How to immigrate with your Pet from South Africa to Japan.
There are various rules and regulations around immigrating with your pet from South Africa to Japan. PETport can guide you through the entire process!
CAN I BRING MY PET INTO JAPAN?
Dogs, cats, ferrets, birds and fish are allowed into Japan as long as dog is not a wolf hybrid and your cat is not a Savannah cat.
MICROCHIPPING AND VACCINATIONS
Any pet entering Japan must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. Alternatively, you can bring your own scanner to detect a non ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip.
Your pet is required to have a valid set of Rabies vaccinations to enter Japan. At the time of the first Rabies vaccination, your pet must be at least 91 days of age. When entering Japan, your dog or cat must be within the immunity period of the second vaccine.
Dogs must be vaccinated against the following conditions:
Hepatitis
Parvovirus
Distemper
Any vaccine recommended by your vet
Cats need to have the following vaccines:
Panleukopenia
Rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
Any other vaccine recommended by your vet
Pets should also be treated against fleas, ticks, cestodes, nematodes and tapeworm before entering the country.
BLOOD TESTS
A Rabies titer test is also needed for all dogs and cats entering Japan. The test must have been administered at least 180 days ago and no less than 2 years from entering Japan. An approved lab must analyze the blood sample and document it accordingly.
DOCUMENTATION FOR IMPORT TO JAPAN
An Advanced Notification Form must be applied for at least 40 days before you plan on your pet arriving in Japan. This is to book a slot with the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) when your pet arrives in the country.
A Japan Veterinary Certificate is also required and this must be completed by an authorized vet within 2 days of your pet arriving in Japan. It must state that your dog or cat is fit and healthy with no known illnesses and a valid titer test.
Any pets other than dogs, cats or ferrets must be accompanied by a CITES declaration confirming that they are not protected as an endangered species.
QUARANTINE IN JAPAN
Your pet may only enter Japan through the following airports:
Narita International Airport
Naha Airport
Kansai International Airport
Tokyo International Airport
New Chitose Airport
Kansai International Airport
Kagoshima Airport
Kitakyushu Airport
Fukuoka Airport
Your pet will be inspected upon arrival by the Animal Quarantine Service and will be held for 12 hours. It will be released after this time as long as you have met all the documentation, Rabies and vaccine requirements.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
There is a lot of documentation that is needed, making it a complex process. Working with PETport, we guide you every step of the way and make it an easy process as we know you have a lot of other things to worry about!
Prices vary according to the airline used, flight route and size of your pet. Our clients are usually surprised at how affordable it actually is, so contact us today for an accurate quote!
This is a common concern. Your pet will travel in a secure animal carrier and in a heated section of the cargo hold. You can make it more comfortable for them by including their favorite blanket with your scent. Calmeze products can be used for anxious pets (the tablets for dogs and the gel for cats).
No, there is no quarantine period as long as you have complied with all the documentation and health requirements. Your pet will be inspected on arrival and held for 12 hours, after which it will be released to you.
There are special airport officials who will take care of your pet before departure. On the plane, it travels in the heated cargo section where there won’t be anyone, but on arrival it will be taken care of by the Japanese quarantine officials for 12 hours who are well-versed in looking after pets.
