The Netherlands is classified as Schedule II by Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service. Relocating from the Netherlands to Singapore with your dog or cat requires a rabies titre test, a 90-day wait, and CAPQ clearance via an AVS-recognised agent from April 2026.
Like Germany and France, Dutch pet owners often assume that their EU pet passport documentation carries over to Singapore. It does not. Singapore requires a separate health certificate and does not recognise the EU pet passport for import purposes.
All requirements on this page are sourced from official AVS/NParks information at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify current guidelines before proceeding.
What Schedule II Requires
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit chip) |
| Rabies vaccination | After microchip; before blood draw |
| Rabies titre test | ≥0.5 IU/mL at WOAH-approved lab |
| 90-day wait | From blood draw date |
| Health certificate | Within 7 days of departure; Dutch NVWA endorsement likely required |
| Import licence | Agent applies via PALS; S$50 normal, S$100 express |
| CAPQ agent | Mandatory from April 2026 |
| Quarantine | None in standard cases; home quarantine if triggers apply |
Minimum timeline from start: 5–6 months.
EU Pet Passport: Not Accepted by Singapore
Singapore does not accept the EU pet passport as a health certificate for import. You need a separate veterinary health certificate issued by a Dutch-licensed vet and endorsed by the Dutch competent authority — the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
The NVWA endorsement must be obtained within the health certificate's 7-day validity window. Contact your local NVWA office to understand the endorsement appointment process before your travel date is set.
Step-by-Step Sequence
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microchip verified (ISO 11784/11785) | First |
| 2 | Rabies vaccination given | After microchip |
| 3 | Blood draw for titre test | Minimum 28 days post-vaccination |
| 4 | Send sample to WOAH-approved Dutch lab | Immediately after draw |
| 5 | 90-day wait from draw date | Hard cutoff |
| 6 | Engage Singapore CAPQ agent | 8–10 weeks before arrival |
| 7 | Agent applies for AVS import licence | Agent handles |
| 8 | Health certificate issued by Dutch vet | Within 7 days of departure |
| 9 | NVWA endorsement obtained | Within health certificate window |
| 10 | Agent obtains Singapore Customs GST permit | Prior to arrival |
| 11 | CAPQ clearance on arrival day | Agent handles at Changi |
Titre Test Laboratory in the Netherlands
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad is a WOAH-accredited facility and can conduct rabies serology testing for the Singapore import. Verify the current approved lab list at avs.nparks.gov.sg before submitting the blood sample.
Your Dutch vet arranges blood sampling and coordinates courier submission to WBVR or another approved facility.
Home Quarantine
Home quarantine triggers apply on arrival in Singapore if:
- Your pet arrives more than 5 days after you enter Singapore, or
- Your pet has been in your care for less than 6 months
If triggered: your agent applies for home quarantine approval at least 4 weeks before arrival. Cost: S$29 per animal per day (S$290 for the full 10-day period), paid upfront.
CAPQ Operating Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday and Tuesday | 9am to 5pm |
| Wednesday to Friday | 9am to 8pm |
| Saturday, Sunday, public holidays | Closed |
| Lunch break (all days) | 1pm to 2pm |
Book your pet's flight to arrive on a weekday. Direct Amsterdam-Singapore flights are approximately 12–13 hours; cargo live animal conditions and airline restrictions should be confirmed directly with the carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Netherlands has been rabies-free for decades. Why is a titre test still required? Singapore's schedule classification is based on the country's classification within AVS's risk framework, not solely on current rabies-free status. The Netherlands is Schedule II, and the titre test is mandatory for all Schedule II imports. This is a fixed regulatory requirement.
Can my Dutch vet prepare all the documents? Your Dutch vet handles the health certificate and can coordinate the blood draw and lab submission. The NVWA endorsement and the Singapore-side paperwork (import licence, GST permit) are separate steps handled by Singapore authorities and your CAPQ agent.
What airlines fly from Amsterdam to Singapore with live animal cargo? Singapore Airlines (via SIA Cargo) and KLM (via Air France Cargo) are among the carriers operating AMS-SIN routes. Confirm live animal policies directly with the cargo desk before booking.
Moving from the Netherlands to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised agent with European route experience.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Verify current requirements before proceeding.