South Korea is classified as Schedule III by Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service. Despite being a country with modern veterinary facilities and high pet ownership rates, the 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) applies to all dogs and cats imported from South Korea. There are no exemptions.
All requirements on this page are sourced from official AVS/NParks information at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify current guidelines before proceeding.
What Schedule III Means
All Schedule III imports to Singapore require:
- Rabies titre test (≥0.5 IU/mL) at a WOAH-approved laboratory
- 90-day wait from blood draw date
- Mandatory 30-day quarantine at the AQC on arrival
- Pre-booked AQC space via AVS Quarantine Management System (QMS) before travel
- CAPQ clearance via AVS-recognised agent (mandatory from April 2026)
Minimum timeline from first step to AQC release: 6–8 months.
Step-by-Step Process
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microchip verified (ISO 11784/11785) | First; before vaccinations |
| 2 | Rabies vaccination administered | After microchip |
| 3 | Blood draw for titre test | Minimum 28 days post-vaccination |
| 4 | Submit to WOAH-approved Korean lab | Immediately after draw |
| 5 | 90-day wait from draw date | Hard cutoff |
| 6 | Book AQC via QMS | As early as possible |
| 7 | Engage AVS-recognised CAPQ agent | 8–10 weeks before arrival |
| 8 | Apply for AVS import licence | Agent handles; S$50 normal, S$100 express |
| 9 | Health certificate issued | Within 7 days of departure |
| 10 | APQA endorsement obtained | Within health cert window |
| 11 | Agent obtains Singapore Customs GST permit | Prior to arrival |
| 12 | CAPQ clearance on arrival day | Agent handles |
| 13 | Transfer to AQC for 30-day quarantine | After CAPQ |
Health Certificate and APQA Endorsement
The health certificate must be completed by a licensed vet in South Korea and endorsed by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) — the Korean government's competent authority for animal imports and exports.
APQA has offices throughout South Korea. The endorsement process involves submitting the completed veterinary certificate to APQA for official stamp and signature. Allow time for this within the 7-day health certificate validity window.
Titre Test Laboratory in South Korea
WOAH-approved laboratories in South Korea include facilities accredited through the Animal Disease Diagnostic Division of APQA. Verify the current approved list at avs.nparks.gov.sg before submitting the blood sample.
Microchip Note
South Korea uses ISO 11784/11785 chips. Most Korean-registered pets are already ISO-compliant. Verify the 15-digit chip number with your vet and confirm readability before the vaccination sequence begins.
AQC: Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Quarantine duration | 30 days (mandatory) |
| Dog kennel size | 4.3m x 1.8m x 2.14m (indoor room + outdoor run) |
| Cat room size | 1.7m x 1.2m x 2m |
| Fan-fitted rate | S$26/day |
| Air-conditioned rate | S$35/day |
| Transport CAPQ to AQC | S$75 per animal |
| Visiting hours | Tuesday and Thursday 3pm–5pm; Saturday 2pm–5pm |
| Release time | 10am–12pm on day 30 |
Book AQC space as soon as your travel date is set. Space is limited.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Korea has been rabies-free in recent years. Why is it still Schedule III? Singapore's schedule classifications are determined by AVS and may reflect historical disease risk profiles, biosecurity protocols, and bilateral agreements in addition to current status. South Korea remains Schedule III. The 30-day quarantine is mandatory.
Can I take my Korean rescue dog to Singapore? Yes, provided the dog is not a prohibited breed. Mixed-breed dogs should have a DNA test if there is any question about breed heritage before committing to the move. See prohibited dog breeds in Singapore for the restricted list.
Moving from South Korea to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised agent.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).