As Japan is a Rabies free country, we have a very strict rules regarding rabies vaccines.

All dogs must get a new shot every year (even those who have a valid 3-year vaccine) and the owner must report each new shot to the ward office. The ward office will issue a rabies vaccine tag for each year, and your dog must wear it on their collar. This tag is required for some boarding facilities and dog parks.

The new year starts April 1^st in Japan, not January 1^st, and during the new year period (April to June) is when the rabies vaccine updates must be done. You will receive a letter (Pic. A) from the ward office every year as a reminder. Please make sure to update your dog’s rabies vaccine at least once a year.

For residents of Minato ward, PetLife can assist with the rabies registration process and obtain a tag on your behalf. Dogs must be registered in the Ministry of the Environment database to be eligible for Minato ward rabies registration. (Please check the email about dog registration for details.)

Rabies vaccination registration generally begins on April 1^st, but for 2026 and 2027, Minato ward has made an exception and is allowing dog owners to register beginning March 2^nd.

If you require assistance with the registration process,

・Please register your dog in the Ministry of the Environment database beforehand. (Online registration  https://reg.mc.env.go.jp/, or physical registration at the local ward office.)

・Please bring the letter from Minato ward (Pic. A. *blue for 2026) regarding rabies vaccination. You should receive this in the mail every spring.

・There will be a fee of 550jpy for annual registration. The rabies vaccination itself is 3,520jpy.

Pic. A