This guide provides English-language instructions for Filipino residents in Japan on how to bring their pet dog or cat into the Philippines, based on the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Pet Import Conditions
All pet dogs and cats entering the Philippines must have an approved Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC). You must apply for a SPSIC before your trip.
Basic Entry Conditions
- Pet Limit: Up to 3 animals per trip.
- Age: Pets must be at least 120 days old and free from pregnancy.
- Microchip: Required (ISO11784/11785 standard).
- Vaccinations:
- Rabies
- Combination
- Deworming: for internal and external parasites
Vaccination and Deworming Schedule
For Dogs:
- Rabies: At least 14 days before SPSIC application; dog must be at least 84 days old.
- Combination vaccine (against distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus infection, parainfluenza infection, leptospirosis): At least 14 days before SPSIC application.
- Deworming: Between 91 and 7 days before SPSIC application.
For Cats:
- Rabies: At least 14 days before SPSIC application; cat must be at least 84 days old.
- Combination vaccine (against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus infection): At least 14 days before SPSIC application.
- Deworming: Same as dogs.
If planning to return to Japan, it is recommended to complete two consecutive rabies vaccinations and a rabies antibody test before departure.
Additional Requirements
- Pets that gave birth within 12 weeks before travel are not eligible.
- Pets under 120 days old may be allowed under strict conditions (e.g., traveling with vaccinated mother, veterinary certification).
Application for SPSIC
Required Documents:
- Vaccination and deworming certificates
- Microchip certificate
- Pet photo
- Pet passport (not applicable in Japan)
- Affidavit (Annex A for residents in the Philippines, Annex C for non-residents)
- Importer’s passport or ID
Affidavit Annex A must be notarized by a notary in the Philippines, whereas Annex C does not require notarization.
Online Application Process
- Submit documents as PDFs (max 5MB each) via the BAI’s online portal.
- Once approved, print the approved SPSIC.
Validity: Pets must enter the Philippines within 60 days of SPSIC approval.
Export Quarantine Certificate from Japan
After obtaining the SPSIC, undergo export inspection at Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service. Bring:
- Microchip certificate
- Vaccination certificates
- Rabies antibody test (recommended if returning to Japan)
- Deworming certificate
- SPSIC
Validity: Pets must enter the Philippines within 10 days of certificate issuance.
Airport Quarantine in the Philippines
Present the following to the Veterinary Quarantine Officer (VQO):
- Printed SPSIC
- Export quarantine certificate
- Airway bill (if shipped as cargo)
Also make sure all the certificates are readily accessible.
Fees:
- SPSIC issuance: ₱100
- SPS lodgment fee: ₱55
- Quarantine fee: ₱250 per pet (₱300 for the third pet)
For full details and assistance with the paperwork, you may reach out to Watanabe Administrative Procedures Legal Office.
