Fly a Shiba Inu from Japan to USA on British Airways
Step-by-step veterinary timeline and airline rules for flying a Shiba Inu from Japan (Step-Free/Rabies-Free) to United States under CDC & USDA APHIS. Pre-filled in the calculator below—set your flight date to see your exact paperwork schedule.
Enter Your Trip & Pet Details
Choose your origin, destination, airline, breed, and target flight date to get every vet step in reverse order.
Min: 29d • Ideal: 45d
Feasible Timeline: 60 days available (29 days strict minimum)
Starting today gives you sufficient runway to complete USA's veterinary sequence, government endorsement via MAFF AQS, and British Airways pet booking.
Based on 9.5 kg weight and British Airways rules, your Shiba Inu must travel on an airway bill via IAG Cargo (Constant Climate / PetAir UK) (IATA Series 200/300 Rigid Kennel) from Japan to USA.
Step-by-Step Vet & Travel Schedule
Counting backward from Japan (JP) USA (US) arrival.
📅 On or before Wed, Dec 2, 2026
Implant or scan-verify a non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785 15-digit 134.2 kHz FDX-B. Any rabies vaccination administered BEFORE the microchip implantation date is legally invalid for USA.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Thu, Dec 3, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 28-day primary immunity wait required by CDC & USDA APHIS.
⚠️ Record vaccine manufacturer, product name, batch/lot number, administration date, and valid-until date.
Unlock Full Compliance Packet ($29)
See your exact hour-by-hour tapeworm treatment window, MAFF AQS endorsement cutoff, Printable Vet Sign-Off PDF, and Apple/Google .ics Calendar Sync with 48-hour alerts.
- Exact 24–120h tapeworm and parasite treatment times
- Printable Vet Sign-Off & 15-Digit Microchip PDF Packet
- One-click .ics Calendar Sync with 48h advance reminders
One-time checkout via PayPal or card • Instant PDF & .ics download
Confirm requirements with a government-accredited vet before travel.
Side-by-Side Route, Customs & Airline Summary
Side-by-side comparison of MAFF AQS export steps, CDC & USDA APHIS import rules, and British Airways pet policies.
| Requirement | Origin (Japan) | Destination (USA) | British Airways & Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies Risk Tier | 🇯🇵 Japan: Step-Free/Rabies-Free | 🇺🇸 USA: Controlled/Low-Risk | No 90/180-day blood test wait (28-day vaccine wait applies) |
| ISO Microchip Rule | Scanned by MAFF AQS vet before rabies shot | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit 134.2 kHz FDX-B | 15-digit barcode must match BA booking and health certificate |
| Rabies Blood Test () | Origin tier: Step-Free/Rabies-Free | Not required for direct low-risk entry | 29 days minimum vet lead time |
| (Tapeworm) Rule | Given and timestamped before departure | General parasite check before export | Standard parasite check on health certificate |
| Government Health Certificate | Endorsed by MAFF AQS | CDC Dog Import Form & USDA Veterinary Health Certificate (within 10 days) | Original signed certificate checked at British Airways counter |
| Cabin vs. Cargo & Breed Policy | Book pet space 30+ days ahead | Allows Cabin, Checked Hold (), or Cargo | Shiba Inu (~9.5 kg): IATA Series 200/300 Rigid Kennel |
Arriving in United States: Customs & Border Check
- Present CDC Dog Import Form receipt (printed or digital) upon arrival at first US port of entry.
- Dogs arriving from High-Risk rabies countries must enter via a CDC-approved airport with an Animal Care Facility reservation.
- Verify microchip readability at CBP Agriculture Secondary Inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shiba Inu (Japan → USA)
Can a Shiba Inu fly in the cabin on British Airways from Japan to USA?
Manifest Cargo Required via IAG Cargo (Constant Climate / PetAir UK). Based on 9.5 kg weight and British Airways rules, your Shiba Inu must travel on an airway bill via IAG Cargo (Constant Climate / PetAir UK) (IATA Series 200/300 Rigid Kennel) from Japan to USA.
How many days in advance do I need to prepare my Shiba Inu to enter USA from Japan?
Entering United States from Japan (Step-Free/Rabies-Free) requires a strict biological minimum of 29 days and a recommended 45-day pre-clearance lead window via CDC & USDA APHIS.
Does USA require a Rabies Titer Test (FAVN) or 24–120h Tapeworm treatment from Japan?
No — because Japan is classified as Step-Free/Rabies-Free, direct travel to USA is exempt from the 90/180-day blood titer wait, requiring a 28-day post-microchip rabies immunity wait. Ensure standard internal and external parasite clearance is documented on your health certificate.
When must MAFF AQS endorse the health certificate for USA?
Your accredited veterinarian must issue "CDC Dog Import Form & USDA Veterinary Health Certificate" and obtain official government endorsement from MAFF AQS within 10 days prior to departure.