Good question Lisa - I called the airline pet desk again and she said that the pet needs to keep their collar on (Continental policy I guess??)
Other things I learned: "Michelle" this time...
*They suggest taping a baggie of extra food to the top of the carrier
*the cargo folks will bag and attach the forms to the carrier when he is checked in
*Narita/Continental does contract with Nippon to handle all live animal cargo and many airports use contractors also if they do not have their own facility.

I am getting nervous and excited here, can you tell??