Shipping pets from Vietnam to Japan requires long-term planning and strict compliance with Japanese animal import regulations. Japan imposes one of the most detailed quarantine frameworks in the world, including multiple rabies vaccinations, serological testing, waiting periods, and advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service. This timeline below helps pet owners prepare efficiently and avoid delays or quarantine detention. For official detailed rules, visit the Animal Quarantine Service of Japan.
Official Japanese regulations for importing pets can be viewed here:
MAFF – Import dogs and cats into Japan (non-designated regions)
Pet Shipping Timeline for Dogs
Dogs departing from Vietnam to Japan must meet strict import requirements, including microchipping, multiple rabies vaccinations, a rabies antibody test, a mandatory waiting period, clinical inspection, advance notification to Japanese authorities, and import quarantine upon arrival.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| ISO-compliant microchip implantation | Before first rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccinations (two or more) | 91+ days before travel (multiple doses) |
| Rabies antibody test at designated lab | After second vaccination (day 0) |
| Mandatory waiting period after antibody test | At least 180 days before Japan arrival |
| Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service | At least 40 days before arrival |
| Pre-export clinical inspection | Within 10 days before departure |
| Import quarantine inspection in Japan | Day of arrival |
The entire preparation timeline for dogs typically spans **6–9 months**, primarily due to the long waiting period required after rabies antibody testing.
Pet Shipping Timeline for Cats
Cats entering Japan also must comply with the same import procedures as dogs, including microchip, rabies vaccinations, antibody testing, waiting period, advance notification, clinical inspection, and import quarantine.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| ISO-compliant microchip implantation | Before first rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccinations (two or more) | 91+ days before travel |
| Rabies antibody test | After second vaccination (day 0) |
| Mandatory waiting period after antibody test | At least 180 days |
| Advance notification to AQS | ≥ 40 days before arrival |
| Clinical health inspection | Within 10 days before departure |
| Import quarantine on arrival | Day of landing |
Cats generally follow the same timeframe as dogs and should also expect **about 6–9 months** of preparation.
Dog vs. Cat Shipping Timeline Comparison
| Requirement | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Required | Required |
| Rabies vaccinations | Required | Required |
| Antibody test | Required | Required |
| Mandatory waiting period | 180 days | 180 days |
| Advance notification | Required | Required |
| Import quarantine | Required | Required |
Planning Your Pet Shipping Timeline to Japan
Preparing early is essential to avoid quarantine detention or denied entry when shipping pets to Japan. The long waiting period and multiple vaccinations make Japan one of the more stringent pet import destinations.
If you are planning to relocate your pet from Vietnam to Japan, you can learn more about our full service and specific requirements on our page :
Pet Shipping from Vietnam to Japan.