Why is Japan so strict for importing pets?

Question:

I heard it takes 6-12 months get approval for a pet to enter Japan. Why do they have this rule?

Answer:

Japan is a rabies free country so quarantine is essential for all pets.

The quarantine period is not necessarily 6-12 months, in fact it can take as little as 12 hours depending on what country you are bringing it from and whether or not you have the correct documentation proving that your pet is free from deceases.

The pet will also need to be chipped for the authorities to cross check with the documentation provided.

I understand that you will have to inform the appropriate authorities 40 days in advance of any such transportation of your pet.

Your local vet should be able to give you all the information you require.