Pet Travel · DERMAPAW JOURNAL
Moving to Japan with Pets: Build the Quarantine Timeline
From Hong Kong, read the AQS process for “Other regions” before booking the trip.
Confirm the correct route
Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service has different rules for designated and other regions. From Hong Kong, check the “Other regions” process.
Count backwards from records
Check microchip, vaccination and blood-test numbers and dates. The process can include qualifying rabies vaccination, designated-laboratory testing and a waiting period. The current process lists at least 180 days of waiting; that is not automatically 180 days of arrival quarantine.
Prepare documents
Submit arrival notice by the deadline, obtain approval and arrange the required health certificate and official endorsement. AQS decides whether documents are acceptable.
Check three times
Confirm dates with AQS, certificate procedures with Hong Kong AFCD and route, crate and weather restrictions with the airline.