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There are very specific instructions and guidelines to follow when importing a pet to Japan.

Microchips should comply with ISO 11784 and 11785; a 15 digit microchip code consisting only of numbers.

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies twice or more after the microchip implanting.

Timing of Rabies Vaccination

First rabies vaccination:

• At least 91 days old at the time of vaccination. The date of birth is counted as day 0.
• After the microchip implanting, including the same day of implanting.

Second rabies vaccination:

• More than 30 days apart from the first vaccination. The date of the first one is counted as day 0.
• Within the effective period of the first vaccination.

Dogs and cats are required to arrive in Japan after 180 days have passed from the date of blood sampling for the rabies antibody test or to quarantine upon arrival.

Advance notification of pet arrival to Japan is mandatory even if flying on rotator. You must notify Animal Quarantine Service at the expected port of entry not less than 40 days before arrival in Japan. Refer to the website for forms and further information: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/import-other.html.

Call the Yokota Veterinarian Office for licensing requirements at DSN 315-225-4363.

For further instructions on licensing, vaccinations, and registration requirements for pets to enter Japan, refer to the website: https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/import-other.html

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries quarantine inspectors and US Army Veterinary Command veterinarians will determine the length of each pet's quarantine period when the pet arrives in Japan. The quarantine period can range from 12 hours to up to 180 days depending on the required paperwork. All quarantine guidelines, necessary import forms, and contact information may be found on the Japan District Veterinary Command website.

United States Forces Japan has been able to champion "Home Quarantine" as a concession for United States Status Of Forces Agreement personnel. This quarantine allows service members to maintain their pets under their custody within their assigned on-base quarters during the assessed quarantine period. Those individuals that will be most affected are SOFA personnel that are required to live in off-base housing. If a quarantine period is assessed, then these military members that live off-base will be required to pay for quarantine boarding expenses for their pets in on-base kenneling facilities or incur the significant expense of quarantining their pet at the Airport Animal Quarantine Station Facility.

The following documents are required when bringing an animal into Japan:

• Two copies of Permanent Change of Station orders
• Two copies and original of last two most recent Rabies Vaccination Certificates, with two different dates, a minimum of 30 days apart.
• Original Veterinary Health Certificate performed within 10 days of arrival to Japan by a military veterinarian or by a civilian veterinarian and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture.
• 380 EJ Form - Customs Free Import or Export of Cargo or Customs Declaration of Personal Property (only if pet is arriving unaccompanied).
• Original and copy of Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization blood draw results from approved laboratory. Transportation Annex Form (for pets from rabies countries transiting a third country)

NOTE: Kennel Cough Vaccination (aka Bordetella Vaccination) must be given no less than five days prior to being boarded at Yokota Pet Care Center. You must specifically ask for this shot as it is not typically included in the annual vaccinations and is not available off-base in Japan. For more information, or to download required forms, visit the Japan District Veterinary Command website or Yokota.af.mil webpage.

Be aware that the daily airport shuttles to Narita and Haneda operated by the 374th Force Support Squadron will not accept your pet for transport. You will need to arrange with your sponsor for a 374 FSS Van to pick you up with your pet. Ask your sponsor to send you a copy of the Memorandum For Pet Owners. It includes a map of the cargo area at Narita Airport. Transportation cost for renting a chauffeured van to transport you and your pets, to or from Haneda or Narita, starts from $180.00 and varies based on total duration and parking fees incurred. As each case is unique based on pet size, total passengers, quantities of luggage, etc, please contact the Force Support Squadron Vehicle Operations by phone at DSN 315-225-9520 or via e-mail at 374fss.fscvo@us.af.mil for more information.

Yokota's Pet Care Center helps pet owners adjust to their new life in Japan with pets. It also offers a safe haven for pets when owners are on temporary duty assignment or on leave out of the local area. Dogs to be kenneled or boarded must have their kennel cough immunization up-to-date before acceptance into the facility; this vaccination must be requested from the veterinarian.

For more information, see https://yokotafss.com/pet/ and contact the Pet Care Center by phone at DSN 315-225-8906. 

The Japan District Veterinary Command provides control and guidance of all veterinary elements in support of U.S. Forces Japan. In June 2005, Japan began enforcing requirements which may make your pet's relocation into the country a costly and complicated process. While we do not discourage you from bringing your pets to Japan, you will need to prepare for costs resulting from extended quarantines, pet boarding and other unexpected costs.

If you plan to bring your pet with you, we recommend that you refer to the information provided on the JDVC website provided. In addition, you can contact Yokota Veterinary Services at 315-225-4363 for information.