All Nippon Airways (ANA) Pet Policy 2026: Cargo Rules and Japan's 180-Day Preparation Timeline
By Anano Gudushauri · 6 min read
All Nippon Airways (ANA) maintains a policy that prioritizes safety over convenience, explicitly excluding all household pets from the passenger cabin on international flights. While this may seem restrictive, it reflects the airline’s commitment to maintaining a controlled environment for your animal during the flight. Understanding these specific requirements is the first step toward a successful journey.
Whether you are navigating Japan’s specific import regulations or coordinating international transit, you can simplify the preparation process by using the free, government-sourced, vet-verified checklist tool at petholidayclub.com, which covers international documentation requirements for more than 190 countries. For a comprehensive overview of how to manage your pet’s journey to any destination, explore the Pet Travel Country Guides | Import & Export Rules by Country | Pet Holiday Club
ANA Pet Policy: At a Glance
In-Cabin Household Pets: Not permitted on international or domestic flights.
Cargo/Checked Baggage: Available for dogs and cats on ANA-operated flights.
Booking: Must be made via phone or the dedicated LINE messaging service at least 4 days in advance.
Japan Import: Requires 180-day preparation, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a mandatory antibody titer test.
Breed Restrictions: Strict embargo on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory health risks.
Quarantine: Failure to meet the 180-day rule may result in a quarantine period of up to 180 days at a government facility.
In-Cabin Pet Rules
ANA does not allow household pets in the passenger cabin on either domestic or international flights. This policy is standard across the airline’s fleet. The only exception is for trained assistance dogs, which must be approved in advance. If your travel plans require your pet to be by your side, you will need to look toward other carriers that offer in-cabin options, though these are often limited by weight and species restrictions.
Cargo and Hold Pet Rules
When traveling with ANA, your pet will be transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold. While this section is climate-controlled, it remains separate from the passenger cabin.
Reservation Requirement: Because cargo space is limited, you must reserve your pet’s spot in advance. You cannot book this online; you must use the ANA LINE service (if more than 4 days before departure) or contact the airline by phone.
IATA Compliance: You must use an IATA-compliant, rigid, escape-proof crate. The crate must allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Liability: ANA assumes limited liability for the health or injury of a pet during transport, emphasizing that the owner must carefully consider the animal's physical condition before choosing to fly.
Breed Restrictions
ANA enforces a strict pet embargo on specific breeds due to the inherent risks of air travel for animals with physical limitations. Brachycephalic breeds, which have shortened airways, are highly susceptible to respiratory distress and overheating in the cargo environment. Snub-Nosed Dog Air Travel 2026: Airlines That Accept
Prohibited breeds include, but are not limited to:
Snub-nosed dogs: Bulldogs (all types), French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Japanese Chin.
Snub-nosed cats: Himalayans, Persians, and Exotic Shorthairs.
Other breeds: Any dog or cat determined by the airline to have a health risk or aggressive temperament.
Japan’s 180-Day Preparation Timeline
Bringing a pet into Japan is a precise, time-sensitive process governed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Japan is a rabies-free country, and the 180-day rule is designed to maintain this status. Pet Travel to Japan 2026: 180-Day Timeline & Entry Rules
Microchip Implantation: Your pet must first be identified with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip.
Rabies Vaccination: Following the microchip, your pet must receive at least two rabies vaccinations.
Antibody Titer Test: After the second vaccination, a blood sample must be sent to a MAFF-approved laboratory to confirm your pet has sufficient rabies antibodies (≥0.5 IU/mL).
180-Day Waiting Period: The clock starts on the date the blood sample was drawn for the successful titer test. You must wait 180 days before your pet can enter Japan.
Advance Notification: You must submit an advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days prior to your arrival in Japan to receive an "Approval of Import Inspection of Animals."
How to Book a Pet on ANA
Check Aircraft Suitability: Verify that your flight is operated by ANA. Codeshare flights may have different policies.
Submit Request: If you are booking at least 4 days out, use the ANA LINE message service. For shorter windows, you must call the airline directly.
Receive Confirmation: Do not book your own ticket until the airline has formally confirmed your pet’s spot in the cargo hold.
Prepare Documentation: Ensure you have your Export Quarantine Certificate, health records, and the "Approval of Import Inspection of Animals" from the AQS.
Check-in: Arrive at the airport early to complete the required consent forms and final inspections.
Tips for Flying With Your Pet
Consult Your Vet: Given the cargo environment, ensure your veterinarian clears your pet for air travel, specifically regarding their cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Familiarize with the Crate: Start crate training weeks before your trip so the environment feels safe, not stressful.
Transit Precautions: If your journey includes a connection, verify whether you need to retrieve your pet during the layover. Japan requires strict adherence to customs; if you enter Japan at any point, your pet must meet all import requirements.
Comparison: ANA vs. JAL for Japan Travel
Feature | All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Japan Airlines (JAL) |
In-Cabin | No | No |
Cargo Booking | Phone / LINE App | Phone / Dedicated Desk |
Breed Restrictions | Strict (Brachycephalic) | Strict (Brachycephalic) |
Japan Entry Rules | Standard 180-Day MAFF | Standard 180-Day MAFF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take my pet into the ANA cabin on domestic flights?
No. ANA does not permit household pets in the cabin on domestic or international flights. All pets must travel in the cargo hold.
Q: How do I calculate the 180-day waiting period?
The 180-day countdown begins on the day your pet’s blood sample is collected for the rabies antibody titer test.
Q: Is the 180-day rule the same for all airlines?
Yes. The 180-day rule is a Japanese government requirement set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), not by the individual airline. Pet Travel to Japan 2026: 180-Day Timeline & Entry Rules
Q: What happens if I do not have a titer test?
If you arrive without the required titer test or before the 180-day period expires, your pet will be subject to a mandatory quarantine in a government facility for the remainder of the 180 days.
Q: Can I book my pet online?
No. You must book your pet’s travel by phone or via the ANA LINE messaging service. Online booking for pets is not supported by ANA.
Q: What breeds are banned by ANA?
ANA prohibits brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and certain cats like Persians, due to the high risk of breathing difficulties during flight.
Before flying with your pet on ANA, make sure you have the right documentation for your destination. Pet Holiday Club covers 190+ countries with free, government-sourced, vet-verified pet travel checklists at petholidayclub.com — so you arrive prepared, not refused.
