Panther Chameleon in Okinawa Japan?

[JChameleo]

Hi there,

I'm brand new to these forums and am very interested in keeping a panther chameleon. I've been doing research on how to maintain an ideal environment to raise and care for one. Does anyone know of a website or breeder that can ship to a military base (Kadena) in Okinawa Japan? It is a state considered Armed Forces Pacific (AP). I get excited thinking about keeping one. Any information will help, thank you.

James

 

[Gumball Machine]

Most base housing does not allow exotic animals, lizards, rabbits, or anything that isn't considered a domestic pet (Dog, cat and some birds perhaps). I'd definitely check your base housing requirements, because that's going to ultimately be your biggest hurdle. I know some people who have such pets but when found out, were made to get rid of them. This is why I don't live on base, actually... because I wouldn't be able to own a chameleon! (or more than 2 pets, which I have 2 dogs and a chameleon). All to often I see military members trying to get rid of their pets and so, just make sure whatever base your on allows chameleons first (or you have to hide them which I have also seen...)

 

[Craigwyatt]

I would say call Jim Flaherty from the chameleon company. I know he exports. I remember one time he told me he ships to somewhere over there. It might have been Japan. Come to think of it I think it was.

 

[JoeVet]

Armed Forces Pacific is your military mailing address. Okinawa is still Japan and you will need to follow Japanese laws for importation of animals. They do not require inspection or quarantine for reptiles but to be safe you may want to contact them at http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/other.html And as Gumball stated there may be more restrictions placed on pets by the military. Also remember that these animals stress out easily and moving, even for military members is a big stress.

 

[Gumball Machine]

On another note, I lived in Okinawa for two years and they do have pet stores. Perhaps consider checking out their local pet stores first... I know Petbox is their equivalent to petco, other than that I'm sure you can find ones that are reptile specific. Also, you can check out okinawa bookoo (the military "garage" type sales, they also have a pets section), you can see if someone out there is selling one of their chameleons

http://www.petbox.co.jp/reptiles/ It's in japanese but that is their reptile page, when you go through what they sell, they show a few kinds of chameleons so I definitely suggest going and buying one locally vs. ordering one. Also, if you don't have transportation, the local bus number 77 will bring you to any base *from as far south as naha and as north as hedo* and it's far cheaper than a honcho. thats your home bus (either the north or the south bus depending which base you're going to). You'll have to look at the bus routes and numbers attached to number 77 to find out what buses you have to hop on to get to the pet store. Anyway, There is one above Naha and one near Chatan. Good luck.

 

[Gumball Machine]

So far I see that they sell Leaf, Carpets and veiled chameleons (If you use chrome, I suggest translating the website)