Dog Vaccinations in Japan: Schedule, Costs, and Legal Requirements

Introduction

Dog vaccination in Japan is a serious and strictly regulated matter. Beyond protecting your pet from dangerous diseases, keeping their vaccination schedule up to date is a legal obligation, especially for the rabies vaccine. In this article, you’ll learn about the canine vaccination schedule in Japan, the mandatory and optional vaccines, the costs involved, and the consequences of not meeting the requirements.

Mandatory Vaccine in Japan:
Rabies (狂犬病 - Kyoukenbyou)

• Legally required for all dogs over 91 days old

• Must be administered annually, with notification to the public health center

• After vaccination, the owner receives an official vaccination sticker (year emblem)
  
  

Where to vaccinate:

• Accredited veterinary clinics

• Annual public vaccination campaigns organized by the city or prefecture
  
  

Average cost:

• ¥2,500 to ¥3,500 in public campaigns

• ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 in private clinics

2. Dog Registration (登録 - Touroku)

• When administering the first rabies vaccine, it is mandatory to register your dog with the local city office.

• The dog receives an ID tag with a unique number.

• One-time registration fee: approximately ¥3,000

• Annual rabies vaccination must also be registered each year.

3. Recommended Vaccines (Not Mandatory but Essential)

1. Multivalent Vaccine (混合ワクチン - Kongou Wakuchin)

• Protects against diseases such as:

  • Distemper

  • Hepatitis

  • Parvovirus

  • Leptospirosis

  • Kennel cough

• Available in 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-component versions.

• Recommended annually, especially for dogs that attend pet shops, daycare, or parks.

• Average cost: ¥6,000 to ¥9,000

4. Consequences of Not Vaccinating Your Dog in Japan

• Fines for failing to administer the rabies vaccine

• Inability to access certain pet services (boarding, daycare, pet shops often require proof of vaccination)

• Health risks for your dog and other animals

• Municipalities may require proof of vaccination in cases of complaints, accidents, or official adoption procedures

✅ Conclusion

Vaccinating your dog in Japan is a matter of public health, animal welfare, and legal responsibility. Keep your vaccination schedule up to date, retain all records, and always consult a trusted veterinarian.