Shipping your dog from Costa Rica to Japan is a process that rewards early planning.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 33 weeks before your travel date -- some steps …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 180-day wait after successful result.
4
Apply for import permit from Japan
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply early: Apply 2-4 weeks before travel
5
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
6
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
8
Quarantine on arrival (14 days)
Responsible: Japan quarantine authority
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Japan
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on the same day as rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel. Must be vaccinated at least 30 days before import.
Rabies titre test
Required. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 14 days. Facility: MAFF quarantine station. 14-day quarantine is mandatory at MAFF-designated facility.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: MAFF (Animal Quarantine Service). Apply: Apply 2-4 weeks before travel. Formal import permit required from MAFF.
Health certificate
Required. Health Certificate. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 10 days from issue. Issued within 10 days of travel. Must list microchip number and vaccination details.
Export permit (Costa Rica)
{'required': True, 'issued_by': 'SENASA Costa Rica'}
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (Japan)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
JAPAN AIRLINES
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Cargo: Pets transported as checked baggage in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds: French Bulldogs BANNED from cargo (May-October). English Bulldogs banned year-round. Summer restrictions: May-October temperature embargoes on some routes
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
KOREAN AIR
Korean Air
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets in hold as checked baggage or Korean Air Cargo. Seasonal temperature restrictions apply
Cabin and Cargo
Understanding Japan's pet import rules
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Japan runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Japan (at MAFF quarantine station) for 14 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
Japan is rabies-free. MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) is the regulatory authority.
From experience: Costa Rica to Japan pet transport
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
FAQ
Common questions about Costa Rica to Japan pet transport
Allow at least 33 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Japan. Your pet will stay for 14 days at MAFF quarantine station on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 180-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Japan. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Japan’s authority (MAFF (Animal Quarantine Service)). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Costa Rica. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Japan’s authority for the exact format required.