Dogs and cats entering Japan are required to have current rabies vaccination and health certificates. (Dogs should also be vaccinated for kennel cough.) Preferably, certificates should be issued by a military veterinarian using DD FORM 2208 for the rabies vaccination and DD FORM 2209 for the health certificate. Rabies date must be put on the health certificate.
Pets are required to have the rabies vaccination no less than 30 days but not more than 365 days prior to entry. Health certificates must be issued no more than 10 days prior to entry. Copies of these certificates, along with PCS orders, must accompany pets and should be affixed to the outside of the shipping cage.
If a pet is traveling without a sponsor's orders, USFJ Forms 380EJ are necessary for customs-free entry and should be obtained from the member's military sponsor at the new permanent duty station in Japan. All original forms must be with the sponsor when going through customs.
Registrations, vaccination, identification and control of pets: All dogs and cats must be registered with the local Veterinary Treatment Facility, or other agency aboard the base as designated by the installation commander, and proof of registration submitted to the Family Housing Office, prior to entry to family housing units. The Family Housing Office will ensure the pet’s information is recorded within the installation’s files. Proof of registration will consist of civilian or military veterinarian certification of required vaccinations and a functioning microchip identification device. All dogs and cats must wear a collar at all times with a valid, current rabies vaccination tag or pet registration tag.
Number of pet allowed: Residents of family housing will be limited to no more than (2) dogs, (2) cats, or (1) cat and (1) dog.
The pet must be registered with the Military Police.
ID tag can be requested from the veterinary office.
Prohibited dog breeds: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, canid/wolf hybrids, or any canine breed with dominant traits of aggression that present an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of personnel in family housing areas. In the absence of formal breed identification (e.g., certification by a civilian organization such as the American Kennel Club), a determination of “majority breed” will be made by a Veterinary Corps Officer or a civilian veterinarian.