Hong Kong pet owner guides

Taking a dog from Hong Kong to Japan

The first trip usually needs months of preparation: chip, rabies vaccinations, blood test, waiting period and advance notification.

Practical guides Updated 2026-09-27

Build the timetable with your vet

Japan treats Hong Kong under its non-designated-region procedure. A Hong Kong dog licence does not prove that its chip is ISO-compatible; have the number and chip type scanned. Ask AQS about a non-ISO chip before travel.
Microchip identification comes before the qualifying rabies vaccinations. The first is at age 91 days or older; the second at least 30 days later while the first remains valid.
After the second vaccination, obtain a qualifying antibody test through a Japan-designated laboratory. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml; wait 180 days from sampling, with the sampling date counted as day zero.
Notify the arrival AQS at least 40 days ahead. Keep vaccinations and the test valid; arrange the pre-export examination and government-endorsed certificate using the current AQS forms.