Wondering how to import a dog or cat to Singapore? The good news: it's absolutely doable. The not-so-good news: Singapore's pet import process has more steps, and tighter timing, than most countries. One misstep can push your travel date back by months.
This guide walks you through every step of how to bring your dog or cat to Singapore, in plain English, with the timing traps called out clearly.
All steps are based on official AVS/NParks requirements. Verify current guidelines at avs.nparks.gov.sg before starting.
Before You Start: Two Things to Check First
1. Is your breed allowed? Singapore prohibits certain breeds from import entirely, including all Pit Bull types, Akitas, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel, Perro de Presa Canario, and their crosses. If your pet is any of these breeds (or a mix), they cannot enter Singapore as a pet, regardless of documentation.
Brachycephalic breeds (Frenchies, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats) can enter Singapore, but face airline restrictions that require a separate fitness certificate from your vet. Check this with your carrier early.
Verify your breed at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
2. Which schedule applies to you?
Your schedule is based on where your pet currently lives (the country of export), not your nationality. The three schedules are:
- Schedule I (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Republic of Ireland): fastest, no titre test required
- Schedule II (USA, Canada, Japan, most of Western Europe): requires titre test + 90-day wait
- Schedule III (All other countries): mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre on arrival
For Schedule II, you're looking at a 4–6 month process minimum. Start now.
The Full Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Microchip Your Pet
When: As early as possible. Ideally 6–12 months before your move.
Your pet needs an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip (134.2 kHz). This is the standard Singapore scanners use.
Rule you cannot break: The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. Singapore requires that all vaccination records show the microchip number was already present. If you vaccinate first, the vaccination certificate may not count, so you'd need to revaccinate.
If your pet already has an older, non-standard chip, carry a compatible reader when travelling.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination (Schedule II and III)
When: After microchip. Allow at least 28 days before titre test.
Get a rabies vaccination from a licensed vet. The vaccination certificate must include:
- Your pet's 15-digit microchip number
- Vaccine brand, batch number, and expiry date
- Date of administration
For Schedule I pets (Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland), no rabies vaccination is required for Singapore import purposes, though your vet may recommend it independently.
Step 3: Rabies Titre Test (Schedule II and III Only)
When: At least 28 days after vaccination. Allow 2–4 weeks for results.
A titre test is a blood test that measures your pet's rabies antibody level. Singapore requires a result of ≥ 0.5 IU/mL. The test must be conducted at a WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies or a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority in a Schedule I or II country.
The lab mistake everyone makes
The AVS approved lab list is route-specific. A lab approved for one import route is not automatically approved for another. Using the wrong lab means the result won't be accepted by Singapore. You'll need to restart from the titre test stage, adding 3+ months to your timeline.
Always confirm your lab with AVS or your CAPQ agent before sending the blood sample.
The 90-day waiting period starts from the date the blood was sampled, not when you receive the results.
Blood sampling must also occur no more than 12 months before your pet's export date. If your move gets delayed significantly, you may need to re-test.
Step 4: 90-Day Waiting Period (Schedule II and III)
When: Starts from blood sampling date.
Once blood is drawn for the titre test, you must wait at least 90 days from that date before your pet can travel to Singapore. No exceptions.
This is the longest, most immovable part of the process. If your move date is fixed, count backwards: 90 days from blood sampling + 28 days post-vaccination before sampling = you need to start vaccinating at least 4 months before your move.
Step 5: Apply for the AVS Import Licence
When: At least 21 business days before your intended arrival date.
Your AVS-recognised agent applies for the import licence via the PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg) on your behalf.
- Personal import licence fee: S$50 per consignment
- The permit is valid for a 30-day travel window
Miss this window and your flight needs to move back at least 21 business days. From April 2026, this application must be submitted through an AVS-recognised agent.
Step 6: Veterinary Health Certificate
When: No more than 7 days before export.
A government-approved veterinarian issues an official Veterinary Health Certificate confirming:
- Your pet's identity (microchip number)
- Vaccination status
- Fitness for air travel
- Compliance with Singapore import conditions
Seven days is a tight window. Book this appointment only once your flight date is confirmed. If your flight is delayed and the certificate goes past 7 days, you need a new one.
Your CAPQ agent can guide you on the exact format Singapore requires.
Step 7: Singapore Customs GST Permit
Before arrival, a Singapore Customs In-Payment (GST) permit must be obtained via the TradeNet system. Your agent will typically handle this.
Step 8: CAPQ Clearance at Changi Airport
On the day: Your CAPQ agent meets your pet at Changi.
From 1 April 2026, you cannot be present for this process. Only AVS-recognised agents may access the Changi Airfreight Centre where CAPQ is located.
Your agent handles:
- Microchip verification
- Document inspection (permit, health certificate, titre test if applicable)
- Physical examination
- Transfer to rigid IATA crate (mandatory; if your pet flew in a soft carrier, your agent transfers them)
CAPQ operating hours from 1 April 2026:
- Monday–Tuesday: 9:00am–5:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm)
- Wednesday–Friday: 9:00am–8:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm)
- No evening or Saturday clearances
Your arrival flight time must align with these hours for same-day release.
What Happens After Clearance
Schedule I and most Schedule II imports: Your pet is released to your agent after inspection.
Schedule II with home quarantine triggers: If you entered Singapore more than 5 days before your pet, or if your pet has been in your care for less than 6 months, a 10-day home quarantine applies. You'll need to apply for home quarantine approval at least 4 weeks before arrival. AVS monitors compliance with a smart collar tag at S$29 per animal per day, paid upfront.
Schedule III: Your pet goes to the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) for a minimum 30-day quarantine at S$26–35 per animal per day, plus S$75 transport from CAPQ.
Singapore Pet Import Checklist
- Breed verified as permitted under NParks rules
- Origin country schedule confirmed (I, II, or III)
- ISO 15-digit microchip implanted, number recorded
- Rabies vaccination completed after microchip (Schedule II/III)
- Titre test lab confirmed as AVS-approved for your route (Schedule II/III)
- Blood sampled for titre test (at least 28 days post-vaccination)
- Titre result ≥ 0.5 IU/mL confirmed
- 90-day wait counted from blood sampling date
- AVS-recognised CAPQ agent appointed
- AVS import licence applied (21+ business days before arrival)
- AVS import licence received
- Home quarantine approval applied if required (4+ weeks before)
- Singapore Customs GST permit obtained
- Vet health certificate arranged (within 7 days of travel)
- Pet booked on airline (check carrier's breed and crate policies)
Realistic Timelines by Schedule
| Schedule | Countries | Minimum Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland | 1–2 months |
| Schedule II | USA, Canada, Japan, most of Europe | 4–6 months |
| Schedule III | Most of Southeast Asia, South Asia, others | 6+ months + 30-day quarantine |
These are minimums. Factor in vet and lab appointment availability, permit processing, and airline booking windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the Singapore dog or cat import without an agent? From April 2026, no. CAPQ clearance at Changi must go through an AVS-recognised agent. You can manage early steps (microchip, vet visits, titre test) yourself, but CAPQ and the permit application require a recognised agent.
What if my titre test fails (result below 0.5 IU/mL)? You'll need to re-vaccinate and re-test. The 90-day waiting period only begins once you have a passing result. Some owners do an early titre test to check their pet's immunity level before committing to a travel date.
Is Japan Schedule I or Schedule II? Japan is Schedule II under current AVS requirements. The titre test and 90-day waiting period apply for pets travelling from Japan to Singapore.
How much does the Singapore pet import process cost? See our detailed Singapore pet import cost guide for a full breakdown covering government fees, titre test costs, and agent fees.
What is CAPQ? CAPQ stands for Centre for Animal & Pharmaceutical Quality, Singapore's animal health inspection facility at Changi Airport. All pets enter Singapore through CAPQ.
Ready to get started? Download the free Singapore pet import checklist or speak to our team for a fixed-price quote.
Source: Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Confirm current requirements before proceeding.