How to Bring Dogs and Cats from Thailand to Japan | Pet Travel Guide

Dogs and cats must have a microchip implanted before the first rabies vaccination. An ISO 11784 / 11785 compliant microchip is recommended for easier confirmation in Japan.

• Applies to: Dogs and cats that have not yet been microchipped
• Note: If the microchip has already been implanted, please prepare a certificate showing the microchip number.

• The first vaccination must be given at 91 days of age or older.
• The first vaccination must be given after microchip implantation.
• The second vaccination must be given at least 30 days after the first vaccination.
• The second vaccination must be given while the first vaccine is still within its valid immunity period.

Depending on the type of vaccine and the details in the vaccination record, some records may not be usable for travel to Japan. If you are not sure whether past records can be used, please send photos of the records on LINE.

The rabies antibody test (rabies titer test) is performed on or after the date of the second rabies vaccination. Blood sampling can also be done on the same day as the second vaccination. Blood is collected at our clinic and sent to a laboratory designated by Japan for testing.

• Estimated time for results: Usually around 4–6 weeks
• Required antibody titer: 0.5 IU/ml or higher
• Validity: 2 years from the blood sampling date
• Note: Please keep the test result and blood sampling date carefully, as they are needed to confirm the 180-day waiting period and validity period.

For the first rabies antibody test, you must wait at least 180 days from the blood sampling date, counted as day 0, before arriving in Japan.

• Note: If the 180-day waiting period has not been completed, the departure date may need to be changed.

Advance notification must be submitted to Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days before the planned arrival date. After review, Japan issues the Approval of Import Inspection of Animals.

• Note: If the notification details differ from the actual travel details, a change procedure may be required.

Within 10 days before boarding, your pet must have a pre-export health check by a veterinarian. We check for signs of rabies, and for dogs, leptospirosis.

We perform the health check at our clinic and issue a clinic certificate if needed. However, the certificate issued by the exporting country’s government authority, which must be submitted upon arrival in Japan, requires confirmation and issuance procedures through the relevant Thai authorities.

• Note: The pre-export health check must be completed within 10 days before boarding. Please confirm the timing based on your flight and Thai-side AQS schedule.

Before departure, the export certificate and export permit procedures are completed at Thai-side AQS.

During this procedure, the microchip, rabies vaccination history, rabies antibody test result, and details of the pre-export health check are reviewed.

Depending on the airline and transport method, additional documents or confirmation items may be required.

• Estimated fee: Varies depending on conditions.
• Not included: Thai government fees, airline fees, and transport-related costs are charged separately.

After arrival in Japan, your pet will undergo import inspection by Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). The export certificate, rabies antibody test result, advance notification documents, and other required documents will be checked.

If there are problems with the documents or requirements, entry procedures may take longer, your pet may be subject to quarantine inspection, or it may be returned.

• Note: Please make sure to confirm the documents and requirements needed upon arrival in Japan before departure.
• Not included: Any fees that may occur on the Japan side are charged separately.

• Owner’s passport
• Pet information (name, age, sex, weight, etc.)
• Microchip certificate
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Rabies antibody test result
• Documents related to advance notification to Japan
• Health certificate, Thai export documents, etc.

If there are issues with the vaccine type, vaccination date, microchip number, test result, name spelling, or other details, additional confirmation or correction may be required. If you send photos of the documents via LINE, we will advise you within the scope we can check.

Our clinic provides guidance based on information we can verify, but travel requirements and required documents may change. Please confirm the final requirements with Japan’s animal quarantine authority, the relevant Thai authorities, and the airline you plan to use.

• Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS): The animal quarantine authority under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
• Thai-side Animal Quarantine Station (AQS / DLD): Export-related checks and procedures are handled at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Please check the same agency’s guidance for Japan-related requirements and permit applications.
• Rabies antibody test (rabies titer test): A blood test that measures rabies antibody levels. For Japan, the result must be issued by a laboratory designated by Japan.
• Approval of Import Inspection of Animals: An approval document issued by Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) after advance notification to Japan.

• Japan: MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) | Importing dogs and cats into Japan
• Japan forms: MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) | Application and notification forms
• Thai-side Japan requirements: Suvarnabhumi Animal Quarantine Station (AQS / DLD) | Japan export requirements
• Thai-side counter/location: Suvarnabhumi Airport｜Animal Quarantine Station
• Air transport: the airline you plan to use

* Travel requirements, required documents, reception procedures, and transport conditions may change. Please always check the latest information before departure.