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Flying with a dog or cat from Vancouver to Tokyo

Japan has some of the world's strictest pet rules. Canada isn't one of Japan's rabies-free regions, so your pet needs two rabies vaccinations, a blood test and then a 180-day wait before it can arrive. Miss a step, and your pet can be held in quarantine for up to 180 days.

Plan, then confirm. This guide sums up the official rules as we found them. Rules change, and your airline has its own. Check every step with the sources below and your airline before you book.

Your trip, step by step

  1. Before you go

    • Microchip first (ISO 11784/11785).
    • Two rabies vaccinations: the first at 91 days old or older and after the microchip, the second at least 30 days later.
    • A rabies antibody blood test at a designated lab, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
    • Wait at least 180 days after the blood draw before arriving in Japan.
    • Notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
    • A vet exam within 10 days before departure, and official health certificates endorsed by the CFIA.

  2. At Vancouver International

    • YVR was the first major Canadian airport to open relief areas after security. Today they're on the domestic A/B pier, across from gate C29, across from gate D72, near gates E76 and E77, and at the South Terminal by gate G1-2. Outside, there's one at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park by international arrivals.
    • At security, tell the screening officer you have a pet. You'll carry your pet through the walk-through scanner while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray.
    • Full Vancouver International airport guide

  3. The flight

    • Air Canada, ANA and JAL fly nonstop between Vancouver and Tokyo (Haneda or Narita). Pets on these long-haul flights usually travel in the hold; check each airline's rules. Dogs can only enter Japan through designated airports and seaports.

  4. Arriving in Tokyo

    • Animal Quarantine Service staff inspect your pet on arrival. If everything matches your notice and certificates, the check is short. If not, your pet can be held for up to 180 days at your cost.

  5. With your pet in Tokyo

    • Small pets can ride trains in a hard-sided carrier. On the Tokaido Shinkansen, the carrier plus pet must weigh 10 kg or less, and there's a small fee per carrier.
    • Tokyo has dog cafés, and Yoyogi Park has a dog run.
    • Many restaurants and shops don't allow pets inside, so look for places marked pet-friendly.

  6. Coming home

    • Coming home, use the CFIA's online pet import tool before you leave Canada so you know what you'll need at the border. Keep your pet's rabies vaccination certificate valid for the whole trip; dogs and cats 3 months and older usually need one to come back into Canada.

Questions

How long does it take to bring a dog to Japan from Canada?

Plan on at least 7 months: two rabies vaccinations, an antibody test, then a 180-day wait, plus 40 days' notice to Japan's Animal Quarantine Service.

Is Canada a rabies-free region for Japan?

No. Japan's designated rabies-free regions are Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii and Guam.

Can my dog ride the train in Japan?

Small pets in a hard-sided carrier can. On the Tokaido Shinkansen the carrier and pet must be 10 kg or less.

Sources