Pet travel route

Dog or cat from Kenya to Japan: official requirements

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 7 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination #1 and rabies vaccination #2 and 5 more.

Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 6 official pages

Make my dated plan Reverse: Japan → Kenya

In short

Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
Japan puts Kenya in the group “Non-designated region”, which decides part of the rules.
On this route: rabies blood test needed and tell the authority in advance.
Coming back to Kenya? 2 steps have to happen before your pet leaves.

Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Kenya publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Kenya's Directorate of Veterinary Services doesn't publish its export procedure for pets on its own website. We use KenTrade's InfoTrade description of the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), last updated in 2022. It gives no processing time, doesn't say how long before departure to apply, and lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. Confirm with the Directorate (infodvs@kilimo.go.ke) before you travel.

How early to start (dogs)

about 7 months

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: 180-day waiting period (180 days after the blood sample)

about 6 months

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: 180-day waiting period (180 days after the blood sample)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (dogs)

Rabies blood test needed
Tell the authority in advance

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

How early to start (cats)

about 7 months

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: 180-day waiting period (180 days after the blood sample)

about 6 months

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: 180-day waiting period (180 days after the blood sample)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (cats)

Rabies blood test needed
Tell the authority in advance

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

Which rules apply to you

Japan puts Kenya in the group “Non-designated region”. See every group

Prefer a feed reader? Kenya rule changes · Japan rule changes

Kenya → Japan

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether Kenya (leaving) or Japan (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

Get ready
1. IdentificationEntering Japan
  ISO microchip
  Your pet needs an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15 digits). From non-designated regions it must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination (same day is fine).
  Details and the official words
  Microchip numbers starting with "900 202" are currently not accepted.
  Some microchip numbers have been found on more than one animal (Japan's examples start with 900). Once you know when your pet will arrive, notify the Animal Quarantine Service at your arrival airport promptly: a duplicate chip can mean re-chipping and redoing the steps.
  “Dogs and cats must be identified by a microchip before the first rabies vaccination.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 1
2. VaccinationEntering Japan
  Rabies vaccination #1
  First rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant) after microchipping, when your pet is at least 91 days old — Japan does not accept vaccinations given before 91 days.
  Details and the official words
  “At least 91 days old at the time of vaccination”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 2
3. VaccinationEntering Japan
  Rabies vaccination #2
  Second rabies vaccination at least 30 days after the first, and before the first one's immunity runs out.
  Details and the official words
  “30 days or more apart from the first vaccination (the date of the first one is counted as day 0)”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 2
4. Blood testEntering Japan
  Rabies antibody test at a designated lab
  Blood sample after the second vaccination (same day allowed), tested at a Japan-designated laboratory: at least 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 2 years.
  Details and the official words
  “A blood sample for the test must be drawn after the second rabies vaccination.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 3
5. Waiting periodEntering Japan
  180-day waiting period
  Your pet must arrive at least 180 days after the blood sample date, and while both the rabies vaccination and the antibody test (2 years) are still valid.
  Details and the official words
  If this is missed: Pets arriving before 180 days are held in detention quarantine for the days still missing.
  “Dogs and cats are required to arrive in Japan after 180 days have passed from the date of blood sampling for the rabies antibody test.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 4
In the days before you travel
1. Vet examEntering Japan
  Pre-export clinical inspection
  A vet examines your pet within 10 days before boarding (no signs of rabies; for dogs also leptospirosis) and checks the microchip.
  Details and the official words
  “Before leaving the exporting country (within 10 days before boarding), dogs and cats must undergo a clinical inspection by a veterinarian.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 6
2. Vet examLeaving Kenya
  Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board
  A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.
  Details and the official words
  “Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
3. PaperworkKenya and Japan
  Government certificate from the exporting country
  Get the certificate (Japan's recommended Form AC, or Form AB from designated regions) completed and endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority, after the clinical inspection.
  Details and the official words
  Bring the original certificates. Electronic certificates are accepted from the USA, Brazil and Spain, and from Hawaii and Guam, when they carry the required information and are confirmed as issued by the government authority.
  International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.
  Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.
  InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.
  If this is missed: Deficient certificates mean detention quarantine for up to 180 days or being shipped back.
  “Applicants must obtain certificates issued by the government authorities of the exporting country (corresponding to Animal Quarantine Service in Japan).”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 7
  “The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16): export procedure (InfoTrade Kenya, KenTrade)
  “Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “From the country of destination.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “EU export health certificate (copy)”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16): export procedure (InfoTrade Kenya, KenTrade)
4. NoticeEntering Japan
  Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service
  Notify the Animal Quarantine Service at your port of arrival at least 40 days before you arrive (online via NACCS or by email). They issue an 'Approval of Import Inspection'.
  Details and the official words
  If this is missed: In principle, a notification submitted less than 40 days before arrival is not accepted.
  “Applicants must notify Animal Quarantine Service at the expected port of entry not less than 40 days before arrival in Japan.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 5

Good to know

Dogs can only enter Japan through 19 designated ports: the airports New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Itami, Kobe, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Naha, and the seaports Tomakomai, Keihin, Nagoya, Hanshin, Kanmon, Hakata, Kagoshima and Naha. For cats or a registered assistance dog arriving elsewhere, contact the Animal Quarantine Service first.
Japan does not accept live-virus or RNA rabies vaccines — check the vaccine type with your vet.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.

Cats

Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

Get ready
1. IdentificationEntering Japan
  ISO microchip
  Your pet needs an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15 digits). From non-designated regions it must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination (same day is fine).
  Details and the official words
  Microchip numbers starting with "900 202" are currently not accepted.
  Some microchip numbers have been found on more than one animal (Japan's examples start with 900). Once you know when your pet will arrive, notify the Animal Quarantine Service at your arrival airport promptly: a duplicate chip can mean re-chipping and redoing the steps.
  “Dogs and cats must be identified by a microchip before the first rabies vaccination.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 1
2. VaccinationEntering Japan
  Rabies vaccination #1
  First rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant) after microchipping, when your pet is at least 91 days old — Japan does not accept vaccinations given before 91 days.
  Details and the official words
  “At least 91 days old at the time of vaccination”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 2
3. VaccinationEntering Japan
  Rabies vaccination #2
  Second rabies vaccination at least 30 days after the first, and before the first one's immunity runs out.
  Details and the official words
  “30 days or more apart from the first vaccination (the date of the first one is counted as day 0)”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 2
4. Blood testEntering Japan
  Rabies antibody test at a designated lab
  Blood sample after the second vaccination (same day allowed), tested at a Japan-designated laboratory: at least 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 2 years.
  Details and the official words
  “A blood sample for the test must be drawn after the second rabies vaccination.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 3
5. Waiting periodEntering Japan
  180-day waiting period
  Your pet must arrive at least 180 days after the blood sample date, and while both the rabies vaccination and the antibody test (2 years) are still valid.
  Details and the official words
  If this is missed: Pets arriving before 180 days are held in detention quarantine for the days still missing.
  “Dogs and cats are required to arrive in Japan after 180 days have passed from the date of blood sampling for the rabies antibody test.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 4
In the days before you travel
1. Vet examEntering Japan
  Pre-export clinical inspection
  A vet examines your pet within 10 days before boarding (no signs of rabies; for dogs also leptospirosis) and checks the microchip.
  Details and the official words
  “Before leaving the exporting country (within 10 days before boarding), dogs and cats must undergo a clinical inspection by a veterinarian.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 6
2. Vet examLeaving Kenya
  Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board
  A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.
  Details and the official words
  “Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
3. PaperworkKenya and Japan
  Government certificate from the exporting country
  Get the certificate (Japan's recommended Form AC, or Form AB from designated regions) completed and endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority, after the clinical inspection.
  Details and the official words
  Bring the original certificates. Electronic certificates are accepted from the USA, Brazil and Spain, and from Hawaii and Guam, when they carry the required information and are confirmed as issued by the government authority.
  International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.
  Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.
  InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.
  If this is missed: Deficient certificates mean detention quarantine for up to 180 days or being shipped back.
  “Applicants must obtain certificates issued by the government authorities of the exporting country (corresponding to Animal Quarantine Service in Japan).”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 7
  “The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16): export procedure (InfoTrade Kenya, KenTrade)
  “Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “From the country of destination.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “EU export health certificate (copy)”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
  “KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”
  International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16): export procedure (InfoTrade Kenya, KenTrade)
4. NoticeEntering Japan
  Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service
  Notify the Animal Quarantine Service at your port of arrival at least 40 days before you arrive (online via NACCS or by email). They issue an 'Approval of Import Inspection'.
  Details and the official words
  If this is missed: In principle, a notification submitted less than 40 days before arrival is not accepted.
  “Applicants must notify Animal Quarantine Service at the expected port of entry not less than 40 days before arrival in Japan.”
  Import dogs and cats into Japan (from non-designated regions) · Step 5

Good to know

Japan does not accept live-virus or RNA rabies vaccines — check the vaccine type with your vet.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Kenya publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

Animal Quarantine Service import inspectionEntering JapanFree
Transport to a detention facility and care there, if needed, are paid by you.
“輸入検疫の費用はいくらかかりますか。動物検疫所が行う検査の費用はかかりませんが、係留施設への輸送”
日本への犬、猫の持ち込みQ&A · as of 2026-10-13

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies antibody test at a designated labPrices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13

No published prices yet for Kenya: microchip, vet examination, health certificate (vet’s fee), rabies vaccination.

Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices

Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.

Round trip

Coming back to Kenya

Do before your pet leaves Kenya

Rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment
Rabies blood test, 3 to 24 months before shipment

Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.

The trip back asks for 9 steps: import permit (VS01) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, microchip (or other permanent identification), rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment and rabies vaccination within the last year and more.

Every step from Japan to Kenya

Nearby routes

Other routes

Into Japan from

Every country, by group

Where this comes from

Official sources

Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.

Entering Japan Leaving Kenya Report a mistake Get rule-change alerts

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Kenya to Japan?

Yes: Blood sample after the second vaccination (same day allowed), tested at a Japan-designated laboratory: at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Japan?

We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Japan?

We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.

How early should I start preparing my pet for Kenya to Japan?

With nothing done yet, start at least about 7 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination #1 and rabies vaccination #2 and 5 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

In short

At a glance

What your pet needs

Dogs

Get ready

ISO microchip

Rabies vaccination #1

Rabies vaccination #2

Rabies antibody test at a designated lab

180-day waiting period

In the days before you travel

Pre-export clinical inspection

Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board

Government certificate from the exporting country

Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service

Good to know

Cats

Get ready

ISO microchip

Rabies vaccination #1

Rabies vaccination #2

Rabies antibody test at a designated lab

180-day waiting period

In the days before you travel

Pre-export clinical inspection

Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board

Government certificate from the exporting country

Advance notification to Animal Quarantine Service

Good to know

What it costs

Coming back to Kenya

Other routes

Into Japan from

Official sources

Questions owners ask

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