Have you received PCS orders to Okinawa, Japan? If so, congrats! Japan has so many wonderful experiences to offer for all, including furry family members! After the initial excitement wears off, the task of getting your household in order can feel daunting, especially if you have pets. Often, people begin their PCS paperwork, find a ton of conflicting information online, and ultimately hit a roadblock in completing their paperwork. I hope to alleviate some of the stress associated with shipping pets to Okinawa by answering some frequently asked questions about shipping your beloved fur baby below.
Shipping Pets to Okinawa, will the DOD pay for me to ship my pet?
YES! As of January 2024, the DOD approved up to $2,000 to cover the cost of shipping a cat or dog to or from a location outside of the continental United States.
How many animals can I ship?
The DOD will cover shipping pets to Okinawa for one cat or one dog. Additional animals will need to be covered personally. The Military Family Housing Office allows only two cats, two dogs, or a combination of one cat and one dog per unit.
Great, I can bring my pet. Now what?
First, your pet needs to be microchipped. After the placement of the microchip, they must be up to date on all vaccinations, including kennel cough and rabies. The rabies vaccine must be current for entry to Japan, administered within the year of your arrival but no less than 30 days prior.
Your animal will then need a FAVN test to determine rabies-neutralizing antibodies in their blood. After passing the FAVN test, your pet will need to be quarantined for approximately 180 days. This can be done in your home and continued in Japan if the total quarantine period is not completed before your move. If quarantining in Japan, the animal must be housed in on-base housing, a temporary lodge, or an appropriate facility such as Karing Kennels on Kadena Air Base.
You will need a DD 2208 Rabies Certificate and a DD 2209 Health Certificate signed by your vet no more than 10 days before entry to Japan.
Photo By: Jiawei Zhao
You’ve made it this far! Now it’s time for travel.
Copies of your pet’s DD 2208 Rabies Certificate, DD 2209 Health Certificate, and PCS orders should be affixed to the outside of the shipping crate. Be sure to check with your airline, whether military or commercial, about travel restrictions related to your pet’s breed and potential inclement weather delays. The cost of shipping an animal is determined by the weight of the pet and the travel kennel they are confined in.
Once you’ve arrived safely, you must register your pet within 72 business hours at the U.S. Army Okinawa Branch Veterinary Activity Clinic located on Kadena Air Base. Registration forms can be found on the Public Health Command’s website and emailed directly to the veterinary clinic at usarmy.zama.medcom-ph-p.mbx.pha-j-okinawa-vetac@health.mil.
If you plan on living off base, you will also be required to register your pet with the corresponding city government office. You will receive a registration tag and an annual rabies tag, both of which must be worn on your pet’s collar.
Breeding, accidental or intentional, is prohibited. Persons found guilty of breeding animals may be required to leave military family housing.
Are you PCS-ing back to the United States from Okinawa?
Good news! It’s a bit simpler to bring your furry family members back to the United States. To enter the U.S., your pet will need:
• A DD 2209 Health Certificate issued no more than 10 days before entry,
• Vaccination records, including an up-to-date rabies vaccine, and
• An Okinawa Inspection Certificate.
If your pet has been treated at the U.S. Army Okinawa Branch Veterinary Activity Clinic (VETAC), they will endorse the Okinawa Inspection Certificate.
Things to take note of:
Unfortunately, pet spots fill up quickly. It is important to ensure your pet is listed on your port of call. PTO will make its best effort to reserve a spot on AMC for your pet. If the combined weight of your pet and kennel exceeds 150 pounds, you will need to explore alternative shipping methods.
There are several pet shipping companies that, while pricey, have excellent reviews and will ensure your pet arrives safely at your new residence.
For further guidance on pet reimbursement expenses due to PCS, refer to the Joint Travel Regulations, Chapter 5, Part A, Paragraph 050107.
Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on moving to Okinawa.
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Freelance Writer II BA of Journalism, English In Progress
A true Southern Belle at heart, Taylor was born and raised in rural eastern Tennessee. She then moved to Myrtle beach, South Carolina where she graduated cosmetology school and worked in her mom’s salon and spa. Taylor experienced many ups and downs during her time in South Carolina, including single motherhood and later working two jobs to make ends meet. She met her husband while she was working at his parents’ coffee shop, The Roasted Bean.
Taylor’s husband is active duty in the United States Marine Corps, which has taken them to some interesting duty stations… most recently from Miami, Florida to their current location in Okinawa, Japan.
Taylor now has two other children and a goofy, bat-eared dog. As a dedicated homeschool mom, schooling her children is not just about teaching facts, but also about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and character.
Taylor’s life is a perfect blend of faith, education, creativity, and love. She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of poetry, and views every day as an opportunity to learn something new and to serve her family and community.
