Taking a dog or cat out of Japan means meeting Japan's export inspection and the destination country's import rules at the same time. The destination country's rules usually decide your timeline. Start early and follow the official pages.
The general steps on the Japan side
- Advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service (動物検疫所) before departure.
- Export inspection at the airport quarantine counter, where you receive the export certificate.
- Microchip and vaccination records consistent with what the destination country requires.
The destination country decides most of it
Many countries require a microchip, rabies vaccination, an antibody test and a waiting period, sometimes months long, plus their own paperwork. Some have quarantine on arrival. Check the destination government's import pages first, then work backwards to schedule the Japan-side steps.
Airline rules
Airlines set their own rules for pets in the cabin or hold, breed and crate restrictions, temperature embargoes and booking limits per flight. Confirm directly with the airline early, as spaces are limited.
Official sources
- Animal Quarantine Service (動物検疫所): the export of dogs and cats pages.
- The destination country's competent authority for import requirements.
- Your airline's live-animal policy.
This page is general information and carries no affiliate links. The binding requirements are on the official Japanese and destination-country pages and with your airline.