Pawscleared
EnglishFrançaisDeutschItaliano

Bringing your dog from Spain to Japan

Bringing a dog to Japan from a rabies non-free region follows a strict process: microchip → two rabies vaccinations → antibody test → 180-day wait → advance notification. Properly prepared, the animal is barely held in quarantine.

⏳ Allow 7–9 months
⚠️

The two pitfalls that ruin everything: (1) you need AT LEAST TWO rabies vaccinations before the antibody test; (2) the 180 days are counted between the blood draw date and the ARRIVAL date in Japan. If one condition is missing, the dog is detained in quarantine for up to 180 days on arrival.

Calculate your deadlines

Enter your travel date: we work back in time to give you the deadline for each step, personalised for Spain → Japan.

The 8 steps, in order

  1. 1. Implant an ISO-compliant microchip

    Have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted by a vet. It must be implanted BEFORE the first rabies vaccination — otherwise the vaccinations are not recognised.

  2. 2. 1st rabies vaccination

    Give the first rabies vaccination AFTER the microchip is implanted, using an approved inactivated or recombinant vaccine.

  3. 3. 2nd rabies vaccination

    Give a second rabies vaccination. Japan requires at least two valid vaccinations before the antibody test can be done. The vaccine validity must not expire before arrival.

  4. 4. Rabies antibody test (titre)

    Have blood drawn for the antibody test, after the microchip and at least two vaccinations. The analysis must be performed by a laboratory approved by Japan's MAFF and show a titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL.

  5. 5. Mandatory 180-day waiting period

    The dog cannot arrive in Japan until at least 180 days after the antibody test blood draw date. This is the longest and most critical delay in the process.

  6. 6. Advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service

    Send the advance import notification to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at the port/airport of arrival, at least 40 days before arrival, by fax or mail. The AQS returns a confirmation to present on arrival.

  7. 7. Official health certificate (Form AC)

    Have the health certificate required by Japan issued and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the country of departure (including confirmation of the microchip, vaccinations and antibody test), just before the flight.

  8. 8. Flight and arrival inspection (AQS)

    On arrival, present the animal and documents to the Animal Quarantine Service. If all conditions are met, inspection usually takes under 12 hours and the animal is released; otherwise it is detained for up to 180 days.

From another country?

Official sources:

Pawscleared provides preparation guidance based on official sources. The definitive, binding conditions are those published by Japan's Ministry (MAFF) and the Animal Quarantine Service. Always confirm exact dates with an official vet.