From 1 April 2026, every dog or cat being imported to Singapore must be handled by an AVS-recognised pet agent for CAPQ clearance at Changi Airport. Pet owners can no longer access the Changi Airfreight Centre themselves to handle the clearance process.
This requirement applies regardless of your pet's origin country, import schedule, or how straightforward your documentation is. No AVS-recognised agent means no clearance.
Here is what these agents actually do, how to find a legitimate one, and what to ask before you commit to hiring.
What an AVS-Recognised Agent Does
An AVS-recognised agent is a company or individual formally approved by the Animal and Veterinary Service to handle pet import, export, and transhipment clearance procedures at CAPQ. The official list is published by AVS and is available at avs.nparks.gov.sg/outreach/resources/avs-recognised-pet-agents/.
What they handle:
- Applying for the AVS import licence through the PALS portal on your behalf
- Reviewing your documentation (titre test result, health certificate, vaccination records) before travel to flag any issues before your pet is on a plane
- Meeting your pet at Changi Airport on arrival day
- Presenting all required documents at CAPQ and managing the microchip verification process
- Transferring your pet to a rigid IATA-compliant crate if they arrived in a soft carrier
- Arranging transport from CAPQ to your home or to the Animal Quarantine Centre if quarantine applies
- Obtaining the Singapore Customs GST permit prior to arrival
What they do not typically cover:
- Veterinary appointments in your origin country (titre tests, health certificates, vaccinations)
- Airline bookings or airline-specific documentation
- Destination country requirements if you are eventually re-exporting your pet
Finding a Legitimate Agent
The AVS publishes the official List of AVS-Recognised Pet Agents as a downloadable PDF. This list is updated periodically and is the only authoritative source for confirmed agents.
Do not engage an agent who does not appear on this list, regardless of how professional their website looks or how many reviews they have. Only agents on the official list can legally handle CAPQ clearance from April 2026. An unlicensed agent cannot complete the clearance process.
Find the official list at: avs.nparks.gov.sg/outreach/resources/avs-recognised-pet-agents/
Note that AVS states explicitly that inclusion on the list does not constitute an endorsement of the agent's service quality. Due diligence on your part is required.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent
Not all agents have the same level of experience or the same service scope. Before committing, ask:
1. Are you on the current AVS-recognised agent list? Ask them to confirm. Then check the list yourself. If they hesitate or cannot confirm their listing, walk away.
2. Do you have experience with my pet's import schedule and origin country? The documentation and process for a Schedule I import from Australia is different from a Schedule II import from the USA and very different from a Schedule III import from Thailand. An agent with specific experience in your route is more likely to catch problems before your pet travels.
3. Is the quote fixed or variable? Some agents quote a base fee and add on charges for AQC transport, home quarantine coordination, additional document review, and other services. A detailed scope of services prevents surprise invoices after your pet arrives.
4. What is included in your service? At minimum: import licence application, CAPQ clearance, and GST permit. Confirm whether they also handle home quarantine applications (if relevant to your situation), AQC booking (for Schedule III), and transport from CAPQ.
5. Are you available on my pet's arrival date? CAPQ is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Confirm your agent can be at Changi on the specific date and time your pet arrives. If they cannot commit to your arrival date, keep looking.
6. What happens if my flight changes? Flights get delayed or changed. Ask how the agent handles last-minute changes and whether there are rebooking or rescheduling fees.
7. Can you flag any issues with my documentation before my pet travels? A good agent reviews your paperwork in advance and tells you if something is missing or non-compliant before your pet is on a plane. This pre-travel document check is one of the most valuable parts of a professional agent's service.
Red Flags to Watch For
Agents who quote without asking about your origin country or schedule. The right price and service scope cannot be determined without knowing where your pet is coming from and what schedule applies. An agent who quotes without this information is either guessing or not going to give you the full picture.
Agents who cannot explain the process clearly. If an agent cannot walk you through the basic steps of the import process (CAPQ clearance, import licence, health certificate requirements) in a coherent way, their operational knowledge is questionable.
Agents who cannot confirm their AVS listing. This is non-negotiable. If they are not on the official list, they cannot do the job.
Unusually low quotes. Pet import agent fees are not a commodity service. Agents who quote significantly below market rates typically have limited scope (not covering everything), limited experience, or are not on the AVS list. Compare quotes carefully and understand what is and is not included.
Cost Expectations
Agent fees vary depending on the service scope, your pet's origin country, and whether special requirements (AQC quarantine booking, home quarantine coordination) apply.
| Service Tier | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic import clearance (Schedule I or II, no quarantine) | From S$999 |
| Import clearance with home quarantine coordination | S$1,200 to S$1,800 |
| Import clearance with AQC quarantine booking (Schedule III) | S$1,500 to S$2,500+ |
These are indicative ranges. Get quotes from at least two to three agents from the official AVS list and compare scope carefully before deciding.
For the full cost breakdown of the Singapore pet import process beyond agent fees, see our Singapore pet import cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I handle any part of the import process myself and just hire an agent for CAPQ clearance? Yes. The mandatory agent requirement is specifically for CAPQ clearance procedures. You can manage your vet appointments, titre test, and travel arrangements yourself. But for the import licence application and CAPQ clearance from April 2026, you need an agent.
My agent from a previous import is no longer on the AVS list. What do I do? Do not use them for a new import. The AVS-recognised status must be current at the time of clearance. Choose a new agent from the current list.
How far in advance should I engage an agent? 8 to 10 weeks before your pet's arrival is a reasonable target. This gives your agent enough time to apply for the import licence (valid 90 days from issue) and review your documentation before you commit to a travel date.
What if my agent makes a mistake and my pet cannot clear CAPQ? If a documentation issue is discovered at CAPQ, your pet may be held until the situation is resolved. This is why pre-travel document review is so important. Choose an agent who includes document checking as part of their service, not just day-of clearance.
Looking for an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent in Singapore? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote. We are on the official AVS recognised pet agent list and have experience handling imports from all schedules.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Always verify agent status against the current official list before engaging.