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DOG IMPORT DISCLAIMER
In accordance with Army policy, domestic animals on army installations, residents, employees, contractors, or visitors may not bring on any installation, any dog or a breed (including mixed breed) that is deemed aggressive/dangerous or potentially aggressive/dangerous.

For purposes of this policy, Aggressive/dangerous or potentially aggressive/dangerous breeds of dogs are defined as

Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire, Bull Terriers, or English Staffordshire Bull Terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows and Wolf hybrids.

U.S. Personnel who own one of the above breeds cannot bring their pets to Mainland Japan or Okinawa.

Exotic pets are also prohibited.

Importing Dogs and Cats

  • Japan discourages the importation of dogs and cats under the age of 12 months. These pets rarely meet the vaccination and FAVN testing requirements. Pets under the age of 12 months can be imported but must start with a 180 day quarantine period.
  • All dogs and cats must FIRST be implanted with a microchip prior to receiving any vaccinations and FAVN testing. The microchip number must be included on the rabies and health certificates and on the Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Results form.
  • All dogs and cats arriving from a non-rabies free country or area must be vaccinated twice at least 31 days apart with an inactivated rabies vaccine at least 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to arriving and must show a history of 2 rabies vaccinations.
  • All dogs and cats must have a Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Test performed. This test measures the protective antibody level against rabies.
  • All dogs and cats must have a health and rabies certificate issued by a Military Veterinarian. A USDA Federal Veterinarian must certify with a raised seal all certificates issued by civilian veterinarians.
  • All dogs and cats must give prior notification to the Japan Animal Quarantine Service as soon as commercial transportation is scheduled.
  • For detailed information, please print the following information document:

Importing other Animals

  • All other animals have many different requirements. The best requirementinformation for your pet can be found at the Japan Animal Quarantine Service web site.
  • Requirements for importing birds into the US continually change. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service require a permit to import, export, or re-export plants and wildlife protected by international treaty and/or domestic statute. It is important to keep all records for ease of re-importing later.
  • Please review the web pages at the bottom of the page for the most current information for your pet.
  • As of 18 February 2003 all prairie dogs have been banned from being imported into Japan.