Preparing Dogs and Cats to go to Japan

(to Qualify for 12 Hours or Less Program)

 

1.       Microchip Application:

ü        Apply ISO standard microchip (e.g. HomeAgain 134 kHz).　 If pets are arriving at Narita Airport, some 128 kHz microchips can be read with microchip readers they have; however, ISO standard microchip should be used whenever possible.　 If non-ISO standard microchip is placed, owners may need to provide their own microchip reader.

 

Microchip Application Date:　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

 

2.       Rabies Vaccination:

ü        After the microchip application, 2 sets of Rabies vaccines (killed or recombinant) must be given at least 30 days apart and within the valid period of the first vaccine.*

 

1st Rabies Vaccination Date:　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

 

2nd Rabies Vaccination Date:　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

 

*For those pets that had received Rabies vaccine(s) prior to microchip application, if the most recent Rabies vaccine is not expired, microchip application, Rabies booster vaccine and Rabies titer test can all be performed on the same day.　 If the titer is at or above the sufficient level, the 180-day waiting period starts on the day when the blood sample is taken.　 Thus, preparation time can be shortened for 30 days.　 However, if the titer test fails, another Rabies vaccine must be given along with another Rabies titer test.

 

3.       Rabies FAVN Titer Test:

ü        After the second Rabies vaccine is given (same day is OK), obtain blood sample and submit serum to approved Rabies Laboratory for Rabies FAVN titer test (e.g. Kansas State Rabies Laboratory).　 There is a turn around time of approximately 4 to 5 weeks for the titer test.　 Titer result must be equal or above 0.5IU/ml and is valid for 2 years.　 If pet is not going to Japan within 2 years, another titer test can be performed after 180 days and before 2 years from the first test.　 If the result of the second test is above the sufficient level, another 180-day waiting period can be avoided (Please see next regarding the waiting period).

 

Date Blood Drawn for Rabies Titer:　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　

 

4.       180-day Waiting Period:

ü        In order to qualify for 12 hour or less program, an animal must go through 180-day waiting period in exporting country.　 The waiting period starts on THE DAY THE BLOOD SAMPLE IS TAKEN.　 If a pet arrives in Japan before the waiting period is passed, that pet will be placed in detention at Animal Quarantine for those insufficient number of days (up to 180 days).

 

5.       Advanced Notification:

ü        At least 40 days prior to departure, the owner must prepare and submit the document titled “Notification for Import of Dogs Under the Rabies Prevention Law and the Domestic Animal Infectious Disease Control Law” (for dogs) or “Notification of Import of Animals Under the Rabies Prevention Law” (for other animals).　 This document is to be submitted to an Animal Quarantine Station at the port of entry (e.g. Narita Airport or Kansai International Airport).　 The document may be downloaded from the website (http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/) or you may use their ANIPAS online service for notification process.　

 

6.       Approval Of Import Inspection of animals:

ü        After the Animal Quarantine Station review all the information in the notification, they will issue “Approval of Import Inspection of Animals,” which will be emailed, faxed, or mailed to the importer.　 This is a very important document.　 Please make sure that you receive it and retain it in a safe place.

 

7.       Health Examination Prior to Departure:

ü        Few days to 1 week prior to departure to Japan, pet must have a physical examination to verify that there is no sign of Rabies (for dogs, both Leptospirosis and Rabies).　 Pet also needs to be dewormed for both external and internal parasites.　 All necessary documents will be reviewed: Notification, Approval letter from Japan Animal Quarantine, Application (Application for Import Inspection), original copy of Rabies Titer Result, Form A (owner fills out), Form C (examining veterinarian fills out), US health certificate (prepared and signed by examining veterinarian).　 In some cases, Rabies vaccine certificates may be necessary.

 

Appointment Date:　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

 

8.       Endorsement of All Documents by the Responsible Exporting Country Government Agency:

ü        Owner (Importer) must take all signed documents to an USDA office (closest one is in Hawthorne) for endorsement (with official signature, stamp, and date).　 PLEASE REMEMBER THAT USDA OFFICE IN HAWTHORNE IS ONLY OPEN FROM 7:30AM TO 11AM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

 

9.       Notification Prior to Arrival:

ü        One to few days prior to arrival in Japan, owner should contact the Animal Quarantine Station (of the airport/seaport that importer arrives) to notify approval/receipt number, flight number, scheduled arrival airport/seaport, and scheduled arrival time.　 This will help the process go more smoothly.

 

10.    Other Recommendations:

ü        The following vaccinations are recommended to be given at least 30 days prior to the departure:

Ø       Dogs: Distemper, Adenovirus Type II (Canine Infectious Hepatitis), Parvovirus Combo (trivalent) vaccine (Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Coronavirus vaccines are suggested)

Ø       Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia Combo (trivalent) vaccine

ü        Transport Cage/Carrier:

Ø       Place each pet in a separate cage whenever possible.

Ø       Make sure that the transport cage complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, where it states that animal must have room to stand, sit, lay down, and turn its body around and that it provides adequate ventilation.　 Also to prevent any escapes, choose a cage that an animal is not able to stick its nose or legs through any openings or wired cage door.