What Do You Need First?
Let’s Break It Down in 5 Steps!
- STEP.0
-
Microchip First!
Getting your pet microchipped is absolutely essential.
Even if your pet already has a microchip,
you’ll still need to complete STEP 1: Microchip Reading & Declaration Form
issued by the Animal Quarantine Service in Japan.
After that, there’s a mandatory
180-day waiting period before departure.
- STEP.1
-
Microchip Reading & Declaration
To relocate your pet from Japan to Australia,
you must obtain an official Microchip Reading Declaration
issued by a government-approved veterinarian or animal quarantine officer.
If your pet is neutered or spayed,
please also prepare a certificate of sterilization.*Even if you already have a Microchip Implant Certificate,
you are still required to visit your nearest Animal Quarantine Office
to get the official Microchip Reading Declaration.However, for dogs and cats arriving from Australia, Step 1 is exempted.
Additionally, for dogs and cats that have come to Japan from overseas, the date of entry into Japan is recognized as the date of microchip verification. (For animals entering Japan from countries other than Australia, the issuance of a microchip declaration form is mandatory.)
- STEP.2
-
Apply for the Import Permit
You’ll need to apply for an Import Permit to bring your pet into Australia. To complete the application, you must provide an Australian address and phone number.
The approval process takes approximately 1 to 2 months.*The permit is valid for one year.
Please note: It is non-refundable, even if you cancel later.
- STEP.3
-
Book the Quarantine Facility
Once your Import Permit is approved,you’ll proceed to reserve a quarantine space.
After arriving in Australia,your pet will stay at the Melbourne Quarantine Facility for 10 days.*No visitations are allowed during the quarantine period.You will receive an email notification upon arrival,but daily updates are not provided.Only in cases of illness or emergency will you be contacted.
- STEP.4
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Health Certificate & Questionnaire Next, you'll need to prepare the Health Certificate and complete the Pre-export Questionnaire.These documents must be checked and approved by Japan’s Animal Quarantine Office.
*The type of medication required will be confirmed with your veterinarian.If there are no issues,treatment will begin according to the scheduled timeline.
- STEP.5
-
Departure Day Preparation
On the day of departure, place your pet in an IATA-compliant travel crate equipped with:
· a water bottle,
· pee pads,
· and two meals prepared.
Also, be sure to bring the original Health Certificate and original Microchip Reading Declaration.*Original documents are mandatory at departure—please keep them safe and handy.