Moving a pet from Japan to the Philippines is more involved than the geographic distance might suggest. Japan is effectively rabies-free, but the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) requires a titre test for all incoming dogs and …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is in place (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
If not already microchipped, implant before vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination (if not already current)
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Administered after microchip. Allow 30 days before titre test blood draw.
3
FAVN or ELISA titre test blood draw at an accredited laboratory
Responsible: Your veterinarian + accredited laboratory
At least 30 days after vaccination. Allow 2-4 weeks for laboratory results.
4
Apply for BAI import permit from the Philippines
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply as soon as titre test results are confirmed. Allow at least 30 days for processing.
5
Book IATA-compliant cargo flight from Japan to Manila
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Once BAI permit is confirmed. Book 2-4 weeks in advance.
6
Obtain MAFF-endorsed health certificate for the Philippines
Responsible: Official veterinarian + MAFF or prefectural AQS station
Within 10 days of export date. Allow 5-7 working days for MAFF endorsement.
7
Travel day: pet travels as cargo. Plan for 7-day BAI quarantine on arrival in Manila.
Responsible: You + cargo agent
Arrive at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Philippines
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Must be implanted and recorded before any vaccination records.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination within the past 12 months. Administered after microchipping.
Rabies titre test
Required. The Philippines BAI requires an FAVN or ELISA titre test for all incoming dogs and cats. Minimum result 0.5 IU/ml. Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. This applies even though Japan is considered rabies-free.
Quarantine
Mandatory 7-day quarantine at the BAI quarantine facility in Manila (NAIA) on arrival. Cannot be waived regardless of origin.
Import permit
Required. BAI import permit must be obtained at least 30 days before travel. Apply to the Bureau of Animal Industry, Philippines.
Health certificate
Required. Official veterinary health certificate in a format acceptable to BAI, issued by an official Japanese vet and endorsed by MAFF or the prefectural AQS station.
Export permit (Japan)
{'required': False}
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate dimensions)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccination, titre test, health certificate
MAFF health certificate endorsement fee
BAI import permit application fee
BAI quarantine facility fees (7-day mandatory stay in Manila)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended)
Critical points to read before you book
The Philippines requires a titre test for ALL incoming pets, including those from Japan. Japan's rabies-free status does not waive the BAI titre test requirement.
The 7-day BAI quarantine in Manila is mandatory regardless of vaccination status or country of origin. Budget for quarantine facility costs.
BAI import permit must be in hand before travel. Apply at least 30 days before your planned departure.
MAFF health certificate endorsement can take 5-7 working days. Book the appointment in advance.
Always confirm current BAI requirements with the Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines 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
Cargo: JAL operates direct flights from Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Osaka Kansai (KIX) to Manila (MNL). Pet cargo via JAL Cargo. Staff experienced with BAI documentation on this route.
Cargo Only
ANA
ANA
Cargo: ANA operates Tokyo-Manila routes. Pet cargo available via ANA Cargo. Temperature-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Cargo: PAL operates direct Tokyo-Manila flights. Pet cargo available through PAL Cargo. Staff familiar with Philippines-side BAI requirements.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Singapore Airlines Cargo via Singapore (SIN). Short transit. Temperature-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Cathay Pacific Cargo via Hong Kong (HKG) to Manila. Temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic restrictions apply.
Cargo Only
Philippine BAI requirements: why the titre test still applies from Japan
Japan is widely considered to have the strictest pet import rules in the world, and Japanese pets are well-vaccinated and thoroughly documented. Despite this, the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) requires a rabies titre test for all incoming dogs and cats – the requirement is applied universally, regardless of the pet’s origin country.
The core requirements for dogs and cats arriving from Japan are:
Microchip: ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit. Must be in place before vaccination records.
Rabies vaccination: current and valid, administered after microchipping.
FAVN or ELISA titre test: blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, minimum result 0.5 IU/ml. Results below threshold require revaccination and retesting.
BAI import permit: applied for and approved before travel. Processing takes 30 days minimum. Application requires microchip certificate, vaccination records, and titre test results.
Health certificate: official MAFF-endorsed veterinary health certificate in a format acceptable to BAI, issued within 10 days of travel.
7-day quarantine: mandatory at the BAI facility at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on arrival. This is not negotiable.
Airlines and cargo options from Japan to Manila
Japan Airlines (JAL) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) both operate direct flights between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Manila (MNL), and both have cargo services familiar with the documentation requirements on this corridor.
ANA also operates the Tokyo-Manila route with cargo capacity. Singapore Airlines via Singapore is a reliable alternative if direct cargo is not available on your preferred date.
For pets departing from Osaka Kansai (KIX), JAL and PAL also operate KIX-MNL services. The direct Tokyo or Osaka to Manila route is preferable – it minimises handling time and keeps your pet’s total journey as short as possible.
FAQ
Common questions about Japan to Philippines pet transport
Yes. The Philippines BAI requires a titre test for all incoming pets regardless of their country of origin. Even though Japan is effectively rabies-free, the BAI applies its titre test requirement universally. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Applications to the Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines can be made directly or through an IPATA-registered agent. You will need your pet’s microchip certificate, vaccination records, and titre test results. Allow at least 30 days for processing. Some pet transport agents operating in Japan have established relationships with BAI and can manage this on your behalf.
Yes. A mandatory 7-day quarantine at the BAI facility at NAIA in Manila applies to all incoming pets regardless of origin or vaccination status. You will not be able to collect your pet until the quarantine period is complete. BAI staff provide care throughout. Factor quarantine facility fees into your relocation budget.
Your official veterinarian in Japan issues the health certificate in a format acceptable to the Philippine BAI. This certificate must then be endorsed by MAFF or the relevant prefectural Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) station. Allow 5-7 working days for the endorsement. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your export date.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) are the strongest options for direct pet cargo from Tokyo to Manila. Both operate the route regularly and their cargo agents are familiar with the documentation requirements on both sides. ANA is another option. Book cargo space at least 2-3 weeks in advance.