Pet entry requirements: Dog → Japan
These are the requirements for entering Japan with a dog, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
🔴 Required
Microchip Required
ISO 11784/11785 microchip, implanted before the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination Required
At least two rabies vaccinations after microchipping; first at 91 days or older, second 30+ days after the first and within the first vaccination's effective period. Inactivated or recombinant/modified vaccine; live-virus and RNA vaccines not accepted.
Minimum age / young animals Required
Effectively several months: 180-day wait after titer.
Rabies titer test Required
Rabies antibody test at a designated laboratory on blood drawn after the second vaccination; titer at least 0.5 IU/ml; valid 2 years; arrival only after 180 days from blood sampling (shortfall is served as detention quarantine).
Other tests Required
Pre-departure clinical inspection by a veterinarian within 10 days before boarding: free of clinical signs of rabies (dogs also: leptospirosis).
Health certificate Required
Certificate of the exporting country's government agency with individual data, microchip, vaccinations, antibody test and clinical inspection (Form AC recommended); original presented at import inspection.
Official endorsement of the health certificate Required
The health certificate (Form AC) must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the exporting country.
Quarantine Required
Import inspection on arrival. Animals not meeting requirements (e.g. waiting period under 180 days, certificate deficiencies) are held in detention quarantine for the necessary period, up to 180 days, or returned.
Breed restrictions Prohibited
No breed import bans (wolf hybrids banned)
Registration Required
Advance notification to the AQS at the port of entry (via NACCS or e-mail) at least 40 days before arrival; AQS then issues an Approval of Import Inspection.
🟡 Recommended
Import permit Not required
No permit, but advance notification to AQS min. 40 days before arrival
Parasite treatment Recommended
Recommended / per certificate
🐾 Local rules (in-country)
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
Muzzle / leash On site
Local rules
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Grey zone
Strictest trap: 180-day wait from blood draw; arriving early = detention up to 180 days
Notes
Branch: Germany is not among the designated regions (Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, Guam), so the non-designated-region rules apply. Dogs enter only via designated airports/seaports.
Related destinations in Asia & the Middle East
China · Hong Kong · India · Israel · United Arab Emirates
Airlines flying this route
From data on flown routes — not a pet-policy guarantee. Check the airline's own pet policy before booking.
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Check this route & airlines in detail →Authority: MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS), Japan
Read at the responsible authority on 02/10/2026. 📄 Official source ↗
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.