Official Import Rules
Japan has some of the world's strictest pet import regulations.
ALL cats require: ISO microchip (implanted BEFORE first rabies vaccination), two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart, FAVN rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) at an approved laboratory, 180-day waiting period from the date the blood sample is COLLECTED (drawn), not the date the lab receives it, and advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days before arrival.
The blood sample for the titer test must be collected after the second rabies vaccination. It may be drawn on the same day as the second vaccination — there is no mandatory waiting period between the second vaccination and the blood draw. The 30-day minimum interval requirement applies between the first and second vaccinations only.
Cats are not restricted to specific ports of entry and may arrive at any airport or seaport. If arriving at a non-standard port, contact the Animal Quarantine Service office in advance.
Cats from 'designated regions' (Iceland, Australia, NZ, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam) have simplified requirements.
Urgent Notice — Biobest Laboratories (UK)
Biobest Laboratories Ltd. (UK) has been removed from Japan's list of approved rabies antibody titer test laboratories due to violations of designation standards. Anyone holding a titer test certificate issued by Biobest between November 27, 2024 and June 25, 2025 should contact the Animal Quarantine Office at their intended port of entry before travelling. MAFF is working with UK authorities on the situation and will contact affected importers who have already submitted import notifications.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required before rabies vaccination. Microchips beginning with "900 202" are not accepted by Japan AQS as valid identification; contact AQS at the expected port of entry if your cat has one of these chips. AQS has also warned about duplicate microchip numbers; affected cats may need a new microchip and restarted procedures. Submit the import notification promptly once travel timing is set. Prefixes associated with this issue include 900113, 900115, 900128, 900201, 900215, 900217, and 900263.
Rabies vaccination
Two vaccinations required, with at least 30 days between the first and second dose. Japan accepts inactivated/killed virus vaccines and recombinant or modified vaccines only. Rabies RNA vaccines are not accepted for importing cats into Japan; confirm the vaccine type with your vet before starting the process.
FAVN Titer Test
Blood sample must be collected after the second rabies vaccination and within the effective period of that second vaccination. The blood draw may be taken on the same day as the second vaccination — there is no mandatory waiting period between the second vaccination and the blood draw. The 30-day minimum interval requirement applies between the first and second vaccinations only. Lab results take 2–3 weeks.
Waiting period
Minimum 180 days from the date the blood sample is collected for the titer test.
Health certificate
Issued within 10 days of travel by an accredited vet.
Government endorsement
USDA/official government endorsement required.
Import permit
Apply well in advance.
Travel
Cats may arrive at any airport or seaport. If arriving at a non-standard port, contact the Animal Quarantine Service office in advance to confirm arrangements.
Preparation Checklist
6+ months before
3–6 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
If ALL requirements are met: less than 12 hours inspection at AQS. If any requirement is missing or incomplete: mandatory detention quarantine of UP TO 180 DAYS at the AQS facility at the owner's expense. There are no exceptions or shortcuts.
City & Housing Tips
Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are relatively cat-friendly cities, though finding pet-friendly housing in Japan can be challenging. Many landlords prohibit pets — look for 'ペット可' (petto-ka / pets allowed) listings on sites like Suumo, Homes.co.jp, or use pet-specific real estate agencies. Pet deposits are typically 1–2 months' rent. Japan has a deep cultural affinity for cats — cat cafés, cat islands (Tashirojima, Aoshima), and excellent veterinary care are available.
Vets & Common Parasites
Japan has excellent veterinary care, though English-speaking vets are concentrated in Tokyo and other major cities. The Japan Veterinary Medical Association maintains a practice directory. Emergency clinics operate in major cities but are less common than in the US/UK. Common parasites: fleas, ticks, and heartworm (summer months). Year-round flea prevention is recommended, especially in warmer regions.
Find Vets in JapanExit Rules — Leaving Japan
Leaving Japan requires an export inspection by AQS. Book an appointment at your departure airport's AQS office. You need the import quarantine certificate (issued on arrival) and may need additional destination-country documents. Export inspections are conducted weekdays only, 8:30am–5pm. Schedule at least 7 days in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your cat will be detained at the AQS quarantine facility for the remaining days. You pay all costs (facility fees, caretaker, food). This can be extremely expensive and stressful.
Some airlines allow cabin pets on flights to Japan (e.g., Japan Airlines, ANA for domestic). However, the strict documentation requirements are the same regardless of how your cat travels.
Most official-aligned sources recommend 8–9 months minimum, particularly for non-designated (Category 3) countries, to safely complete microchip → 2 vaccinations → titer test → 180-day wait → health cert → travel without risk of quarantine: microchip → 1st vaccine → 2nd vaccine (30 days later) → blood test → 180-day wait → travel.
Community Tips
Quarantine is required in Japan. Plan ahead and book quarantine facilities well in advance.
Given Japan's complex import process, many relocators recommend hiring a licensed pet transport agent.
Have you moved to Japan with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.