New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii and Guam, which have designated region (rabies free) status. If you take a pet out of Japan, it may take between 6 months to a year for it to re-enter. Including prior contact with Japanese Quarantine several months before entry: The dog or cat must be microchipped. The dog or cat must have stayed in the country for at least 180 days (6 months) since its birth or having left Japan. The dog or cat must have had 2 rabies injections and a blood test 6 month before entering/re-entering Japan, proving the pet is free of rabies. This test must be carried out at a designated laboratory. The dog or cat does not have or show signs of rabies or Leptospirosis (dogs only). To take a dog or cat out of Japan, on top of the necessary injections and microchip, you must: Have certificates issued by an official vet to prove that your dog/cat has been vaccinated, microchipped and wormed as necessary. These are vets designated by the prefecture as able to issue certificates and officially vaccinate your dog. More than a week before travelling, notify Animal Quarantine Service at the port of departure, and apply for an export inspection for your dog/ cat. The inspection will be carried out by the Quarantine Office (Ken'eki-kyoku) before you check your pet in. Other useful information The PETS scheme is not yet standardised. This leads to much confusion. Every journey between any two countries should be researched separately to ensure that the animal will be accepted for travel upon arrival at the departure point. The major delay in obtaining a pet passport is the time required for the rabies vaccination. The implications are: An animal may get a valid rabies vaccination and serology check, and then apply for a passport on the spot, at a later date. An animal whose rabies vaccination is allowed to go out of date (typically 1–2 years) by even one day, without a booster, must start with a new vaccination and delay. Because PETS is European wide, the regulations may differ for travel within, and outside, Europe. Pet owners should take care since the requirements for travel to a destination may be quite different from the requirements upon returning. A suitable and carrier-approved travel crate may be required, which must have the correct food and water containers as set out by the relevant