Country-specific Pet Regulations
Below are regulations from countries with stricter regulations. The regulations are subject to change in accordance with the policies of the respective countries.
You can click the name of the countries to see the related information. For more detailed information, please contact the authority of the respective countries.
SOUTH KOREA
For pets from rabies-free countries or under 90 days old regardless of region, a microchip must be implanted, a quarantine certificate issued by a government is required and the microchip identification number must be marked on the certificate.
Pets from non-rabies-free countries and dogs and cats 90 days or older must observe the conditions above, and the quarantine certificate must clearly indicate that a “rabies-neutralizing antibody” test has been administered by an internationally recognized testing body within 24 months of intended accompanied travel, and that the result of the test was 0.5 IU/ml or higher.
Note: For the list of rabies-free countries and other information, please visit the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency website. [LINK]
For other informations such as “accompanying pet reservation time deadline” or “preparing your pet carrier,” please visit the page at the following link. [LINK]
HONG KONG (CHINA)
Due to government regulations in Hong Kong, pets are not accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage.
For more details, please visit the Hong Kong government website. [LINK]
SINGAPORE
For importing, exporting or transshipping pets into, out of or via Singapore, licenses by Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) is required.
For more details, please visit the Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) website. [LINK]
TAIWAN
Complete the following entry requirements to travel to Taiwan with your pet:
Apply for an online import permit at the above link at least 20 days before travel.
Dogs, cats and ferrets must be identifiable via ISO microchip.
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies. Animals must be at least 12 weeks old for vaccination to take place. For your pet to be accepted, you will also need a rabies titer test that shows results over 0.5 I.U./ml that has been administered at least 90 days after vaccination and under 12 months.
Travellers must provide a valid health certificate filled out by a licensed veterinarian with proof of vaccinations.
The fee for bringing a pet into Taiwan is NTD 20,000.
For more detailed information, please visit the website of Taiwan's Online Application System for Dog/Cat Import Permit. [LINK]
CANADA
Importing a dog or cat from a non-rabies-free country into Canada
A rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed vet (in English or French) is required
The certificate should indicate the type of rabies vaccine used, date administered, and expiry date, as well as the ID number.
Importing a dog or cat from a rabies-free country into Canada
A certificate showing that rabies has not existed in that country for a 6 month period is required (in English or French).
The certificate must be issued by a government-certified vet and clearly display the animal’s ID number.
Dogs or cats under 3 months old are exempt from the rabies requirements above.
Birds from countries other than the US are not allowed entry into Canada unless accompanied by an import permit, which must be obtained prior to arrival in Canada.
Note: For the list of rabies-free countries certified by the Canadian government and other details, please visit the Canadian government website. [LINK]
Travel as checked pets
Due to the Canadian government's regulations, water bottle must be attached inside of the cage.
Ontario
Due to government regulations in Ontario, Pit Bulls are not accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage or as cargo for travel into (or via) Ontario. Breeds classified as pit bulls are the Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier. For more information, please visit the website of the government of Ontario. [LINK]
US
Effective July 14, 2021, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension on dogs traveling into the U.S from countries classified as high-risk for dog rabies, and countries that are not at high-risk if the dogs have been in high-risk countries in the prior 6 months. For more information of classified countries list and guideline, please visit CDC website. [LINK]
Hawaii
Hawaii is a rabies-free region and all pets are subject to a 120-day quarantine. If the quarantine agency’s specific requirements are met, your pets can qualify for the Direct Release or 5-day-or-less Release program.
The cost of quarantine must be paid by the owner of the animal.
Direct Release or 5-day-or-less Release Program
Step 1. Rabies vaccination
The pet must have been vaccinated at least twice (at least 30 days apart).
The most recent rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 90 days prior to the date of arrival in Hawaii. However, the expiration date must have not passed.
The date of vaccination and the type of vaccine must be indicated on the certificates.
Step 2. Microchip
The pet must have a microchip implanted (before OIE-FAVN rabies blood test).
If the microchip is not scanned, the Direct Release or 5-day-or-less Release Program does not apply.
OIE-FAVN rabies blood test
A test sample must have been received by KSU (Kansan State University) or DOD between 36 months and 120 days before the date of arrival in Hawaii.
The test result must be 0.5 IU/ml or higher.
Documents
Original ink signature or carbon copy of the rabies vaccination certificate for two most recent rabies vaccinations (photocopies and computer-generated certificates not accepted)
Original ink signature of health certificate that displays the treatment result of the pet for ticks within 14 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.
Send documents ① and ② to Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701 at the latest by 10 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.
① Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-278
② Two original ink signature copies of rabies vaccination certificate
Cost (USD 165 for Direct Airport Release, USD 224 for 5-Day-Or-Less Program)
Direct Release Program
Direct Release Program is only available at Honolulu International Airport.
Arrive at the quarantine office in the airport between the inspection hours of 8:00 and 17:00 (subject to change without notice).
Your pet will not qualify for direct release if ticks or other parasites are detected.
Direct release will not be possible if prohibited by the airport security authorities.
Note: For more details, please visit the website of the government of Hawaii. [PDF LINK]
JAPAN
For pets imported to Japan, the arrival dates must be notified to the quarantine authorities of Japan and the “pet inspection approval” document must be issued at the latest by 40 days prior to arrival.
Other Requirements
Microchip implantation
Proof of stay in a designated place for the past 180 days since birth or export from Japan
Proof that the country in which it stayed has been free from rabies for the past 2 years
No sign of rabies or Leptospira symptoms at the time of departure
A dog or cat being imported to Japan from a designated region may be released within 12 hours if the requirements above are met
A dog or cat imported to Japan from other than a designated region may be released within 12 hours if the requirements above and the additional conditions below are met
A microchip is implanted and rabies vaccinations were administered twice
A blood test has been conducted by a Japanese government-approved lab, the required rabies antibody-related scores are recorded
An elapsed time of between 180 days and 2 years after the blood test is required In the event the period of 180 days has not passed at the time of arrival, the pet must be quarantined until the 180 days have passed.
No sign of rabies or Leptospira symptoms at the time of departure
Note: If the requirements above are not met, the pet must be quarantined for 180 days.
For the list of designated regions and other details, please visit the Japanese government website. [LINK]
EU
Any pet imported to EU countries from a third country must meet the following requirements.
The pet must be implanted with a microchip and the ID number must be marked on the certificate.
For animals imported from a third country other than Andorra, Croatia, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, or the Vatican
A health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian is required (valid for 10 days from the date of issue).
In some countries, separate requirements apply to pets that are less than 3 months old. Please check with the countries for details.
Note: For more details, please visit the EU website. [Gov. LINK] [PDF LINK]
