Japan (JP)
Japan is one of the world's most captivating destinations for expats — a country where ancient temple culture and ultra-modern technology coexist seamlessly.
Bringing Pets to Japan
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Quarantine duration: Varies dramatically by origin country. From Japan-designated rabies-free countries (most EU, UK, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, etc.) with correct documentation: minimum 12-hour inspection at the quarantine facility. From countries with inadequate documentation or vaccination history: up to 6 months quarantine at the owner's expense (approximately ¥100,000–300,000 per month). The process must be planned and coordinated with the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
Pre-travel: rabies antibody titre test ¥20,000–40,000; health certificate preparation ¥10,000–30,000; microchipping (if needed) ¥5,000–10,000. Transport: cargo/cabin depending on airline and pet size ¥30,000–200,000. Quarantine inspection/facility: ¥12,000–50,000 for short stays; up to ¥300,000+ per month for extended quarantine. Ongoing Japan costs: annual vaccination ¥8,000–15,000; rabies certificate and municipal registration ¥550–3,500/year; pet food (quality dry food per month) ¥5,000–20,000; vet visits ¥5,000–20,000.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
Japan requires mandatory dog registration (犬の登録) at your local ward/city office — ¥3,000 one-time registration fee in most areas plus ¥550–3,000 annual rabies vaccination certificate fee. You receive a registration tag that must be attached to your dog's collar. Annual rabies vaccination is legally required and a certificate (注射済票) must be obtained. Failure to register can result in fines. Note: No "dog tax" (monthly/annual tax by weight) — the registration and vaccination fees are the main costs.
Find a vet (獣医 / jūi or 動物病院 / dōbutsu byōin) as soon as you arrive. Veterinary care in Japan is excellent but more expensive than in most European countries. Annual check-up + vaccination: ¥15,000–25,000. Spay/neuter: ¥30,000–60,000. Emergency care: ¥30,000–150,000+. Pet insurance (ペット保険) is widely available and recommended — premiums ¥2,000–8,000/month depending on species, age, and coverage level.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Contact the Animal Quarantine Service (動物検疫所 / AQS) at least 6 months before departure — earlier for countries requiring long processes. 2. Microchip your pet (ISO 15-digit chip). 3. Complete the required vaccination schedule (rabies vaccinations must be done within specific windows; titre test required from most countries). 4. File advance notification (事前届出) with AQS at least 40 days before arrival. 5. Obtain official health certificate from a licensed vet, endorsed by the competent authority of your country. 6. At arrival in Japan, present all documents to AQS — inspection takes a few hours for compliant cases. 7. Register your pet at the ward office (犬の登録 / inu no tōroku) within 30 days of arrival for dogs.
Japan is rabies-free (狂犬病清浄国) and takes this status extremely seriously — the import process is one of the world's strictest. Starting the process early (6–12 months before moving) is essential. The Animal Quarantine Service website has country-specific guides in English: maff.go.jp/aqs/. Japan is generally pet-friendly in public — many parks allow dogs on leashes. However, most apartment buildings (マンション) prohibit pets or have strict size limits — confirm pet policies before signing any lease. Pet-friendly apartments exist but are more expensive. UR Housing allows pets in some units. Travelling within Japan with pets: many shinkansen prohibit pets in cabins (service animals excepted) — use the pet transport cage in storage areas or drive. Domestic airline rules vary by carrier.