Japan is Schedule II for Singapore pet imports, not Schedule I. This is one of the most common misconceptions among pet owners relocating from Japan to Singapore, and it is a costly one if you discover it too late.
Schedule II means your dog or cat needs a rabies titre test with a passing result, a 90-day waiting period after blood is drawn, and a lab that is specifically approved by AVS for the Japan import route. The minimum realistic timeline is 4 to 6 months.
All requirements on this page are based on official AVS/NParks conditions. Verify current guidelines at avs.nparks.gov.sg before proceeding.
Why Japan Is Schedule II
Singapore's import schedule is based on rabies risk classification, not geography or trade relationships. Japan does have a robust rabies-free domestic status, but AVS classifies it as Schedule II alongside the USA, Canada, most of Western Europe, and Hong Kong SAR. The titre test and 90-day wait apply regardless.
| Requirement | Schedule I (Australia, UK) | Schedule II (Japan) |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies titre test | Not required | Required (≥0.5 IU/mL) |
| 90-day waiting period | Not required | Required |
| Rabies vaccination | Not required for AVS | Required |
| Minimum timeline | 1 to 2 months | 4 to 6 months |
Before You Begin
Check your breed.
Singapore prohibits import of all Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, and any crosses of these breeds. No exemptions apply. This is particularly relevant for Japan, where Akitas and Shibas (Shibas are not on the prohibited list, but verify your specific breed) are popular.
Check your microchip.
Japanese pets are typically microchipped, but confirm the chip is ISO 11784/11785-compliant and 15-digit (134.2 kHz). Some older chips may not be Singapore-compatible. The microchip number must appear consistently on all documentation.
Brachycephalic breeds:
French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and similar breeds can enter Singapore, but face airline-level restrictions. Check with your specific carrier well before booking.
The Full Process
Step 1: Microchip
When: Before any vaccination documentation is created.
The microchip must be implanted and recorded before the rabies vaccination. Singapore's requirements specify that the microchip number must be present on all vaccination records. If you vaccinate before microchipping, those vaccination records may not be accepted.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
When: After microchip. Allow at least 28 days before blood sampling.
A licensed Japanese veterinarian administers the rabies vaccination. The certificate must show the 15-digit microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, expiry date, and date of administration.
Japan has specific vaccination and health documentation standards. Your Japanese vet will be familiar with these, but confirm they understand the Singapore-specific certificate format requirements. Your AVS-recognised agent can provide the required template.
Step 3: Titre Test at an AVS-Approved Lab
When: At least 28 days after vaccination. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for results.
The titre test measures your pet's rabies antibody level. Singapore requires a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. The test must be conducted at a laboratory approved by AVS for the Japan import route.
Confirm the approved lab before drawing blood.
The AVS approved lab list is route-specific. A lab approved for UK or US imports may not be approved for Japan-origin animals. Using an unapproved lab means the result will not be accepted by Singapore, and you restart from this step, adding 3 or more months to your timeline.
Contact AVS or your CAPQ agent to confirm the current list of approved laboratories for pets travelling from Japan before sending any blood samples.
The 90-day waiting period starts from the date blood is drawn, not from when results arrive. Blood must also be drawn within 12 months of your pet's export date. If your move is delayed significantly, you may need to retest.
Step 4: 90-Day Waiting Period
When: Starts from blood draw date. No exceptions.
Your pet cannot travel to Singapore until 90 days have passed from the blood draw date. Working backwards from your intended arrival:
- Blood draw date (day 1)
- 90-day wait (months 2 to 4 minimum)
- Health certificate (within 7 days of departure)
This is the fixed constraint that defines your minimum timeline. If your Singapore assignment starts before 90 days have elapsed, you will need to leave your pet with a trusted person in Japan until the wait is complete.
Step 5: Appoint an AVS-Recognised CAPQ Agent
When: 8 to 10 weeks before travel.
From 1 April 2026, import clearance at CAPQ (the Centre for Animal and Pharmaceutical Quality at Changi Airport) must go through an AVS-recognised agent. Pet owners cannot handle CAPQ clearance themselves.
Your agent will apply for the import licence, review your documents, meet your pet at Changi on arrival day, and handle the clearance process. Find the official agent list at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Step 6: AVS Import Licence
When: Your agent applies on your behalf. Valid 90 days from issue.
Via the PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg):
- Normal processing: S$50, 2 working days
- Express processing: S$100, 1 working day
Step 7: Veterinary Health Certificate
When: No more than 7 days before departure from Japan.
A government-authorised veterinarian in Japan issues the health certificate confirming microchip number, vaccination status, titre test result, and fitness for travel. Singapore specifies the content this certificate must contain.
Japan's animal export requirements also apply. Your CAPQ agent and Japanese vet should coordinate on the certificate format to ensure it meets both Singapore's import requirements and Japan's export documentation standards.
Book this appointment only once your travel date is confirmed. If your flight moves and the 7-day window expires, you need a new certificate.
Step 8: Singapore Customs GST Permit
Your agent obtains this via TradeNet before arrival. Confirm this is included in your agent's service.
Step 9: CAPQ Clearance at Changi
On arrival day: Your agent handles clearance.
CAPQ operating hours from 1 April 2026:
- Monday and Tuesday: 9:00am to 5:00pm (closed 1:00pm to 2:00pm)
- Wednesday to Friday: 9:00am to 8:00pm (closed 1:00pm to 2:00pm)
- Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: closed
Most direct flights from Japan to Singapore arrive in the morning or early afternoon, which fits within CAPQ operating hours. Confirm the timing with your agent before booking.
Will Your Pet Need to Quarantine?
Most Schedule II imports from Japan do not require quarantine, but two situations trigger a 10-day home quarantine:
- Your pet arrives in Singapore more than 5 days after you entered
- Your pet has been in your direct care for less than 6 months
If home quarantine applies, apply for approval at least 4 weeks before arrival. The cost is S$29 per animal per day (S$290 for 10 days), monitored by a smart collar tag, paid upfront.
Japan to Singapore: Timeline
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Microchip confirmed | As early as possible |
| Rabies vaccination | After microchip |
| Titre test blood draw | 28+ days after vaccination |
| 90-day wait | Starts from blood draw |
| Agent appointed | 8 to 10 weeks before arrival |
| Import licence applied | Agent handles, valid 90 days |
| Health certificate (Japan vet) | Within 7 days of departure |
| CAPQ clearance | Arrival day, agent only |
Minimum realistic timeline: 4 to 6 months from starting the process.
Cost Summary
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Rabies titre test (Japan lab + vet fee) | JPY30,000 to JPY80,000 |
| AVS import licence | S$50 |
| Veterinary health certificate (Japan) | JPY20,000 to JPY50,000 |
| CAPQ agent fee | From S$999 |
| Airline pet transport | S$100 to S$500 |
| Home quarantine monitoring (if triggered) | S$290 for 10 days |
For a full breakdown, see our Singapore pet import cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japan really not Schedule I? My colleague said it was. Japan is Schedule II under current AVS requirements. The Schedule II list is confirmed at avs.nparks.gov.sg and explicitly includes Japan. The titre test and 90-day wait apply.
Can I use a titre test lab in Singapore to process blood drawn in Japan? No. The blood must be drawn and tested before your pet travels. The titre test is a pre-travel requirement, not something done on arrival.
My dog already has a rabies vaccination record from Japan. Can I skip to the titre test? Possibly, if the vaccination was administered after the microchip was implanted and at least 28 days have elapsed since the vaccination. Confirm with your agent whether the existing vaccination certificate meets Singapore's requirements before booking the titre test.
Relocating from Japan to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Confirm current requirements before proceeding.