Fly a Shih Tzu from Japan to Ghana on Lufthansa
Step-by-step veterinary timeline and airline rules for flying a Shih Tzu from Japan (Step-Free/Rabies-Free) to Republic of Ghana under Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), Ministry of Food and Agriculture. 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: 31d • Ideal: 45d
Feasible Timeline: 60 days available (31 days strict minimum)
Starting today gives you sufficient runway to complete Ghana's veterinary sequence, government endorsement via MAFF AQS, and Lufthansa pet booking.
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. Lufthansa enforces a strict cargo/hold embargo on Shih Tzus.
At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for Lufthansa 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 Japan (JP) Ghana (GH) arrival.
📅 On or before Mon, Nov 30, 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 Ghana.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Tue, Dec 1, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 30-day primary immunity wait required by Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
⚠️ 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.
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 MAFF AQS export steps, Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), Ministry of Food and Agriculture import rules, and Lufthansa pet policies.
| Requirement | Origin (Japan) | Destination (Ghana) | Lufthansa & Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies Risk Tier | 🇯🇵 Japan: Step-Free/Rabies-Free | 🇬🇭 Ghana: High-Risk | No 90/180-day blood test wait (30-day vaccine wait applies) |
| ISO Microchip Rule | Scanned by MAFF AQS vet before rabies shot | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit | 15-digit barcode must match LH booking and health certificate |
| Rabies Blood Test () | Origin tier: Step-Free/Rabies-Free | Not required for direct low-risk entry | 31 days minimum vet lead time |
| (Tapeworm) Rule | Given and timestamped before departure | Strict 24–336 hours before arrival (Praziquantel) | Vet must record exact date and 24-hour HH:mm time |
| Government Health Certificate | Endorsed by MAFF AQS | Ghana VSD Veterinary Import Permit & Certificate (within 10 days) | Original signed certificate checked at Lufthansa 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 Lufthansa |
Arriving in Republic of Ghana: Customs & Border Check
- Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) veterinary post; import permit must be presented alongside valid rabies certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shih Tzu (Japan → Ghana)
Can a Shih Tzu fly in the cabin on Lufthansa from Japan to Ghana?
In-Cabin Approved on Lufthansa (<= 8 kg Limit). At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for Lufthansa 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 Ghana from Japan?
Entering Republic of Ghana from Japan (Step-Free/Rabies-Free) requires a strict biological minimum of 31 days and a recommended 45-day pre-clearance lead window via Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Does Ghana 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 Ghana is exempt from the 90/180-day blood titer wait, requiring a 30-day post-microchip rabies immunity wait. Additionally, dogs must receive Praziquantel tapeworm treatment strictly 24 to 336 hours before landing.
When must MAFF AQS endorse the health certificate for Ghana?
Your accredited veterinarian must issue "Ghana VSD Veterinary Import Permit & Certificate" and obtain official government endorsement from MAFF AQS within 10 days prior to departure.