Hey all! So I’m moving to Japan in mid-February and I need some details on moving my rabbit. The nice thing about bunnies is that they only require the “Government USDA” issued pet health certificate. Though how does this work?
I noticed that it says it needs to be done “within 10days” on their official website…
*// Importer need a health certificate for rabbit endorsed or issued by the government agency of the exporting country. (This should be done within 10 days before the departure date.) //*
Is 10days enough time to get the pet tested, get the document back and then….mail it to the airport? Or do I just bring the document with me so when I land I can hand it physically to customs?
Just need clarification on how all that works. Thanks!
3 comments
If it’s similar to the dog and cat procedure, I believe you use a USDA accredited vet for the final check.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/find-a-vet/find-an-accredited-vet
You bring the document with you to the airport. I did email a scan of all of my documents ahead of time to the airport to make the process more smooth.
Yes, its a very tight time line. Remember that a USDA accredited vet has to do the check. Then they can send it over to the USDA office via online to get the stamp, then USDA will mail it to you. You have to use the USDA office that is in the same state that the USDA accredited vet is licensed in.
In my case, my vet didn’t know the online system well. So I just took the document and drove a few hours to the USDA office. Online they told me it would take 3 days at this office as they don’t officially do drop ins. But the guy at the office pulled through and finished it by closing time same day.
Edit: retracted edit
You bring the USDA document with you and you must keep it with you at all times. Airline will check it when you check in and Japanese animal quarantine officials will check it when you arrive.
If you live in a major city, the USDA office might be within driving distance. If so, I recommend going in person to handle it as to not deal with any mail delays. Make sure to bring cash. At the LAX office with no appointment, it took about two hours.