Shipping Pets

All animals owned by Status of Forces Agreement personnel must be microchipped, registered at the base veterinary clinic, maintain required vaccinations, and have individual airline carriers for traveling. All pet owners must in and out process through the veterinary treatment facility within 72 hours of arrival and contact the VTF at least 30 days in advance of departure from Japan. Be sure to start the process as early as possible.

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

The following requirements should be accomplished as soon as you are notified of PCS to Japan:

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

• https://www.misawa.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/402290/traveling-with-pets/
• http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/index.html

Microchipping

Microchip your pet before completing any of the other requirements. Any vaccinations or FAVN testing prior to microchipping will be considered invalid. International Organization of Standardization (ISO) or ISO-compatible chips that meet the ISO 11784 and 11785 Standard are recommended. HomeAgain and AVID microchips are acceptable. The identification number of the microchip must be annotated on the two most recent Rabies Certificate, the Health Certificate, and on the rabies serology test result sheet.

Vaccinations

Status of Forces Agreement status personnel bringing a dog or cat into Japan must present documentary evidence that their pet has had at least two rabies vaccinations (inactivated vaccine) since being microchipped. The most recent vaccination must have been given not less than 30 days and not later than 12 months prior to arrival. The two most recent Rabies Vaccination Certificates are required. Complete information for the past two inactivated rabies vaccinations will be annotated on the health certificate (Form AC or an APHIS 7001, Veterinary Health Certificate for Import/Export for Japan). Bordetella is required for canines to stay in TLF and in any boarding facilities.

Flourescent Antibody Viral Neutralization Test

This blood test needs to be performed after the second rabies vaccination and is good for up to two years. FAVN may be drawn the same day as the second rabies vaccine per Government of Japan AQS regulations. For best results, both U.S. approved laboratories recommend waiting a minimum of 21 days after the second rabies vaccination before drawing the FAVN. The sample must be taken before the most recent vaccination expires. A FAVN test result which indicates an antibody level greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml is acceptable. The microchip number needs to be annotated on the FAVN test form. Your pet will be required to complete 180 days of quarantine starting the day the blood is drawn for the FAVN. This must be completed at originating duty station or ON BASE in Japan and can be completed at your residence only if this is located ON BASE or at the Misawa Pet Kennel.

Advance Notification

The Government of Japan requires advance notification of pet transportation on Commercial Air as soon as transportation is scheduled, if possible no later than 40 days. The advance notification form can be found on the Public Health Activity - Japan (PHA- J) website. The advance notification form must be sent by mail or Fax to the port of entry. A notification of approval will be returned to you and is used when checking the animal in with the airline. In the "Remarks" box on the Advance Notification form, annotate the following statement: "This pet belongs to a US SOFA sponsored family and will be assigned to Misawa Air Base." Advanced Notification is NOT needed when arriving via Air Mobility Command Patriot Express.

United States Department of Agriculture Certification

If a health certificate is issued by a licensed civilian veterinarian, the health certificate must be endorsed by a USDA Federal Veterinarian and bear the USDA raised embossed seal. GOJ AQS recommends that this be obtained within two days of travel, but no more than ten days prior to travel. The USDA certificate will be used for processing the pet at Customs. Civilian Veterinarians (including NAF) must be USDA accredited and are required to use the APHIS 7001 and Forms A & C. *Health certificates issued by a military veterinary treatment facility using the DD Form 2209 do not require the USDA certification. Military Veterinarians (VCO and GS) should use the Form DD 2209. With this form there is no requirement for further endorsement or Forms A & C. Ensure that the health certificate documentation includes the date of microchip implantation.

Age Requirement

Japan discourages the importation of dogs and cats under the age of 12 months. These pets rarely meet the vaccination and FAVN test requirements prior to 11 months. Pets under the age of 11 months can be imported but must start out with a 180-day quarantine.

Official Travel Orders (2 copies)

Pet owners must submit Official Travel Orders upon arrival to the Animal Quarantine Service in the Customs area to verify SOFA status when travelling commercially. If the pet is traveling with someone other than the SOFA status service member or dependents, then a power of attorney authorizing that individual is required.

MDJ Form 270, Pet Quarantine and Examination Certificate (2 copies)

All SOFA status personnel entering Japan with a pet are required to complete a MDJ 270. This allows your pet to be released to you for transportation to the Military Quarantine Facility. The form may be downloaded from the PHA-J site listed above. You are required to submit the form to the Animal Quarantine Officer at arrival, and then to the Military Veterinary Treatment Facility within 72 hours of entry into Japan to continue and complete the quarantine process. All pets MUST check into the local military Veterinary Treatment Facility within 72 business hours of arrival, regardless of port of entry (commercial or military). This is when the pet will be registered at the VTF and the quarantine status recorded. Pets on quarantine MUST return to the local VTF for quarantine checks on the final quarantine date or six months after arrival, whichever comes first. Failure to comply with quarantine check procedures may result in suspension of privileges at the local VTF, and fines imposed by the GOJ.

USFJ Form 380 EJ, Customs Free Import or Export of Cargo or Customs Declaration of Personal Property

This form is required when your pet enters Japan unaccompanied as cargo or on a different commercial flight than the sponsor. You do not need this form if you are accompanying the animal. Animals may not travel unaccompanied on the AMC rotator.

All the above documentation must accompany the animal. PHA-J recommends putting copies of the documentation in a zip lock plastic bag and taping it securely to the top of the pet carrier. Carry the originals with you. Be prepared to provide the Animal Quarantine Officer your personal contact information, military mailing address, duty phone number and command information.

All incoming animals must enter Japan through officially designated ports in order to clear the Japanese Animal Quarantine service. The Airport designated for CONUS and other countries is Narita International Airport. Japanese Animal Quarantine Offices are closed from noon Saturday until Monday 8:00 a.m. Therefore, animals arriving after noon Saturday must remain in the airline kennels. The cost of this action, plus the cost of transportation to the final destination, is the sole responsibility of the owner. Ideally, flights selected should arrive during normal working hours. Contact the Animal Quarantine Office for more information: 011-0476-32-6664

Note: When PCS'ing with birds, owners may need a CITES and/or WBCA to travel abroad legally. For more information contact your Veterinary Treatment Facility or the Fish and Wildlife Services, office of management authority at 1-800-358-2104.

Temporary Living Facility (TLF) has very limited pet space. Be sure to reserve your space as early as possible. There are pet kennels available on base (DSN 315-226-2228) and off base. Pets under quarantine must be kept either on base in the care of their owner or in an approved Government of Japan (GOJ) quarantine facility. Approved quarantine facilities include the Misawa AB Pet Kennel or any approved GOJ animal quarantine facility. Pets under quarantine may not live in off base housing nor can they be cared for by a friend living on base. The GOJ Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) has allowed an exception ONLY for those status of forces agreement (SOFA) status personnel residing on US military bases. In this exception, a pet may complete the quarantine "at home" if that pet does not interact with animals other than those in the same household and does not leave the military base until cleared from quarantine at the local veterinary training facility. Whether a service member is placed in housing that allows pets is at the discretion of the gaining installation.

Lodging of Pets

If your pet is coming with you, be sure your sponsor makes arrangements with lodging for you and your pet. There are a limited number of pet friendly rooms in base lodging, and should you not be able to secure one, you or your sponsor will need to make arrangements to board the pet(s) at the base kennel (315-226-2228).

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 Public Health Activity-Japan with duty at Misawa Air Base staffs the Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF). The outpatient services are provided for the following personnel: active duty, retired personnel, dependents, General Schedule (GS) civilians, 100% Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 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-1 p.m.) and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon. Closed last business day of the month for inventory, weekends & federal holidays.

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 vet clinics are limited in Japan so if you have an emergency while we are closed, please contact an off-base veterinarian. A box containing contact information for off base veterinarians is located outside the clinic front door and on our Facebook page Misawa Veterinary Clinic. Unfortunately, there are no after hour clinics in Misawa that offer 24-hour care. If you are needing care after hours please call the clinic ahead of time to make sure a doctor is there before going and have a translator ready as the emergency clinics found within 3 hour radius require a translator.

For the most current information on importing pets to Public Health Activity - Japan, or PHA- 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, or PE

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 Defense, or OUSD. 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.

For cats the following breeds cannot be shipped in temperatures above 70 degrees: Himalayans, Persians, Burmese

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 will board aggressive breeds of dogs from residents without an approved Installation Commander Waiver. They will feed and water the dog regularly. However, they will not walk or touch the dog, unless the waiver has been approved and submitted to the Misawa Pet Kennel. Walking the dog is the owner’s daily responsibility. If the dog urinates or defecates in the kennel, the owner will be called to come remove the dog from the kennel while we clean the kennel. The dog can remain in the Misawa Pet Kennel until the waiver is granted. But not more than 30 days without the FSC Flight Chief’s approval. Certain dog breeds are prohibited to be taken/shipped to Japan under PCS orders to III MEF or MCB Japan (i.e, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Canid-Wolf Hybrids). 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