Illustration of a dog, cat, small animals, and a pet owner consulting a veterinarian

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers about first visits, vaccinations, and pet travel

We have organized frequently asked questions about pet travel abroad, travel to Japan, vaccinations, first visits, health checks, and certificates. Please use this page before visiting our clinic or preparing for travel.

✈️ Pet Travel Abroad & Travel to Japan

Frequently asked questions about pet travel abroad and travel to Japan.

When bringing a dog or cat to Japan, how many months in advance should I start preparing?
The process must be completed step by step, including vaccinations, the rabies antibody test, a 180-day waiting period, and advance notification to Japan. We recommend starting preparation at least 6–8 months in advance to allow sufficient time.
I’m not sure whether my current vaccination booklet or documents can be used. What should I do?

Please send us photos of your vaccination booklet, microchip certificate, and any test results in advance.
We can review them and advise whether they can be used.

Where can the rabies antibody test be performed?

Blood sampling can be performed at our clinic, and we will arrange shipment to a laboratory approved by Japan.

Can my pet enter Japan if the 180-day waiting period has not been completed?

You may not meet Japan’s import requirements, and your travel schedule may need to be adjusted. We will review your records, including vaccination and blood sampling dates, and advise accordingly.

What happens if the required documents are incomplete?

Your pet may be subject to detention or re-export upon arrival in Japan. It is important to have all documents checked in advance.

How many months in advance should I start preparing?

The amount of preparation time needed depends on the destination country and on requirements related to vaccinations and blood tests.
Some countries require several months of preparation, so we recommend contacting the clinic as early as possible once you begin planning your trip.

What should I do if my pet does not have a microchip yet?

Please let us know at the time of the initial consultation.
In many countries, a microchip must be implanted before the next steps can proceed. We will review your situation and advise you on the appropriate order of preparation.

Can I still ask for advice if I have not chosen an airline yet?

Yes, you can.
Even if your airline has not been decided yet, we can still guide you through the basic process as long as we know your destination, expected travel date, and your pet’s microchip and vaccination status.

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💉 Vaccinations & Preventive Care

Frequently asked questions about vaccinations and preventive care for dogs, cats, and small animals.

Can my pet be vaccinated if they are slightly unwell?

Vaccination is not recommended if your pet is unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. When your pet’s condition is not stable, the immune response to the vaccine may not be sufficient, and existing symptoms may worsen. We recommend postponing vaccination until your pet has recovered.

What vaccines do dogs and cats need?

Dogs and cats are generally recommended to receive core vaccines, including combination vaccines and rabies vaccination. Additional vaccines may be considered based on lifestyle and risk factors, such as outdoor access, pet hotel or daycare use, and contact with other animals. A veterinarian can recommend an appropriate vaccination plan for your pet.

When can my pet receive their first vaccine?

Dogs and cats can generally receive their first vaccine from 8 weeks of age. The timing may be adjusted depending on their health condition, lifestyle, and vaccination history.

Can my pet be vaccinated before the scheduled date?

In some cases, vaccination can be given slightly earlier than the scheduled date, usually by about 3–7 days. However, giving it too early may reduce the immune response, so please consult us first.

Can vaccination be delayed after the scheduled date?

A short delay of about 1–2 weeks may be acceptable in some cases. However, if vaccination is delayed for too long, immunity may decrease, and your pet may need additional boosters or a revised vaccination schedule.

What happens if my pet does not complete the required vaccine doses?

If your pet does not receive the full required vaccine series, the immune response may not be sufficient, and the protective effect of the vaccine may be reduced. If the schedule has been interrupted, a veterinarian can review the situation and recommend the next steps.

How often does my pet need vaccination?

After completing the initial vaccination series, annual boosters are generally recommended. The type and timing of vaccines may vary depending on your pet’s age, health condition, and lifestyle.

What should I do if my pet becomes unwell after vaccination?

If your pet becomes unwell or shows signs of an allergic reaction after vaccination, please contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice facial swelling, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, please contact the clinic immediately.

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🐾 First Visit, Appointments & Language Support

Frequently asked questions about first visits, appointments, and support in Japanese, English, and Thai.

Can I visit without an appointment?

Yes, you can visit our clinic during opening hours (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM). However, pets will be seen based on the queue. We recommend making an appointment in advance for your convenience and to reduce waiting time.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

If your pet has emergency symptoms such as difficulty breathing, accidents, seizures, or active bleeding, please contact us before arriving. This allows our team to provide appropriate advice and prepare for immediate care. If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is an emergency, you may contact our staff for an initial assessment.

Does BLEZ Animal Clinic provide treatment for all types of exotic pets?

We don’t provide services for aquatic animals of any kind. We do provide medical care for exotic pets such as rabbits, chinchila, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, turtles or tortoises, and lizards. For other species not listed above, please contact us in advance to allow us to prepare suitable equipment.

Do you offer spaying, neutering, or surgical services?

Currently, our clinic doesn’t offer spaying, neutering, or surgical procedures. If surgery is required, you may consult with our veterinarian for a referral to an appropriate medical facility.

Can I purchase medication without seeing a veterinarian?

Certain medications require examination and diagnosis by a veterinarian before they can be dispensed to ensure appropriate treatment and your pet’s safety. We recommend consulting a veterinarian before receiving any medication. If you have a prescription or medical documents from another clinic, please present them for consideration. Our veterinarian will assess suitability before dispensing any medication.

Can I request a health certificate?

Yes, we can issue health certificates. Please inform us of the purpose (e.g., travel, relocation, or official documentation) so the veterinarian can prepare the necessary documents correctly.

I am a foreigner and require an interpreter. What should I do?

We provide a Japanese interpreter. If you require interpretation services, please inform us when making your appointment. If the interpreter is not available at the clinic on the appointment date, interpretation will be provided via telephone.

Which tests require fasting beforehand?

Some blood tests require fasting to ensure the most accurate results. Please ask our staff at the time of booking to confirm whether fasting is required for your pet’s specific test.

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📄 Health Checks & Certificates

Frequently asked questions about health checks, certificate issuance, and document preparation.

How often should I bring my pet for a health check-up?

For young, healthy dogs and cats, as well as exotic pets whose health is stable, we recommend a health check-up once a year.

For senior pets and pets with chronic health conditions, we may recommend health check-ups more than once a year, or every 6 months depending on their condition, to monitor organ function and changes in overall health.

How long does a health check-up take?

For dogs and cats, the examination takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. If a blood test is performed, the results will be available on the following day.

For exotic pets, the examination takes approximately 60 minutes.

Does my pet need to fast (no water or food) before the health check-up?

No. For all packages, fasting from food or water is not required. You can allow your pets to eat and drink normally before coming in.

If my pet is currently sick, should I choose a health check-up package or consult a veterinarian first?

We recommend consulting a veterinarian first. This ensures that the most appropriate diagnostic methods are chosen specifically for your pet's current illness and symptoms.

My pet lives strictly indoors. Do they still need deworming?

Yes. Even pets that are kept completely indoors can still be exposed to parasites.

For example, mosquitoes can enter the home. Parasite eggs may also be brought indoors on an owner’s shoes or clothing. In addition, if a pet eats insects or other small creatures, it may become infected with parasites such as tapeworms.

When should I start deworming, and how often?

Puppies and kittens can start deworming from around 4 weeks of age, as some parasites may be transmitted from the mother through the placenta or milk.

For adult dogs and cats, monthly prevention for heartworm, ticks, and fleas may be recommended. For intestinal parasites, deworming is generally recommended every 3–6 months, depending on the pet’s lifestyle.

Can I buy deworming medication and give it to my pet myself?

We recommend consulting a veterinarian before using deworming medication.

Deworming medication must be dosed accurately according to the pet’s body weight. An inappropriate dose may cause side effects or be harmful.

It is also important to choose medication that is appropriate for the type of parasite present.

Some breeds, such as Collies, may be more sensitive to certain medications. Giving medication without veterinary guidance may increase the risk of allergic reactions or serious adverse effects.

Why do I still see worms in the stool after deworming?

This can happen.

The medication kills or paralyzes the parasites, allowing them to be passed out with the stool.

Clean the stool and the area promptly to help prevent reinfection.

Can parasites be transmitted from pets to humans?

Some parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, can be transmitted to humans.

Transmission may occur through contact with feces or soil contaminated with parasite eggs.

Deworming your pet helps protect not only your pet’s health, but also the hygiene of everyone in your household.

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If you cannot find the answer, please feel free to contact us

Required procedures may vary depending on your pet’s condition, destination country, departure date, and vaccination history. If you need confirmation, please contact us via LINE or the inquiry form. For urgent matters, please call us.

* Replies may take some time. If your case is urgent, please call us.