PCS Pet Moves to Japan – Military Pet Transportation Guide

Relocating to Japan for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is an exciting opportunity, but bringing pets along requires careful planning. Japan enforces strict import regulations, and missing a step can result in lengthy quarantine. Across The Pond Pets has extensive experience assisting U.S. military families with safe, stress-free, and regulation-compliant pet moves to Japan.

Step-by-Step PCS Pet Move Process to Japan

• Microchip your pet with an ISO-compliant chip before any rabies vaccinations.
• Administer two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart, both after microchip implantation.
• Complete a FAVN rabies antibody blood test via an approved lab at least 180 days prior to entry.

• Submit the Advance Notification Form to Japan Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days before arrival.
• Secure pet flight reservations early, especially during peak PCS season.
• Prepare for possible inspection on arrival — can take up to 12 hours if documentation is incomplete.

Popular Military Routes to Japan

We provide two-way PCS pet relocation for major U.S. bases and hub cities, including:

Common breeds for PCS to Japan: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Shiba Inus.

Special Considerations

• Japan enforces a strict 180-day wait after the FAVN test — start the process early to avoid quarantine delays.
• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may face summer airline restrictions due to heat sensitivity.
• All documents must be accurate and match AQS requirements exactly to prevent delays.