I am considering going to the states for a month and I really want to take my dog with me. I went through the process to bring him to Japan, with all the paper work and the quarantine. I am wondering if there is a better process to take him with me for a few weeks? Or do you recommend he stays behind?

I think it is best to keep behind because then you have to do the quarantine all over again. Because your pet left the country but don't quote me! LOL unless the last Titer test was done less than a year ago.. But call the vet and ask them they should have plenty of knowledge since the evacuation and all!

Here is what it says on the Animal Quarantine Site (Narita Airport): www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english

Under Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I want to take my dog (cat) on a short trip abroad. Will the animal be subject to quarantine when I leave and re-enter Japan?

A:Even when only going on a short trip, animals are subject to export quarantine on departure and import quarantine as well on arrival back to Japan.

Just got this e-mail from the Narita Quarantine MAFF people: 

  ATTENTION!!　From AQS NARITA branch information.
Ireland, Sweden and United Kingdom will harmonise their pet movement rules with the rest of the EU from 1 January 2012.
Based on this change, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan is planning to amend the requirements for importation of dogs, cats and other animals from these countries.
Please contact the ANIMAL QUARANTINE SERVICE, if you are planning to import dogs, cats and other animals form these countries after 31 Decmber 2011.

Thanks for your help guys. I guess I should consider a pet sitter.

If you live in Ikego I can petsit for you. PM me and i will give you my E-mail address. I also posted an ad in baby and pet sitters.