I started the import process for my cat in January, expecting to fly to Tokyo in May. By March, I realized May was impossible — the 180-day blood test waiting period alone pushed the earliest arrival to August. Importing a pet to Japan takes at least 7 months of preparation, and the timeline is non-negotiable.
Month 1: Foundation
Week 1-2: Microchip implantation - Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit, 134.2 kHz) - Must be done BEFORE any rabies vaccination - Keep the microchip certificate — you'll need it throughout the process
Week 3-4: First rabies vaccination - Must be at least 30 days after microchip implantation - Inactivated or recombinant vaccine only - Get a veterinary certificate documenting the vaccination
Month 2: Second Vaccination
Week 5-8: Second rabies vaccination - Must be at least 30 days after the first vaccination - Same vaccine type required - Same vet preferred (for consistent documentation)
Month 3: Blood Test
After second vaccination + 30 days: FAVN blood test - Blood sample sent to a MAFF-approved laboratory - Processing takes 2-3 weeks - Result must show 0.5 IU/ml or higher - THE 180-DAY COUNTDOWN STARTS FROM THIS BLOOD DRAW DATE - If the result is below 0.5, you need another vaccination and re-test
Month 3-9: The 180-Day Wait
This is the longest phase — and the one that catches everyone off guard. Your pet stays in its home country.
Use this time to: - Research pet-friendly housing in Japan - Book airline pet transport - Prepare all documentation - Get familiar with Japan's pet regulations - Purchase necessary supplies (carrier, food, medication)
Month 8 (40 days before travel): Advance Notification
- Submit to MAFF via the NACCS system
- Include: flight details, pet information, FAVN results
- Receive a notification number
Month 9 (within 10 days of departure): Health Certificate
- Issued by a government-approved vet
- Endorsed by your country's veterinary authority
- Must confirm: microchip, vaccination, general health
Month 9: Arrival Day
- Present all documents at the Animal Quarantine Service counter
- Inspection takes 1-3 hours if documents are complete
- If everything checks out, your pet goes home with you that day
Critical Reminders
- Missing even one document can result in 180-day quarantine at the airport
- Keep certified copies of everything
- Start earlier than you think — delays happen
- Work with a vet experienced in international pet transport
Set a calendar reminder for each deadline above — one missed step resets months of work.