A Word On Microchips

While the recommended microchip type is ISO, or International Organization for Standardization microchip, which consists of 15-digits, it is not required that your dog have this specific type of microchip. According to Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service, “If the microchip is not in accordance with ISO standards… you should contact Animal Quarantine Service at expected port of entry.” Basically, they would like advanced notice because while they have readers for ISO microchips, they do not guarantee their readers can read other types of microchips. In these cases, they will ask that you bring a scanner able to read your specific type of microchip (rarely an issue).

According to an email response from the Quarantine Service at the Haneda Airport sent on 1/24/2017:

"We (Haneda) have the following microchip readers. Please confirm with your veterinarian or the microchip manufacturer whether your pet’s microchip can be scanned by one of the following microchip readers. If the microchip cannot be scanned by one of these readers, you must provide a reader that can read the microchip number at the time of your inspection.

Manufacturer:

DATAMARS

AVID

AVID

TROVAN

Product Name:

ISO MAX V

POWER TRACKER 6

Mini Tracker 3

LID-572 Pocket Reader"

 

My dog does not have a microchip and isn’t current on rabies vaccination

Steps To Follow:

Have your veterinarian implant an ISO-compatible microchip (15 digit code).  A rabies vaccination must be completed AFTER the microchip is implanted (Same day).

Please note:

Types of acceptable vaccines, Inactivated (killed) virus vaccine or Recombinant vaccine
*Live virus vaccine is not accepted

At least 30 days after the first vaccination (date of the first vaccination is counted as day 0), have your veterinarian administer a second rabies vaccination.  On this same day, have your USDA certified vet also draw a blood sample for a rabies titer (FAVN test type) to be drawn and sent to the following lab below. The favn blood sample must be taken within the effective period of the rabies vaccination.

Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory
2005 Research Park Circle
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Phone: (785) 532-4483 or (785) 532-4455
Fax: (785) 532-4483 or (785) 532-4455
E-mail ：rabies@vet.ksu.edu
Website: http://www.ksvdl.org/rabies-laboratory/favn-test/index.html

Helpful Tip:

To make titers more affordable, have your veterinarian register an online account directly with KSU here or call the KSU laboratory directly at (785) 532-4483 to set-up a diagnostic account number.

With a diagnostic account number, your veterinarian can go online directly to submit the rabies favn titer test. Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory will send a free UPS shipping label to your veterinarian. Testing submitted directly through the laboratory’s online system is significantly discounted bypassing the middleman labs. Using this method, typical costs are about $230.00 compared to $435.00.

Now you must wait the required 180 days during the quarantine period.  Day 0 starts with the favn titer blood draw in your vet’s office. It’s important to understand, this is merely a waiting period to enter Japan. It can be done at home and doesn’t require any isolation.

Now that you have successfully started the Japanese quarantine process, during this 180 day waiting period, a lot can be accomplished with regard to your travel to Japan preparations.

Please continue below for a suggested checklist for the steps to take during your 180 day waiting period,