For pet owners who are planning to move to Japan, know that bringing your pet along with you is an entirely valid option. One of the biggest dilemmas pet owners face when migrating is what to do with their pets. Leave them with family members? Put them up for adoption? Abandonment is not an option so do not even consider it! But of course, there is always a better option if you are willing to put the time and effort into it.
In this article, we will introduce the procedure for bringing your pets to Japan, some things to keep in mind about keeping a pet in Japan, as well as how to find a pet-friendly apartment in Japan.
Jump to:
- Are you allowed to bring pets to Japan?
- What is the procedure to bring a pet dog or cat to Japan?
- Things to Keep in Mind About Keeping Pets in Japan
- Is it Expensive to Own a Pet in Japan?
- Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment in Japan
- Japanese Words to Know When Looking for Pet-Friendly Apartments
- Conclusion
- FAQ

Are you allowed to bring pets to Japan?
If you are planning to move to Japan to work or study at a Japanese language school, this might be one of your biggest concerns. The procedure to bring pets into Japan is governed by the Animal Quarantine Service under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Aside from being in charge of the import and export of animals and livestock, the Animal Quarantine Service also oversees the import and export of animal products like meat and meat-based products like ham, sausages and bacon.
The procedure to bring pets to Japan is called the animal import procedure. Under this procedure, you can bring in all manner of animals including dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and livestock. Note that the procedure may differ depending on the type of animal, and there are also animals that are banned as pets (like monkeys which can only be brought in for zoo and laboratory purposes), or banned due to animal disease.
Most domesticated animals are allowed, and unlike certain countries, Japan has no ban on dog breeds so pet owners can feel at ease. Dogs and cats need to follow a strict import procedure that includes preparing a “pet passport” which consists of many documents, plus a quarantine procedure for certain countries.
The procedure for rodents and rabbits is considerably easier, and there are also some pets that do not need to go through any formal procedure.
For more details check the webpage, or if you are unsure contact the Animal Quarantine Service for more information.
What is the procedure to bring a pet cat or dog to Japan?
The steps to bringing dogs and cats to Japan are pretty much the same, except that dogs have after-import procedures that dog owners need to follow up with: legally required annual rabies vaccination and registration of dogs at your local municipality office within 30 days.
The import procedure also differs depending on where you come from. There are the designated countries consisting of Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii and Guam; and the non-designated countries which consist of every other country. The difference between these procedures is the need to take a rabies vaccination, get a rabies test done, and then home quarantine for at least 180 days, all of which to be done in the country of origin.
Designated Countries Procedure for Bringing a Dog or Cat to Japan
Designated countries for pet procedures in Japan include Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii, and Guam.
- Microchip Implant. It must be identifiable by microchip.
- Fulfills Residence Regulation: In the designated country since birth, for over 180 days, or since being in Japan.
- Advanced Notification: At least 40 days before arrival to Japan Animal Quarantine Service at the port of entry.
- Pre-Departure Clinical Inspection: By a licensed veterinarian to confirm free of rabies, and leptospirosis in the case of dogs.
- Obtain Certification Issued by a Government Agency of Designated Country – Recommended certification format and information required available on the website.
- Transportation. This should be by direct flight to Japan. If transiting through non-designated countries, additional conditions are to be fulfilled.
- Import Inspection upon arrival in Japan. Check the website for the necessary documents. If all goes well you will receive an import quarantine certificate. In the case of dogs, bring the certificate to your municipality office within 30 days for registration. The import quarantine certificate is necessary if you want to bring your pet out of Japan.
Note that failure to comply with the procedure correctly will result in a mandatory quarantine of your pet at a detention facility for up to 180 days, the cost of which will be your responsibility. Check out more details here.
Non-Designated Countries Procedure for Bringing a Dog or Cat to Japan
These are all other countries not listed as designated.
- Microchip Implant
- Rabies Vaccination at least twice.
- Rabies Antibody Test. Must be done at designated laboratories (link to the list on this webpage), and must be done after the second rabies vaccine is taken.
- Waiting Period. At least 180 days, at this time your pet should be kept indoors at all times. Arrival in Japan must be within the validity period of the rabies antibody test and within the expiry of the administered rabies vaccine.
- Advanced Notification (same as above).
- Pre-Departure Clinical Inspection (same as above).
- Obtain Certification Issued by a Government Agency of a Designated Country (same as above).
- Import Inspection (same as above).
Things to Keep in Mind About Keeping Pets in Japan
Keeping a pet who is an important family member and a friend close to you may be important but there are some things that you should consider before taking the leap to bring your pet to Japan, especially if it is from across the world.
Firstly, whether it is in your pet’s best interest. Long-distance travel can be stressful for pets, especially elderly, sickly, or just sensitive animals. Before starting the import procedure, it is recommended to seek counsel with a veterinarian as to whether your pet is up to the challenge, or if there is any way to make the trip more comfortable for it.
Secondly, costs and affordability. Keeping pets in Japan, especially dogs and cats, can be expensive. Factors that contribute to the high costs include:
- Higher costs for an apartment that allows pets (pet deposit and payment to restore damages whenever moving to a new place)
- Higher veterinary costs overall (expect more frequent visits when your pet grows older)
- Higher grooming costs (long-haired dogs and cats need more frequent grooming)
Some ways to mitigate the expenses are to learn how to groom your pet yourself and get pet insurance to subsidize medical fees.
Thirdly, learning and following the rules and etiquette that come with keeping a pet. Consideration of others is a huge part of Japanese culture and manners, and so keeping a pet may come with extra responsibilities. For example, proper training so they keep quiet and not disturb neighbors, if you have a dog regular walking will tone down restlessness that causes bad behavior. Other things to abide by include cleaning up excretions when walking dogs, keeping pets in carriers in public spaces, and picking up pets (not letting them walk) when going through apartment common areas like elevators, corridors and front entrances.
And lastly, actually finding an apartment that allows pets in Japan. Plus, the additional costs that come with this choice of accommodation. It is also one of the reasons animal cafes are so popular in Japan. More on this below.
Is it expensive to keep a dog or cat in Japan?
Dogs are more expensive to keep than cats in Japan. On average, dog owners spend around 300,000 yen a year, whilst cat owners spend around 160,000 yen a year on their respective pets, according to a survey conducted by Anicom Insurance in 2020. From the results of the survey, it was discovered that the largest category of expense was food and snacks which costs an average of 65,000 yen a year for dogs, and an average of 43,000 yen a year for cats.
Check out the full breakdown of cost of living in Japan.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment in Japan
The biggest problem about bringing your pet to Japan, especially if it is a dog or cat, is finding a place to stay. The majority of rental apartments and sharehouses in Japan do not allow pets. Exceptions are usually given for small animals like fish and caged hamsters, but for dogs, cats and other animals that will be running around your apartment, probably not. This is why animal cafes like cat and dog cafes are so popular in Japan: because most people live in apartments but though there is an increase in pet-friendly apartments, they are still scarce and also expensive.
If you are planning to bring your pet to Japan, you will need to find a place that allows pets and at the same time available to rent for foreigners.
There are 3 ways to go about finding an apartment that allows pets in Japan:
- Check details on apartment listings online (learn the keywords to look out for, check below)
- Go through a real estate company and let the realtor know what you are looking for (tell them you need a pet-friendly apartment, what type of animal you are keeping, and in the case of dogs how large a space you need)
- Check dedicated pet-friendly apartment listings online (usually Japanese only such as Pet Home Web)
In Japan, there are apartments specially built for pet keeping. These apartments have better soundproofing, may have a miniature garden to bring your pet to, or have a faucet near the entrance to wash your dog’s feet before entering the premises. Note that these specially built apartments differ from apartments that have changed their policies to allow pets, and therefore have no special facilities.
Keep in mind that even if the apartment does not allow pets, this may be restricted to dogs and cats only. In this case, it does not hurt to ask the landlord for permission to keep your pet bird, hamster, rabbit, fish, ferret or other smaller animals.
Japanese Words to Know When Looking for Pet-Friendly Apartments
Here are some important Japanese words to know when hunting for apartments that allow pets:
Japanese | Romaji | English |
---|---|---|
ペット禁止 | petto kinshi | Pets Prohibited |
ペット不可 | petto fuka | No Pets |
ペット厳禁 | petto genkin | Pets Strictly Prohibited |
ペットOK | Petto OK | Pets OK |
ペット可 | petto ka | Pets Allowed |
ペット相談可 | petto soudan ka | Open to Discussions/Negotiations About Pets |
Look out for these words on apartment and house listings on rental property websites.
Conclusion
Bringing a pet to Japan can be quite a hassle but it is definitely worth the trouble. It is important to abide by the proper import procedures laid out by Japan for a smooth move for you and your pet. If you find it too difficult, there are also dedicated international pet moving services available, so check if they are available between your country and Japan.
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FAQ
Can I bring my pet to Japan?
Yes, you can, provided that you satisfy the conditions and follow the procedure set by Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service which governs the animal import procedure into Japan, including pets.
What type of pet can I bring to Japan?
According to the Animal Quarantine Service’s “Bring Animals into Japan” page, pets you are allowed to bring include dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents (mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs), fish, reptiles, amphibians, and even livestock.
The import procedure may differ depending on the type of animal you bring in so it is best to confirm on the website or contact the Animal Quarantine Service to inquire.
How long do pets have to be quarantined in Japan?
If dogs and cats satisfy the import conditions, they only need to be quarantined in Japan for up to 12 hours.
What happens to my pet if I do not follow the correct import procedure?
If dogs and cats do not meet the import conditions, they will be detained and quarantined for up to 180 days at a detention facility run by the Animal Quarantine Service.
The pet owner or pet importer will be responsible for all costs sustained for the quarantine process. There are caretaker services who can help take care of your quarantined pet, but of course this will be at your own expense.
Is it expensive to keep a dog or cat in Japan?
Dogs are more expensive to keep than cats in Japan. On average, dog owners spend around 300,000 yen a year, whilst cat owners spend around 160,000 yen a year on their respective pets, according to a survey conducted by Anicom Insurance in 2020.