Moving Your Dog or Cat from Japan to the United States

TLDR: Moving a pet from Japan to the United States is significantly simpler than the reverse. Japan is classified as a low-risk country under CDC rules, which means dogs only need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, an ISO-compatible microchip, to be at least 6 months old, and to appear healthy on arrival. No rabies vaccination certificate is required. Cats face even fewer requirements. The August 2024 CDC rule change replaced all previous documentation pathways for low-risk country dogs.

Moving a dog or cat from Japan to the United States is a significantly simpler process than the reverse. Japan is classified as a dog-rabies-free or low-risk country under CDC rules, which means dogs arriving from Japan follow a streamlined pathway. The August 2024 CDC rule change updated the documentation requirements for all dogs entering the US. Here is what your pet needs.

Japan's Status Under CDC Rules

Japan is not on the CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. This means dogs that have spent the six months before US entry exclusively in Japan, or other rabies-free or low-risk countries, qualify for the simplified entry pathway. Dogs arriving from high-risk countries face additional requirements including vaccination documentation and in some cases a reserved quarantine facility. That does not apply to dogs coming from Japan.

What Dogs Need to Enter the US from Japan

As of August 1, 2024, dogs entering the United States from Japan need the following:

CDC Dog Import Form receipt. The CDC Dog Import Form is completed online by the importer, the owner or shipper. It is free to complete and can be filled out on the day of travel, though completing it a few days in advance is recommended. Upon submission, a receipt is emailed to you. This receipt can be printed or shown on a phone screen to US customs officials and airline staff. The receipt is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued. Each dog requires its own form.

ISO-compatible microchip. Your dog must have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner. The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and accompanying veterinary records.

Minimum age of 6 months. Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of US entry.

Healthy appearance on arrival. Dogs that do not appear healthy on arrival may be subject to veterinary examination, isolation, and additional testing at the importer's expense.

Dogs meeting these requirements can arrive at any US airport, seaport, or land border crossing. There is no requirement to use a designated CDC quarantine station airport for dogs coming from Japan.

What Cats Need to Enter the US from Japan

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination to enter the United States. Cats must appear healthy upon arrival. If a cat appears ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense may be required before entry is permitted.

USDA APHIS Requirements

In addition to CDC requirements, USDA APHIS oversees the import of animals into the United States. Depending on your destination state, additional state-level entry requirements may apply. Pet owners are responsible for confirming both federal and state requirements before travel.

Japan Export Requirements

Before your pet leaves Japan, you will need an export health certificate issued by a Japanese government veterinarian. If your pet was originally imported into Japan, you will need the original Import Quarantine Certificate issued by AQS at the time of import. This document cannot be reissued and is required for export from Japan. Contact the AQS office at your intended port of departure at least 7 days before export.

What Changed in August 2024

Before August 1, 2024, dogs returning to the US from low-risk countries were required to carry a CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate. The August 2024 rule replaced this with the CDC Dog Import Form as the sole documentation requirement for dogs from low-risk countries. The USDA-endorsed export health certificate pathway was available as a transitional option through July 31, 2025, but is no longer accepted. As of August 1, 2025, only the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is required for dogs arriving from low-risk countries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog need a rabies vaccination certificate to enter the US from Japan?

No. Japan is classified as a dog-rabies-free or low-risk country under CDC rules. Dogs arriving from Japan only need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, an ISO-compatible microchip, to be at least 6 months old, and to appear healthy on arrival. No rabies vaccination certificate is required for the low-risk pathway.

Does my cat need a rabies certificate to enter the US from Japan?

No. Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination to enter the United States from Japan. Cats must appear healthy on arrival.

Can my pet arrive at any US airport when coming from Japan?

Yes. Dogs arriving from Japan, a low-risk country, can enter through any US airport, seaport, or land border crossing. There is no requirement to use a CDC quarantine station airport.

What is the CDC Dog Import Form?

It is a free online form completed by the importer before or on the day of travel. Upon submission a receipt is emailed which must be presented to airline staff and US customs officials. Each dog requires its own form.

What does Japan require before my pet can leave?

You need an export health certificate from a Japanese government veterinarian and the original Import Quarantine Certificate if your pet was previously imported into Japan. Contact AQS at your departure port at least 7 days before export.