How to transport a cat to Japan

pet transport cat to japan

Aero Pets can arrange all necessary documentation, checks and flights to transport your pet cat to Japan

International Relocation of any animal is a complex process with a lot of rules and regulations involved. This is also true if you want to transport your cat to Japan. The rules and regulations include a set of necessary documents and certificates, vaccinations and containers. If you need any assistance or more information regarding these requirements we will assist you in any means possible.

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Vaccinations

Even though Japan does not require your cat to be fully vaccinated, MPI (Ministry For Primary Industries) in New Zealand and MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) in Japan strongly recommend it. Cats that have lived their whole lives in New Zealand, or have been a resident in New Zealand for more than 180 days prior to the flight do not need to be vaccinated against rabies.If your cat has come from a non designated region, your cat will need to be vaccinated with a rabies vaccine and have a  blood test to ensure the antibody value is at least 0.5IU/ml. This must be done no more than 180 days before import into Japan. The standard quarantine time for a healthy cat in Japan is 12 hours. Tick, flea and worm treatments are also optional however strongly recommended. Although treatments for parasites are not compulsory when pets are presented to MPI for examination hey must be free from ticks, fleas and worms.

Containers

We are happy to provide the travel container for you, however if you choose to supply your own cage you must select a container for your cat that is suitable for his/her size, breed and weight. The cage must be IATA compliant. Japanese authorities have additional rules regarding containers. If you travel to  Japan on a flight with stop over’s your cat’s container needs to be sealed with an official MPI seal. If you need help choosing a container for your cat please feel free to contact us and we will gladly assist you.

Certification

Prior to Certification you must have a completed Vet and Owner’s declaration form which we will provide.  The Owners is to complete the fist section of the form and their local Vet is to complete the second.

Your cat must be seen by an MPI approved Vet within 48 hours of departure (we will arrange this on your behalf). The Certification is usually arranged the day prior to departure. during this examination / Certification your cat will have a general health check performed by the Official Certifying Vet, the Vet will check for ticks, fleas and worms and also check all the documentation as well as the cage to ensure all requirements have been met. After the examination the Vet will issue the MPI Export Certificate and AWEC (Animal Welfare Export Certificate). The official documentation required by the Japanese authorities.

If you require any help or additional information about the certification you are welcome to contact us.

Microchip

Your cat must be micro-chipped prior to being seen by the MPI approved Vet. Your local Vet can arrange the microchip for you.

Import Permit

Although an offical import permit is not required to enter Japan Cat owners need to inform AQS (Animal Quarantine Service) no later than 40 days in advance that the cat is being transported to Japan. You will be provided with a reference number that must be presented on the export certificate. You will need to print off the email from AQS with the approval number on it so that MPI can verfiy the number is correct.

AQS Contact Details:

Narita Branch (Cargo Office)
Ph: +81 476 32 6655
Fax: +81 476 30 3012
Email: n-kamotu@aqs.maff.go.jp

How to transport your cat to Japan

New Zealand aviation rules require the use of an animal transport company to arrange all international pet travel. When you book your cat’s travel through us, we will ensure that the necessary documents accompany him/ her to the airport and that the check in process runs smoothly. You can sit back and enjoy your flight. After you arrive in Japan you can collect your cat.