Bringing a pet dog with you when you transfer to Yokosuka can seriously interfere and/or impede finding a place to live, both on and off base.

This is because pets are not taken into consideration when making on-base housing assignments and most of the off base housing allows dogs “by exception” only.

The majority of local community housing landlords do not allow pets.

So to expedite finding a place to live in Yokosuka, you should plan to bring your pet dog ONLY AFTER you have arrived and secured suitable housing that allows pets.

Pets should be registered with the Yokosuka Vet.

All pets should be on a leash at all times when outside your residence.

Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, whether in their yard, in the park, or on the sidewalk.

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U.S. Army Yokosuka Branch Veterinary Services PSC 473 Box 69 FPO AP 96349-3000

Veterinary service is available by contacting Yokosuka Veterinary Clinic (DSN 243-6820) or by e-mail: vetyoko@email.zama.amedd.army.mil.

All charges for services will require cash payment and all routine veterinary services are available through the clinic.

If you are considering bringing a pet to Japan you should review the quarantine and immunization requirements as soon as possible as it can be a lengthy process.

ABOUT (REPORTING TO JAPAN) WITH PETS

ABOUT (DEPARTING FROM JAPAN) WITH PETS

ABOUT PETS GENERAL CHAT (LIVING IN JAPAN) WITH PETS

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YOKOSUKA APARTMENTS & HOUSES - ALLOW PETS

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It is important for anyone thinking of bringing a pet to Japan to review the information on the Japanese government website below. 

The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) has radically revised its procedures for importing pets. 

These rules apply specifically to dogs and cats.  Other rules apply for more exotic pets.  

The full procedures is outlined at the AQS website at http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/im_index.html.

Also, check the Army Vet website at http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/

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PETS / QUARANTINE:

a.  Shipment of pets as excess baggage accompanying the member in PCS travel may be accomplished by requesting category "B" travel. Advance(90-120 days) reservations are required for pets and should be requested at the same time PCS port call is being requested. There is no entitlement for shipment of pets at Government expense. Pet owners are responsible for making all travel arrangements, complying with shipping requirements, and all associated costs. (CH SDDC-PAC 14-Jan-2011 RB)

b.  Japanese Animal Quarantine Service Regulations require that all animals entering Japan be examined to determine if they are free from communicable diseases. Animals found to be free from communicable diseases and meeting entrance requirements may be released to the owner's custody, subject to the restrictions discussed below.

c.  As of 6 June 2005, the Government of Japan (GOJ) began enforcing a new quarantine program for import and export of animals and pets. Active duty military members, members of the civilian component and their respective dependents enter Japan under the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The SOFA sets forth rights and responsibilities applicable to US Forces individuals who enter Japan. US Forces, Japan (USFJ) thus negotiated with the Government of Japan to resolve how this new pet quarantine program will affect SOFA status personnel. This document provides guidelines and recommendations for SOFA status personnel assigned to Japan who will be transporting personal pets into and out of Japan.

d.  There will be some differences between how the new Japanese pet quarantine program will be applied to SOFA status members and how it will apply to others. Due to these differences, the information on the new pet quarantine program published by the GOJ, the US State Department, the USDA, and the USFJ may differ. To minimize any inconvenience which might otherwise be experienced, we recommend following the guidelines listed below. Do not hesitate to contact the installation veterinarians in Japan if necessary. All contact information may be found on the Japan District Veterinary Command website:

http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/index.htm

e.  Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) quarantine inspectors and US Army Veterinary Command veterinarians will determine the length of each pet's quarantine period when the pet arrives in Japan. The quarantine periods will range up to 180 days.

f.  The USFJ Veterinarian offers the following recommendations to assist SOFA status personnel in the movement of their pet to Japan. Each item listed below is important and must be accomplished as soon as the military member is aware of movement to Japan. This will ease the transition and acceptance of the pet into Japan.

1.  Microchipping: Before completing any of the following requirements, PLEASE MICROCHIP YOUR PET FIRST. Any vaccinations or testing prior to microchipping will be considered invalid. All animals must obtain a microchip before arriving in Japan. ISO or ISO-compatible chips that meet the ISO 11784 and 11785 Standard are recommended. HomeAgain and AVID microchips are acceptable. The identification number of the microchip must be annotated on the Rabies Certificate, the Health Certificate, and on the rabies serology (FAVN) test results sheet.

2.  Vaccinations: SOFA status personnel bringing a dog or cat into Japan should be prepared to present documentary evidence that their pet has had at least two rabies vaccinations since being microchipped. The most recent vaccination must have been given not less than 30 days and not later than 12 months prior to arrival. The most recent rabies vaccination form (DD 2208, Rabies Vaccination Certificate) will be required and requires annotation of the microchip number. Complete information for the past two rabies vaccinations will be annotated on the health certificate (MDJ OP 2209, Veterinary Health Certificate for Import/Export for Japan). The first rabies vaccine may be given at the same time as the microchip. The second rabies vaccine booster should be given at least 30 days or more after the first rabies immunization.

3.  Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Test: This blood test needs to be performed after the second rabies and is good for up to 2 years. For PUPPIES & KITTENS (< 12 months): blood should be drawn >30 days after the second rabies vaccine. For ADULT DOGS & CATS (>12 months with a history of rabies vaccinations): blood can be drawn within 2 days or later of the second rabies immunization. A FAVN test result which indicates an antibody level greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml is acceptable. The microchip number needs to be annotated on the FAVN test result form. The FAVN blood test can be ordered through Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory or DOD Veterinary Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory, Fort Sam Houston, TX.

4.  Advance Notification: Kadena AB, Yokota AB, and Misawa AB currently have capabilities for handling AMC arrivals of dogs and cats so the advance notification is not needed if the animal arrives at a military installation. If the animal is traveling by commercial air, the GOJ requires an advance notification of pet movement as soon as transportation is scheduled for SOFA members. A notification approval will be returned and is used when checking the animal in with the airline. Therefore, in order to avoid problems at check-in with the airline, this prior notification approval form is very important. Please annotate in the "Remarks" box the following statement: "This pet belongs to a US SOFA sponsored family and will be assigned to (list installation)."

The advance notification form is found on the JDVC website: (http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/r_doc.htm)

The advance notification form is required to be sent by mail or FAX to the port of entry. Addresses and FAX numbers for the respective port of entry may be found at this website (Narita arrivals should fax to Terminal 1): (http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/soshiki/telephonelist.htm)

All incoming animals must enter Japan through officially designated ports:

i) Seaports: Keihin, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Kanmon, and Naha.
ii) Airports: New Tokyo (Narita), Tokyo (Haneda), Nagoya, Osaka (Kansai), Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Naha (Okinawa).
iii) Military AMC ports: Kadena AB, Yokota AB, and Misawa AB.

5.  Health Certificate: An individual health certificate is required for each animal that is moved into or out of Japan. The military health certificate is valid for 10 days and must be completed within 10 days before arrival. Please note the traveler will lose one day during travel to Japan from the US. The MDJ OP Form 2209 (Veterinary Health Certificate for Import/Export for Japan) may be used by military veterinarians. The MDJ OP Form 2209 may be found on the Japan District Veterinary Command homepage:
(http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/r_doc.htm).

6.  USDA Certification: If a health certificate is issued by a licensed civilian veterinarian, the health certificate and rabies certificate must be certified by a USDA State Veterinarian and bear the USDA raised embossed seal. These health certificates are valid up to 30 days before arrival. The airlines require a health certificate that is within 10 days of arrival. Therefore if the USDA certified health certificate isn't dated within 10 days of arrival, an additional certificate will be required within 10 days of arrival for the airline. The USDA certified certificate will be used upon arrival for processing the pet at Customs. Health certificates issued by a military veterinary treatment facility using the MDJ OP Form 2209 do not require the USDA certification.

7.  Age Requirement: Japan discourages the importation of dogs and cats under the age of 12 months. These pets rarely meet the vaccination and FAVN test requirements prior to 11 months. Pets under the age of 11 months can be imported but must start out with a 180 day quarantine period. This quarantine period may be reduced as all of the steps above are completed before arrival in Japan. Primary emphasis is placed on micro-chipping, rabies vaccinations (one at 91 days of age followed by a second one not earlier than 30 days after the first), and the FAVN test (must be drawn not earlier than 30 days after the second rabies vaccination). For animals over the age of 12 months, with a history of vaccination, the primary difference is the FAVN test may be performed anytime after the second rabies vaccination.

8.  Official Travel Orders (2 copies): Pet owners must submit Official Travel Orders upon arrival at the Animal Quarantine Service in the airport Customs area to verify SOFA status.

9.  MDJ Form 270 (Pet Quarantine and Examination Certificate; 2 copies): All SOFA status personnel entering Japan with a pet must complete a MDJ 270. The MDJ 270 allows your pet to be released to you for transportation to your US Military Quarantine Facility. The form may be downloaded from the JDVC website and should be completed prior to arrival in Japan. You must submit the form to the Animal Quarantine Officer upon arrival, then to your US Military Veterinary Treatment Facility within 72 hours after entry into Japan to continue and complete the quarantine process.

10.  USFJ Form 380 EJ (Customs Free Import or Export of Cargo or Customs Declaration of Personal Property): This form is required when your pet(s) enters Japan unaccompanied as cargo or on a different flight as the sponsor. You do not need this form if you are accompanying the animal as baggage. You can only use this form within 6 months of being assigned to Japan. After 6 months, you can still use the form, but you may be required to pay any custom's duties associated with bringing a pet into the country. You may obtain the form by having your sponsor take a copy of your orders to the transportation office at your gaining command. The base transportation officer will sign the appropriate box after verifying your orders.

11.  Pet owners or their authorized representatives should be prepared to provide the following information to the Animal Quarantine Officer:

i) Military mailing address
ii) Duty phone number (Ask your sponsor for a duty number)
iii) Command information

NOTE: Placing the above certificates in a zip lock plastic bag and taping it securely to the top of the pet's cage seems to work best. These forms must accompany the animal during transit. Ensure these forms are completely filled out and it is suggested that you carry in your possession the originals of each certificate. When clearing customs, all supporting documentation, including the animal's health record, must be available for referencing in case questions arise concerning the health and/or identity of the animal and validity of the records.

g.  Quarantine Period: The quarantine period is primarily determined by the date the blood for the FAVN test was collected. This is only valid if the microchip was received prior to the two rabies vaccinations and the rabies immunizations were received prior to the blood being drawn for the FAVN test. The FAVN test result level must be equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml.

Equation used: (180 days) minus (# days since blood drawn for an acceptable FAVN test at the date of arrival) = # of quarantine days assigned.

The earlier the pet meets the microchip, two vaccinations, and FAVN test standards, the shorter the assigned quarantine period (up to 180 days). Those pets arriving with a FAVN test equal to or greater than 180 days and <2 years will be released directly into the custody of the owners without a quarantine time period assessed. When the animal is taken to the Military Veterinary Treatment Facility within 72 hours after arrival, the MDJ Form 270 will be completed by the Military Veterinarian and the quarantine process is complete.

Quarantine length is also assessed by the sequential order and completion of all previous steps, the accuracy and the completion of all paperwork, pet identification and documentation, including Health Certificates, Rabies Certificates, USDA certification (if required), and Advance Notification Approval. Any fault or deviation found in any of these areas will result in an automatic 180 day quarantine period. Military Veterinarians may be able to reassess and correct quarantine periods associated with some paperwork mistakes.

1.  Home Quarantine: SOFA status personnel will are authoried to quarantine their animals in on-base housing only. Those pets assessed quarantine time, can complete it in the owners home on base.

2.  Kennel Quarantine: Pets not meeting the entry requirements or SOFA status personnel that are required to live in off-base housing must quarantine their animal(s) at the owners' expense in a quarantine facility. Military quarantine facilities are available but limited in boarding space. Please secure kenneling reservations ahead of time. If space is not available the quarantine period must be completed at a designated Japanese Animal Quarantine Station at the arrival airport. See website:

(http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/soshiki/telephonelist.htm)

3.  SPECIAL NOTE: The practice of allowing pets to remain in the custody of their owners during the assigned "home quarantine" period is a privilege and not an obligation on the part of Japanese authorities. Therefore, it is imperative U.S. Forces pet owners cooperate and fully comply with Japanese Quarantine Laws and military regulations pertaining to the requirements for examining or otherwise processing animals for entry into or exit from Japan. Failure to present the animal to a Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) for the final physical examination is a serious violation of the Japanese law and may result in a fine or other punishment. Failure to comply with the requirements for final physical examination will result in a report of the incident being forwarded to the individual's command.

h.  All forms and information may be found at the Japan District Veterinary Command webpage:

(http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/index.htm).

All contact information to include phone, email, and FAX information is also found at the JDVC website. A pet processing checklist is also available to assist clients and veterinarians in completing all requirements in a timely manner. Any questions may be forwarded to the respective Branch Chief or to Commander, JDVC.

i.  Quarantine Facilities: The pet owner is responsible for all expenses associated with all quarantine procedures, to include the transportation procurement actions to and from any quarantine inspection facilities of the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service or of the U.S. Armed Forces.

CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS FOR MILITARY QUARANTINE FACILITIES

AREA     RESPONSIBLE QUARANTINE FACILITY     TEL. NO. (DSN)     COST PER DAY ($)*
Yokosuka     Yokosuka NB (Boarding Kennel)     243-4530     Cat--12.50
Dog--12.50-18.50
Atsugi     Kamiseya Housing Area (Boarding)     265-8389     Cat-10.00
Dog-15.00
Camp Zama     Camp Zama (Boarding Kennel)     263-5915     Cat-10.00
Dog-15.00
Iwakuni     Iwakuni MCAS (VTF)     253-3588     Cat-10.00
Dog-15.00
Misawa     Misawa AFB (PAWS)     222-7002     Cat-10.00
Dog-10.00
Misawa     Dr. Yoshida     Commercial
0176-57-3423     Cat-10.00
Dog-10.00
Sasebo     Sasebo NB (Boarding Kennel)     252-2905     Cat-10.00 - 15.00
Dog-15.00 - 25.00
Yokota     Yokota AFB (Boarding Kennel)     225-8906     Cat-10.00
Dog-12.00
Okinawa     Kadena AB (Boarding Kennel)     632-4062     Cat-7.50
Dog-10.00

* Additional Charges may apply.
** These prices are current as of 1 Jan 2005.
*** Some facilities offer group rates and extended boarding discounts. All prices are subject to change. Please contact the facility for these discounts and applied rates.

j.  Pet quarantine reimbursement

1.  Service members:

i) Mandatory pet quarantine fees incurred by U.S. service members in connection with the mandatory quarantine of a household pet are reimbursable not to exceed $550 per PCS move for pets in, or entering into, quarantine on and after 28 DEC 2001. (Ref. JFTR, par. U5805.)

ii) Transportation cost, medical care, grooming, and similar fees for services that are part of routine pet care associated with a PCS are not reimbursable. Similarly, boarding cost incurred after the final release dates from quarantine are not reimbursable.

For example, if on the day the attending veterinarian certifies the pet has completed the quarantine period and the service member cannot take possession of the pet for any reason (i.e., the service member is TDY or pets are not allowed in billeting), the reimbursable amount is set on that date. All subsequent boarding cost(s) are not reimbursable.

iii) Documents recommended to submit to finance include:
1. Boarding receipt for mandatory quarantine dates
2. MDJ Form 270 with entry date and final release date from quarantine

2.  DOD civilian employees

i. Pet quarantine fees and transportation charges incurred in connection with a PCS are included in the Miscellaneous Expense Allowance (MEA) applicable fixed amount (Ref. JTR, par. C5310-D). If MEA expenses are itemized, reimbursement for those expenses, including pet quarantine fees and transportation charges, is allowed up to the applicable maximum amount ($500 to $1,000) authorized in JTR, par. C5310-B.

ii) Documents recommended to submit to finance include:
1. Boarding receipt for mandatory quarantine dates
2. Copy of MDJ Form 270 with entry date and final release date from quarantine

k.  Upon arrival at sponsor's assigned duty station:

1.  Pet owners must contact the US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) located at the installation (see below) within 72 hours of arrival. The final examination must be conducted within 72 hours from the end of the quarantine period.

2.  The pet owner is responsible for transporting the animal to and from the VTF and for any expenses incurred.

Location of U.S. Forces Veterinary Treatment Facilities, (VTF)

AREA     RESPONSIBLE VETERINARY TREATMENT FACILITY (VTF)     DSN TEL. NO.
Yokosuka     Yokosuka VTF     242-6820
Atsugi Camp Zama     Zama VTF     263-3875
Iwakuni     Iwakuni VTF     253-4622
Misawa     Misawa VTF     226-4502
Sasebo     Sasebo VTF     252-3449
Yokota     Yokota VTF     225-2143
Okinawa     Kadena VTF     634-2140

Additional information
OVERVIEW - The Japan District Veterinary Command provides medical care for pets of authorized personnel throughout Japan. The primary missions of the respective Veterinary Units in Japan are food safety and quality assurance, public health concerns, veterinary care for military working dogs and privately owned pets.

AUTHORIZATION FOR SERVICES - Veterinary services are authorized for animals owned by persons with DOD medical care privileges. A valid SOFA-status identification card is required before services are rendered. Regulations also mandate that all pets are currently micro-chipped and vaccinated annually against rabies before services are rendered. This policy will be enforced.

DISCLAIMER - The Japan District Veterinary Command is authorized to provide care to your privately owned pet(s) as time, space, and personnel resources permit. Care for privately owned animals is just one of many missions we perform; therefore, we cannot guarantee veterinary services will always be available. You must be prepared to seek veterinary care from local civilian veterinarians if necessary. You may obtain a written list of local veterinary clinics from the VTF. We recommend you obtain this list and become familiar with clinics in your area before the need arises. For more information, please visit our web site: (http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/vet/)