rotator directly into military air terminals.

• How to File: Download the notification form via the Public Health Activity–Japan (PHA-J) or MAFF website. Fax or email the completed form to the arriving port's quarantine office.
• Mandatory Remark: In the Remarks section of the form, annotate verbatim:
  "This pet belongs to a US SOFA sponsored family and will be assigned to Misawa Air Base."
• Approval Certificate: Retain the stamped approval returned by MAFF AQS; you must present it during airline check-in and port-of-entry customs.

4. Health Certification & Endorsements

All pets entering Japan require a comprehensive veterinary health certificate issued prior to departure:

Military Treatment Facility Health Certificate

• Certificates executed by an active-duty military veterinarian using DD Form 2209 (Veterinary Health Certificate) do not require separate civilian USDA endorsement.

Civilian Veterinarian Health Certificate

• If issued by a licensed civilian veterinarian, they must be USDA-accredited and complete APHIS Form 7001 and Japan Forms A and C.
• USDA Endorsement: The certificate must be reviewed, signed, and stamped with an official raised embossed seal (or validated electronic USDA digital certificate) by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer.
• Validity Window: GOJ AQS strongly recommends obtaining USDA endorsement within 2 days of travel, and no more than 10 days prior to departure.

5. Mandatory Travel Documents Checklist

Keep original documents on your person. Do not pack originals inside checked luggage or pet crates. Secure copies inside a durable, clear, resealable bag taped to the top of your pet's kennel:

• Official Travel Orders (2 copies): Required by AQS to verify SOFA entitlement. If a designated agent transports the pet, an official Power of Attorney (POA) is mandatory.
• MDJ Form 270 (Pet Quarantine and Examination Certificate - 2 copies): Required to release your pet from port customs to base quarantine.
• USFJ Form 380 EJ (Customs Free Import/Export): Required only if your pet is shipping unaccompanied via commercial cargo or on a separate flight. (Unaccompanied pets cannot fly on the AMC Rotator.)
• Official Rabies Certificates (2 copies): Showing the microchip number, manufacturer, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
• Original FAVN Lab Results Sheet: Validating titer level .
• Endorsed Health Certificate: DD Form 2209 or USDA-stamped APHIS 7001 with Forms A & C.
• MAFF AQS Advance Notification Approval: (For commercial arrivals).
• Avian Permits (CITES / WBCA): For bird transfers under the Wild Bird Conservation Act and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

6. Port of Entry Procedures & Japan Quarantine Arrival

• Designated Airport: The primary designated port of entry for commercial CONUS arrivals is Narita International Airport.
• Operating Hours Warning: Host-nation Animal Quarantine Offices at Narita close at 12 p.m. on Saturday and reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday.
  • Animals arriving after 12 p.m. on Saturday must be boarded at airline kennels until the inspection station opens Monday morning.
  • All boarding fees, feeding costs, and subsequent transportation expenses are the direct responsibility of the sponsor. Schedule flights arriving during normal weekday working hours whenever possible.
  • Narita AQS Contact: Commercial DSN/Intl: 011-81-476-32-6664.

7. Mandatory On-Base In-Processing & Final Quarantine Clearance

1. 72-Hour In-Processing Check-In: Regardless of whether you arrive via commercial flight or AMC rotator, all pet owners must check in at the Misawa Veterinary Treatment Facility within 72 business hours of arrival.
   • Bring your pet, MDJ Form 270, orders, health certificate, and medical records.
   • The VTF will officially register your animal and calculate your remaining base quarantine days.
2. Authorized Quarantine Locations: Pets completing remaining quarantine days must remain inside your authorized on-base military family housing residence or be boarded at the Misawa Pet Kennel. Pets are prohibited from residing off-base while on active quarantine status.
3. Quarantine Exit Inspection: Pets under quarantine must return to the Misawa VTF for a formal release inspection on their calculated exit date or at the six-month mark (whichever occurs first). Failure to complete quarantine check procedures is a violation of USFJ and GOJ directives and can result in administrative actions or host-nation fines.

Contact Information

• Misawa Veterinary Treatment Facility (Bldg. 1370): DSN 315-226-4502 | Email: misawavetclinic@gmail.com
• Misawa Pet Kennel (Bldg. 756): DSN 315-226-3966
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Bird Inquiries): 1-800-358-2104

Misawa AB Pet Policy & Quarantine Guidelines

Welcome to Misawa Air Base! Bringing your family pets to Japan requires careful planning due to strict government regulations and limited base facilities. We strongly recommend making pet lodging reservations as early as possible.

Temporary Lodging & On-Base Kennels

The Temporary Living Facility has very limited pet-friendly space. If you cannot secure a pet-friendly TLF room, you must arrange alternative boarding.

Lodging Options:

• On-Base TLF - Very limited availability. Sponsor must assist with early booking.
• Misawa AB Pet Kennel - Located on-base. Available if TLF pet rooms are fully booked.
  • DSN: 315-226-2228
  • misawapetkennel@gmail.com
• Off-Base Kennels - Multiple commercial boarding options are available in the local community.

Government of Japan Quarantine Requirements

All pets entering Japan must undergo quarantine. The specific rules depend entirely on where the service member will reside during the transition.

Residing On-Base: At-Home Quarantine OR Misawa AB Pet Kennel:

• Allowed by a special GOJ Animal Quarantine Service exception for SOFA personnel.
• The pet must not interact with animals outside the household.
• The pet cannot leave the military base until officially cleared by the local veterinary clinic.
• Pets must remain in the immediate vicinity of the home and are strictly prohibited from dog parks or public areas.

Residing Off-Base (Economy): Misawa AB Pet Kennel OR Designated On-Base Sponsor

• The pet must be quarantined at the Misawa AB Pet Kennel, unless an agreement is made with an on-base resident.
• If utilizing an on-base resident, that individual must submit written documentation to the Misawa Air Base Veterinary Treatment Facility accepting full quarantine responsibility.

Note: Permanent placement in pet-friendly base housing is never guaranteed and remains at the sole discretion of the gaining installation.

Veterinary services can be found at Misawa Veterinary Clinic, Bldg. 1370, phone: (DSN) 315-226-4502. They can also be reached by email at misawavetclinic@gmail.com.

The United States Army Veterinary Corps personnel assigned to the Veterinary Readiness Activity-Japan with duty at Misawa Air Base staffs the Veterinary Treatment Facility. The outpatient services are provided for the following personnel: active duty, retired personnel, dependents, General Schedule (GS) civilians, 100% Disabled American Veterans disability and reservists on active duty for more than 30 days. Nominal fees are assessed for medical supplies and biologicals. There is a congressionally mandated user fee of $2 for every visit. Be sure that your animals are properly restrained on a leash or in a cage prior to arrival at the VTF.

Hours of Operation

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon.
• Closed weekends, federal holidays and the last business day of the month for inventory

Outpatient medical and surgical services provided. Appointments are required, please call the clinic to schedule an appointment. Children are permitted in the clinic; however, parents must always maintain strict supervision. Emergency veterinary clinics are limited in Japan so if you have an emergency while we are closed, please contact an off-base veterinarian. Please see our Google Business profile for a list of off-base veterinary clinics.

For the most current information on importing pets to Veterinary Readiness Activity-Japan, or VRA-J, visit https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/vet/import/ or Air Mobility Command, or AMC, Pet Travel Information.

Tips When Traveling With Pets

The kennel/cage must be approved by the International Air Transportation Association and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movements. Several layers of newspaper, shredded paper, or absorbent material should be placed in the bottom of the cage. Do not use straw, hay, soil, grass or sawdust.

Pet and Kennel

Allow your pet to get accustomed to the kennel a few days before departure so it will be more comfortable in its temporary home during flight. Animals travel under less stress when they become accustomed to their shipping container before they travel. Use their kennel as a bed or feed your pet in the kennel for several days before your trip. A familiar article of clothing or toy in the kennel may help your pet be more comfortable.

Pets should be lightly fed and given water the night before. The pet should be exercised and allowed to use the bathroom before being brought to the terminal. Carry a leash with you so you can walk your pet before you check-in and after arrival at your destination.

It is also best to fill the travel carrier water dish and freeze it the night before your flight. You can also place ice in the water dish at the terminal. During transit, usually water will spill in the carrier if it is not in solid form (ice). Pets will remain in a carrier while inside the terminal at all times. The traveler/owner is responsible for all cost and documentation of pet for the entire movement.

Pet Health

Have your pet evaluated by your personal veterinarian to be sure it's fit for air travel. Ensure your kennel has adequate ventilation and your pet is free of respiratory problems. Certain animals with short noses may experience more respiratory difficulty during higher temperatures while traveling. Some airlines will not fly animals with short noses during the summer. If at all possible, do not ship pets that are in heat (estrus) due to possible distress to other pets which may result in injury. All pets nursing young must be weaned from their young prior to PCSing, and puppies/kittens must be at least 8 weeks old to prevent possible dehydration.

Pet Stress

Keep strangers, especially children, at a safe distance if your pet seems to be nervous. Even the gentlest pet can be provoked into aggression.

Pet Transportation Aboard AMC Patriot Express

Pet movement is limited to passengers in PCS status only and is very limited on AMC PE flights. Pet spaces are booked on a first come, first served basis through the traffic management office, or TMO, so it is imperative you attempt to book as early as possible – orders are not required at time of booking. Pets must be accompanied by their owner and transported at owner's expense.

Note: You cannot travel via AMC PE with someone else's pets.

**Reservation limits: Two pets per family**

Note: Eligible travelers may work directly with the TMO office to book pet reservations. AMC does not have the authority to provide an Exception to Policy, or ETP, letter for DODI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility. An ETP request must be submitted through the traveler's service headquarters and receive final approval from Office of the Under Secretary of War. Additional information is available on CDC.gov.

Commercial carrier restrictions and regulations may differ, therefore, if you have a commercial flight prior to, or following your PE flight, contact the airline to determine any additional requirements. The pet owner is responsible for obtaining all required documentation, e.g. microchip, immunizations, border clearance, kennel labels, rabies vaccination certificates, DD Form 2209 Veterinary Health Certificate or civilian equivalent, bilingual certificate, proof of ownership, etc.

Kennel and Pet Identification

Mark kennel with your pet's name, your name, destination or unit address, and phone number if available. Additional documentation includes: DD Form 2208, DD Form 2209, and copy of official PCS orders. Purchasing an ID tag for your pet is highly suggested.

***Be prepared to defray additional associated costs***

Fees are charged on a per-kennel basis depending on the combined weight of your pet and kennel and can vary from $125-$375. Your pet and kennel with combined weight ≤70 pounds will be charged as one piece of excess baggage. A combined weight of 71-140 lbs. will be charged as two pieces of excess baggage, and a combined weight of 141-150 lbs. will be charged as three pieces of excess baggage. **Prices may change, check with TMO for current excess baggage fees. Pet(s) and kennel weighing >150 lbs. will not be accepted for shipment under any circumstances.

Special Notes

• Service Animals (if in cabin) must sit on the customers lap or at their feet without protruding into the aisle or encroaching on other passengers.
• Proper sanitation is the responsibility of the traveler and must be maintained at all times. Passenger service personnel and aircrew members are not required to provide care or food for a service animal or provide a special location for the animal’s hygienic needs.
• Animals may be removed from the premises if the handler cannot control the animal or the animal poses a threat to the health or safety of other passengers or passenger service personnel.
• Service handler must sign and submit a Statement of Understanding.

For additional information visit, visit the AMC Travel Website http://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/ or contact the Misawa AMC at 011-81-3117-77-2370 or DSN: 315-226-2370.

Japan Air Systems (local Misawa 53-7111); Haneda (0357-56-8118) - No restrictions. Japan Airlines may take pet kennels up to 40"x27"x30", measured in inches.

*All commercial airline information is subject to frequent and rapid change, confirm all pet travel details directly with your airline for the flight desired.

Shipment of Pet(s) to Misawa, Japan Via Air Cargo With Airport Ground Services

Airport Ground Service includes pick up of your pet from the airline, processing the shipment through customs and quarantine, providing kennel service at Narita, and arranging line haul truck movement from Narita to Haneda Airport. Required arrangements for the airport processing and onward movement to Misawa must be made directly with the AGS by telephone (0476-32-5388) or in writing prior to PCSing. Payment must be made in advance by forwarding money to the AGS account, Bank of Tokyo, Narita Airport Branch, Account #010278.

The AGS will require the following information for making arrangements:

• Date and time of arrival of your pet at Narita.
• Name of airline and flight number.
• Your name and telephone number at Misawa.
• Size of cage(s) (height, width, and length in inches)

Shipment of Pet(s) to Misawa, Japan Via Excess Baggage

Personnel traveling on a commercial flight to Japan may ship pets as excess baggage on the same flight, provided reservations have been made with the airline. See the commercial transportation SUMMER embargo restrictions since pet movement in the summer months can be limited based on airline capabilities.

Method 1: Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, contact Airport Ground Service by telephone (0476-32-5388) in the terminal or ask information for the location of the AGS service counter. They will pick up your pet and forward it to Misawa on the following day. Payment must be made at the time you turn your pet over to AGS. If you know your flight and your estimated time of arrive to Haneda Airport, they will meet you at Haneda Airport with your pet prior to your continuing flight to Misawa. This can also be arranged through your sponsor in writing prior to arrival.

Method 2: Call Yokota Air Base MWR at DSN 315-225-5901/5902/5903 for the DOD bus (taxi) to provide movement of the pet from Narita to Haneda in advance. If you will be expecting delays in Tokyo before continuing on to Misawa, the Radisson Hotel near Narita will allow pets. You can call them directly at 011-81-476-93-1234, call 1-800-333-3333 for worldwide reservations, or go to their web site for more information. (This is the preferred and most recommended option.)

Method 3: The pet and carrier can ride on your lap for small pets in carriers during the Airport Limousine trip from Narita to Haneda.

Important

If a civilian veterinarian obtains the health certificate, a raised USDA stamp must be on the health certificate. If the rabies vaccinations, health certificates, or FAVN are not properly prepared, the final quarantine date will be 180 days from arrival.

Upon arrival in Japan on a commercial flight, the Japanese animal quarantine service will initiate a MDJ Form 270 (Pet Quarantine and Examination Certificate).

 Pet owners or authorized representative need to be prepared to present the following:

• Personal Contact Information
• Military Address
• Organization
• Name of your new Military installation

Therefore, you or your designated agent, or Airport Ground Service company must accomplish the government customs and quarantine process at Narita Airport upon arrival of the pet. If the above conditions are not met at the point of entry, the owner will then have to pay quarantine costs.

Once you arrive and have been cleared by the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service, you will be permitted to continue on to your final destination in Japan. All flights to Misawa depart only from Haneda Airport. Therefore, once at Narita you will take ground transportation from Narita to Haneda via Airport Limousine service before continuing your trip to Misawa. The regular Airport Limousine service cannot transport pets from Narita to Haneda unless the pet and carrier can fit on your lap. You can either arrange for Airport Ground Service which includes pick up of your pet from the airline, processing the shipment through customs and quarantine, providing kennel service at Narita, and arranging line haul truck movement from Narita to Haneda Airport. Or you can call Yokota Air Base MWR at DSN 315-225-5901/5902/5903 for the DOD bus (taxi) to provide movement of the pet from Narita to Haneda in advance. See below for further details on shipment of pets via excess baggage or air cargo.

Aggressive Dog Breeds Pet Kennel Regulations

The Misawa Pet Kennel can board dogs of all breeds, including those identified as aggressive. However, the safety of our staff and other animals is our top priority. Any dog that displays signs of aggression toward kennel staff will not be handled. If a dog exhibits aggressive behavior during its stay, the owner or listed emergency contact will be required to pick up the dog immediately. For dogs requiring quarantine, the owner is responsible for visiting the kennel at least twice daily to safely let their dog out for bathroom breaks and exercise. The kennel staff will provide food and water but will not handle or remove the aggressive dog from the kennel.

Per AF directives, certain aggressive dog breeds are prohibited in all military family housing (i.e, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweilers, Chow, Wolf Hybrids, etc). Exotic animals such as, but not limited to, reptiles, rodents (other than hamsters and guinea pigs), ferrets, hedgehogs, skunks, rats, raccoons, squirrels, potbellied pigs, monkeys, arachnids, or any farm animals are not permitted in government housing. For further assistance/questions please contact the housing office at 315-226-3200 or housing@us.af.mil.

For complete information on PCSing with a pet to Misawa, go to the following websites:

• https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/vet/import/
• http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/index.html