Shipping Pets

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 must satisfy all importation requirements. Typically those who satisfy all requirements are allowed to complete a "home quarantine." Pets must be kept only at Karing Kennels, on-base housing, or at the Naha Quarantine facility. There is no off-base boarding authorized during the quarantine period. Pets are not allowed in base lodging facilities. Additionally, it is advised to get the FAVN test completed early with the results from Kansas State University veterinary services stamp or another authorized participant. The quarantine process starts on the date signed by the DVM.

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.

The Karing Kennels, operated by the 18th Services Squadron, offers several services besides adoption including boarding and Air Mobility Command transportation. For a fee, the kennels will even open after hours to accommodate people arriving to the island with their pet if needed. For information on boarding fees contact Karing Kennels or DSN: 966-7341 or off base 036-868-2235.

Other important numbers are: Animal Control (Kadena) DSN 315-634-1343 and Animal Control (Foster) DSN 315-645-7441.

Shipment of pets (dogs and cats) as excess baggage accompanying the member in PCS travel may be accomplished by requesting category "B" travel. Advance reservations are required for pets and should be requested at the same time the PCS port call is being requested. There is no entitlement for shipment of pets at Government expense.

It is recommended that if you are flying commercial arrange travel directly to Okinawa or through Osaka Kansai Airport rather than through Tokyo. If you are arriving through Tokyo's Narita (International) terminal, you will have to transfer to Haneda (Domestic) terminal. Haneda Domestic Terminal is approximately an one-hour drive. There is public transportation (buses) available that will take you to the terminal (3,000 Yen/person), however, this may pose problems for pets. Only small pets that may be carried as carry-on luggage may be allowed to board the bus. Some taxis may be able to transport pets provided the carrier will fit into the taxi, however, it may be necessary to hire a large van-style taxi. Many departure locations now have direct flights to Haneda now. Check with your ticketing agent.

New Importation Requirements

Contact the Japan District Veterinary Command website for forms and information need to import your pet to Japan.

• Vaccinations: dogs or cats must have documentation to prove their pet has had at least two rabies vaccinations at some point in their life.
  • The most recent vaccination must have been given not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to entry into Japan. In other words, the most recent vaccination should not be more than a year old, but has to be at least 30 days old. You must have a rabies vaccination certificate (DD Form 2208, Rabies Vaccination Certificate) as proof of the most recent vaccination.
  • The dates for the two most recent vaccinations must be annotated on the health certificate (MDJ 2209, Veterinary Health Certificate for Import/Export for Japan).
• Microchipping: All dogs and cats must first obtain a microchip prior to rabies vaccinations and FAVN testing. All animals must have an implanted microchip before arrival in Japan. The microchip must be ISO-compatible. Home Again and AVID microchips are acceptable. The microchip number must be annotated on the Rabies Certificate, the Health Certificate, and on the FAVN test result form.
• Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization Test: This is a blood test which shows the level of rabies antibodies in the animal's bloodstream. It is basically used to prove that the animal is protected against rabies. The titer level must be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/mL to be acceptable. The FAVN test results are good for two years. The microchip number must be annotated on the FAVN test result form to be accepted.
• Advance Notification: The pet owner must have approval from the Government of Japan to bring the pet into the country. The request for permission is made as soon as the pet's transportation arrangements have been scheduled. The advance notification form must be approved by the government of Japan and returned to you for use when your pet boards the flight to Japan. The airline may not allow your pet to board the plane without this form. Furthermore, Japan may not allow your pet to enter the country without this form. The advance notification form is found on the Japan District Veterinary Command website. The form must be submitted to the port of entry (not the final destination) either by fax or regular mail. Note: As of the date of printing, if the animal is arriving through an AMC terminal at Kadena Air Base or Yokota Air Base, advance notification is not needed. 
• Health Certificate: Every animal must have a health certificate with them at the time of entry. The health certificate is only valid for 10 days, and so must be obtained within 10 days of the date of the pet's travel. Please remember that animals traveling from the mainland United States will cross the international date line and "lose a day" by the time they arrive in Japan. The MDJ Form 2209 (Veterinary Health Certificate for Import/Export for Japan) may be completed by a military veterinarian. The MDJ Form 2209 may be found on the Japan District Veterinary Command website.
• USDA Certification: If a health certificate is issued by a civilian veterinarian, the health certificate and the rabies certificate must be certified by a USDA State Veterinarian and embossed with the USDA raised seal. Health certificates issued by military veterinarians using MDJ Form 2209 do not require USDA certification.
• Age Requirement: The Government of Japan strongly discourages the importation of dogs and cats under the age of 10 months. Pets under the age of 10 months will automatically be assigned the maximum quarantine period of 180 days. Quarantine may be reduced if the requirements continue to be accomplished while the animal is in quarantine. Primary emphasis is placed on micro chipping, two rabies vaccinations (the first at 91 days of age followed by a second one no less than 30 days after the first), and the FAVN test which must be drawn no less than 30 days after the second rabies vaccination.
• MDJ Form 270 (Pet Quarantine and Examination Certificate; 2 copies: All SOFA status personnel entering Japan are required to complete a MDJ 270. The form may be downloaded from the Japan DVC website and completed prior to arrival in Japan. You are required to submit the form to your US Military Veterinary Treatment Facility within 72 hours of entry into Japan.

The Japanese government determines the length of quarantine period for any pets arriving in Japan. Again, animals that satisfy all of the above requirements are typically allowed to complete a "home quarantine", 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.

Owners must make arrangements for transport through local Traffic Management Office. There is no local pick-up service available to receive pet. It is recommended that pet be transported on same carrier as owner, since the cost is considerably less than if traveling alone. Government carrier only allows two pets per owner depending on size of both pet(s) and carrier.

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

Fees are as follows: $50/wk for dogs ($10/day) and $37.50/wk for cats ($7.50/day). $75/wk for two dogs - in same kennel ($15/day), and $52.50/week for two cats - in a double kennel ($10.50/day).

Contact Karing Kennels at DSN 315-632-4062 or commercial 011-81-611-732-4062. Other important numbers are: Animal Control (Kadena) DSN 315-634-1343 and Animal Control (Foster) 315-645-7441.