Why Japan requires such long preparation
Japan is rabies-free and enforces extremely strict import rules to protect that status. The process for bringing a dog from Australia to Japan requires two separate rabies antibody titre tests at a Japan-approved laboratory, with a mandatory 180-day wait between the second titre test result and your arrival in Japan.
This 180-day wait cannot be shortened or waived under any circumstances. If you miss it by even one day, your pet will be quarantined for the difference at your expense.
Start immediately: The 7–8 month timeline is strict. If you're planning a move to Japan, contact us as soon as possible — the clock starts from when the first titre test blood is drawn.
The preparation sequence
1
Microchip
ISO 15-digit microchip. Must be implanted before any vaccinations.
Start here
2
Primary rabies vaccination
Documented with microchip number, vet details, vaccine batch number.
After microchip
3
First RNATT titre test
Blood drawn at Japan-approved laboratory. Must show ≥0.5 IU/ml.
30+ days after vaccination
4
Second RNATT titre test
Second blood test, same approved laboratory, 30+ days after first.
30+ days after first test
5
180-day wait
Mandatory wait from when the SECOND titre test result is confirmed. Japan is strict — one day short means quarantine.
180 days minimum
6
Arrival health inspection
Quarantine on arrival at designated facility. Typically 12 hours to 7 days depending on documentation completeness.
On arrival
Cats: Cats have a simpler process — only one titre test required. But the 180-day wait still applies. Contact us for the current cat-specific sequence.