Dogs in Japan: rules, tax and travel

Dogs aged 91 days or older must be registered with the municipality within 30 days of starting to keep them (or of turning 91 days). The registration fee is about 3,000 yen, once, and the dog wears a registration tag.[2]

Not compulsory for owners. Breeders and pet shops must microchip dogs and cats they sell (since 1 June 2022) and owners are asked to register the chip in the Ministry of the Environment database (about 300 to 1,000 yen).[3]

No dog tax was found. The only charges are the one-off registration fee of about 3,000 yen and a 550 yen rabies tag each year, set by each municipality.[4]

typical 3000 JPY once

No separate licence or owner competence test was found. The municipal 'dog licence tag' is the registration tag and must be worn on the collar.[2]

Keep dogs on a leash in public and clean up after them. Exact rules are set by prefectural and municipal ordinances.[4]

Dogs must have an annual rabies vaccination (in Tokyo wards between 1 April and 30 June) and wear the vaccination tag.[4]

EU countries are handled under the general procedure for non-designated regions: ISO microchip before the first rabies vaccine, two rabies vaccines, a titre test, a 180 day wait, notice to the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival, and an official health certificate.[5]

Same procedure as above: microchip, two rabies vaccines (first at 91 days or older, second at least 30 days later), titre test, 180 days after the blood sample, 40 days advance notice, vet exam within 10 days before boarding and government-endorsed certificate.[5]

Titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml, tested at a designated laboratory after the second vaccine. The result is valid for 2 years and the animal must arrive at least 180 days after the blood sample date.[5]

Animals that meet every requirement are cleared within 12 hours at the airport or port. Animals that do not can be held for up to 180 days or refused.[6]