Fly a Shih Tzu from France to Japan on SWISS International Air Lines
Step-by-step veterinary timeline and airline rules for flying a Shih Tzu from France (Controlled/Low-Risk) to Japan under MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS). Pre-filled in the calculator below—set your flight date to see your exact paperwork schedule.
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Min: 202d • Ideal: 216d
CRITICAL ALERT: This route requires 202 days minimum due to the 180-day Rabies Titer () wait, and your flight is in 60 days. Delay flight or face quarantine.
Your latest compliant veterinary start date was Jun 12, 2026. Arriving in Japan without meeting the full 180-day Rabies Titer (FAVN) wait triggers border refusal, mandatory quarantine detention, or re-export at owner expense unless your pet already holds an active, microchip-linked rabies vaccination and endorsed FAVN blood test.
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Alert: Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is classified as a Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) under cargo stress and heat. SWISS International Air Lines enforces a strict cargo/hold embargo on Shih Tzus.
At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for SWISS International Air Lines passenger cabin travel in a ventilated carrier up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Reserve cabin pet quota at least 7 days ahead.
Step-by-Step Vet & Travel Schedule
Counting backward from France (FR) Japan (JP) arrival.
📅 On or before Fri, Jun 12, 2026
Implant or scan-verify a non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785 15-digit. Any rabies vaccination administered BEFORE the microchip implantation date is legally invalid for Japan.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Sat, Jun 13, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 30-day primary immunity wait required by MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS).
⚠️ 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, DDPP Official Veterinarian endorsement cutoff, Printable Vet Sign-Off PDF, and Apple/Google .ics Calendar Sync with 48-hour alerts.
Includes formal veterinary sign-off boxes, vaccine batch slots, and customs entry instructions.
- 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
🛡️ 100% Accuracy Guarantee: If your accredited veterinarian or carrier finds an error in our regulatory calculation, email us for an instant, full refund.
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Confirm requirements with a government-accredited vet before travel.
Side-by-Side Route, Customs & Airline Summary
Side-by-side comparison of DDPP Official Veterinarian export steps, MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) import rules, and SWISS International Air Lines pet policies.
| Requirement | Origin (France) | Destination (Japan) | SWISS International Air Lines & Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies Risk Tier | 🇫🇷 France: Controlled/Low-Risk | 🇯🇵 Japan: Step-Free/Rabies-Free | Requires 180-day blood test wait |
| ISO Microchip Rule | Scanned by DDPP Official Veterinarian vet before rabies shot | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit | 15-digit barcode must match LX booking and health certificate |
| Rabies Blood Test (FAVN) | Origin tier: Controlled/Low-Risk | Required (>= 0.5 IU/mL, 180 days after blood draw) | Minimum 202 total days 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 DDPP Official Veterinarian | MAFF Form AC / Endorsed Export Inspection Certificate (within 10 days) | Original signed certificate checked at SWISS International Air Lines counter |
| Cabin vs. Cargo & Breed Policy | Book pet space 7+ days ahead | Allows Cabin, Checked Hold (), or Cargo | Snub-nosed breed (Shih Tzu): Banned in cargo/hold on SWISS International Air Lines |
Arriving in Japan: Customs & Border Check
- Submit Advance Notification via NACCS to MAFF Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days prior to arrival.
- Requires TWO inactivated/recombinant rabies vaccinations after microchipping plus 180-day FAVN blood test wait; arriving early triggers detention quarantine for the remaining days up to 180.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shih Tzu (France → Japan)
Can a Shih Tzu fly in the cabin on SWISS International Air Lines from France to Japan?
In-Cabin Approved on SWISS International Air Lines (<= 8 kg Limit). At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for SWISS International Air Lines passenger cabin travel in a ventilated carrier up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Reserve cabin pet quota at least 7 days ahead.
How many days in advance do I need to prepare my Shih Tzu to enter Japan from France?
Entering Japan from France (Controlled/Low-Risk) requires a strict biological minimum of 202 days and a recommended 216-day pre-clearance lead window via MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS).
Does Japan require a Rabies Titer Test (FAVN) or 24–120h Tapeworm treatment from France?
Yes — Japan mandates an approved FAVN/RNATT Rabies Titer blood test with a 180-day waiting period prior to arrival from France. Ensure standard internal and external parasite clearance is documented on your health certificate.
When must DDPP Official Veterinarian endorse the health certificate for Japan?
Your accredited veterinarian must issue "MAFF Form AC / Endorsed Export Inspection Certificate" and obtain official government endorsement from DDPP Official Veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure.