Attention:  This information is to be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements.  Before you travel, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

Effective November 6, 2004, the procedure of importation of dogs, cats, raccoons, foxes and skunks has changed. The quarantine time will be reduced from current levels to only 12 hours, providing the additional requirements and documentation have been met. Without the required documents, the maximum quarantine time can be 180 days. Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) officials advise that the entire process can take up to six months to complete.

The basic steps for importing accompanied pets are:

1. Implant a microchip for identification of the pet prior to vaccination for rabies.

2. Get two rabies shots within the effective interval. Age of the pet should be 90 days or greater at first vaccination, with second vaccination no more than 1 year before import.

3. Get a blood test after the second rabies shot.

4. Make advance notification of the pet importation to AQS no later than 40 days prior to arrival. The exact form for this advance notification will not be available (on the AQS website) until January 2005.

5. The pet must stay in the exporting country at least 180 days but no more than two years after the date of blood sampling.

6. Upon arrival, submit the following documents to AQS:

a. International Health certificate.

b. Two rabies vaccination certificates.

c. Advanced notification acknowledgement sent from AQS.

d. An Import Quarantine Application Form provided by AQS.

When importing pets as unaccompanied cargo, the steps include:

1. Submit the documentation the same as accompanied pets (cargo importation requires more time and expense).

2. The owner of the pet is not required to be present in order to apply for quarantine inspection. A proxy can make the application.

3. The Narita quarantine service charges a detention fee of approximately JPY 3,000 or more depending on size per day for all pets, which includes basic boarding, food and care for the pet.

4. Other costs may be incurred for transportation fees, kennel customs clearances, import tax and a proxy charge depending on the pet and other circumstances.