Is Japan a rabies-free country for EU import purposes?

Yes, Japan is considered rabies-controlled by the EU, but the 3-month waiting period after a positive rabies titer still applies for non-listed countries.

Can I bring two Shiba Inus in the same crate?

Only puppies under 6 months from the same litter weighing under 14 kg combined can sometimes share a crate; otherwise each dog requires a separate IATA-compliant crate.

How long does the whole import process take?

From breeder contact to home arrival, plan 6–12 months, with the rabies titer 3-month waiting period being the main bottleneck.

Do I need to register the imported Shiba with the local kennel club?

Not legally required, but FCI-affiliated clubs in your EU country will accept the JKC or NIPPO pedigree for breeding and show eligibility.

Importing a Shiba Inu from Japan to the EU: Complete Guide

Yes, you can import a Shiba Inu from Japan to the EU, but you must follow the EU's PETS travel scheme (microchip, rabies vaccination, EU health certificate) and prepare for 6-12 months of waiting, €3,000-€8,000 in total costs, and a 21-day post-arrival wait before crossing into other EU countries if entering through a non-listed country like Japan.

Importing a Shiba Inu from Japan into the European Union is entirely legal and increasingly popular among enthusiasts who want a dog from authentic NIPPO or AKIHO bloodlines. The process is regulated by EU animal health law and requires careful planning across three main phases: selecting a reputable Japanese breeder, completing the export paperwork in Japan, and clearing customs and PETS requirements on arrival in the EU. Expect a total timeline of 6–12 months from first contact to bringing your puppy home, and budget €3,000–€8,000 all-in.

Choosing a Reputable Japanese Breeder

Most international buyers work with kennels registered with NIPPO (Nihon Ken Hozonkai), AKIHO (Akita Inu Hozonkai, though Akita-focused), or the Japan Kennel Club (JKC). A trustworthy breeder will:

Health test parents for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions (PRA, glaucoma)
Provide a multi-generation pedigree in English or with certified translation
Allow video calls and in-person visits
Not release puppies before 10–12 weeks of age
Provide export-ready vaccination and deworming records

Avoid brokers and pet shops. Direct contact with the kennel reduces cost and ensures transparency. A typical Japanese breeder price for a pet-quality Shiba ranges from ¥300,000–¥600,000 (roughly €1,800–€3,600).

Export Preparation in Japan

The breeder or a specialized pet export agent handles:

Microchip implantation (ISO 15-digit, mandatory)
Rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine only, given after microchip)
Rabies titer test (FAVN/RNA) — required by the EU even though Japan is a rabies-controlled country
Issuance of the EU Health Certificate by a Japanese government veterinarian
USDA-equivalent endorsement through Japan's Animal Quarantine Service

The rabies titer must show ≥0.5 IU/ml and be taken at least 30 days after vaccination, with a 3-month waiting period from blood draw to EU entry. This waiting period is the single biggest reason the process takes 6+ months.

EU Entry and Customs Clearance

You have two entry options:

Through a listed third country transit (e.g., Singapore, UAE): Reduces the 3-month rabies wait, but adds transit complexity.
Direct from Japan via a designated EU Border Inspection Post (BIP): Japan is not on the EU's "listed" countries, meaning entry is technically only permitted via approved airports in listed transit countries, OR through a non-commercial PETS-compliant route with the full waiting period satisfied.

After arrival at the EU airport of entry, customs verifies the EU health certificate, microchip, and rabies documentation. Your Shiba must travel in an IATA-compliant crate in the cabin or as manifested cargo.

Costs Breakdown

Purchase price (pet quality): €1,800–€3,600
Shipping/agent fees: €1,200–€2,500
Vaccinations, titer, vet certificates: €300–€600
EU import VAT (varies by country, 19–27% of declared value): €400–€900
Quarantine boarding in Japan if needed: €500–€1,500

Practical Tips

Use a flight route via Tokyo Narita or Kansai → Helsinki, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam, all with strong cargo facilities for pets.
Arrange an English-speaking pickup agent at the destination airport if you cannot fly over yourself.
Register your Shiba with your country's national kennel club (e.g., VDH in Germany, ENCI in Italy, SKK in Sweden) using the JKC-pedigree — most accept foreign pedigrees directly.
Avoid "export deals" priced under €2,000 all-in; these almost always cut corners on health testing or documentation.

A Shiba imported from Japan typically arrives well-socialized, with strong urajiro markings and stable temperament from established lines — a worthwhile investment for buyers committed to preserving breed authenticity.

Frequently Asked Follow-Ups

Is a 21-day post-arrival quarantine required? No, if all PETS documents are in order, there is no quarantine in the EU.
Can I import an adult Shiba, not just a puppy? Yes, the same rules apply; adults often cost more but skip the socialization window risks.
Which EU countries are easiest to import into? Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands have the most experienced pet import infrastructure.