JB to Singapore Cat Relocation Checklist: Every Step from Vet to AQC (2026)

Moving your cat from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore requires careful planning across a minimum four-month timeline. The Johor–Singapore Causeway is one of the world's busiest border crossings, but for your cat, it is governed by Singapore's strictest pet import rules — Malaysia is classified as a Schedule III country under AVS regulations, triggering mandatory rabies titre testing, a 30-day AQC quarantine, and (from April 2026) a required AVS-recognised relocation agent.

This checklist organises every step by timing so nothing falls through the cracks.

Month-by-Month Timeline Overview

Phase 1: Before You Start (4+ Months Before Travel)

Confirm Your Move Date

The minimum timeline from first vaccination to legal entry into Singapore is approximately 4 months (28 days post-vaccination before blood draw + 90-day wait from blood draw). If you are working to a specific move date, count backwards from that date to confirm whether your timeline is achievable.

If your cat has never been vaccinated for rabies, or if their last vaccination was more than 12 months ago, start immediately.

Engage an AVS-Recognised Agent

From April 1, 2026, an AVS-recognised agent is mandatory for the CAPQ checkpoint process. Even before this date, engaging an agent early is strongly recommended — they can review your documents, catch timing errors, and submit the import licence application at the right time.

• Research AVS-recognised agents at avs.nparks.gov.sg
• Request quotes from 2–3 agents (ask for itemised pricing)
• Confirm the agent's current AVS recognition status
• Formally engage your preferred agent and provide cat details

Phase 2: Veterinary Preparation in Malaysia (Months 1–2)

Microchip

• Confirm your cat has an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip
• If not chipped: have a chip implanted at a licensed Malaysian vet clinic
• Ensure the microchip is scanned and recorded before any vaccination is administered
• Keep a copy of the microchip implantation certificate

The microchip number must appear on every subsequent document. Discrepancies will cause problems at the CAPQ checkpoint.

Rabies Vaccination

• Confirm your cat has a current, valid rabies vaccination
• If a booster is needed: administer it and record the date and batch number
• Ensure the vaccination certificate includes the microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, and administering vet's details
• Note the vaccination date — the titre test blood cannot be drawn for at least 28 days after this date

FVRCP Vaccination (Optional but recommended)

• Confirm your cat's FVRCP vaccination is up to date (feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus)
• AVS may administer required vaccinations during AQC quarantine — an up-to-date record reduces the likelihood of this

Phase 3: Rabies Titre Test (≥28 Days After Vaccination)

• Count 28 days from the vaccination date — this is the earliest you can draw blood
• Choose an AVS-approved laboratory (verify approval status at avs.nparks.gov.sg)
• Book a blood draw appointment at your Malaysian vet clinic
• Record the exact date of blood draw — the 90-day waiting period starts from this date
• Ship or deliver the sample to the approved laboratory
• Receive and review the titre test certificate:
  • Result must be ≥0.5 IU/mL
  • Microchip number must match all other documents
  • Blood draw date must be clearly stated
  • Laboratory name and accreditation reference must be present
• If result is below 0.5 IU/mL: administer booster, wait 28 days, re-draw blood, restart 90-day wait

For the full titre test guide, see rabies titre test for cats from Malaysia to Singapore.

Phase 4: AVS Import Licence and AQC Booking (During Waiting Period)

Do not wait until the 90-day period is nearly over to apply for the import licence. Start these steps approximately 8 weeks before your intended travel date.

AVS Import Licence

• Provide your agent with all cat details: name, breed, sex, DOB, microchip number, vaccination history, titre test certificate
• Agent submits application via PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg)
• Application must be submitted at least 21 business days before arrival
• Licence fee: S$50 per consignment
• Receive and review the Import Licence — check all details are correct
• If bringing more than 3 cats: a separate Cat Licence may also be required

AQC Quarantine Booking

• Confirm your travel date is clear of Singaporean public holidays (CAPQ closed on these days)
• Agent books AQC quarantine slot at Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre
• Request air-conditioned accommodation (recommended for welfare)
• Receive AQC booking confirmation with reference number
• Keep this confirmation — you need it at the checkpoint and for AQC check-in

Phase 5: Travel Preparation (1–2 Weeks Before)

DVS Veterinary Health Certificate

The most time-sensitive document in the process.

• Book an appointment with a Malaysian DVS-accredited vet (confirm they are accredited — not all private vets qualify)
• Certificate must be issued within 7 days of your travel date — not before
• Certificate must include: microchip number, breed, sex, age, current vaccinations, titre test result and date, health status confirmation
• Review the certificate carefully — any detail that doesn't match the AVS import licence or titre test certificate must be corrected before travel
• Provide a copy to your agent immediately after issue

For guidance on this document, see getting the Malaysian DVS health certificate for your cat.

CAPQ Inspection Appointment

• Agent books CAPQ inspection at Tuas via iFAST system — at least 5 business days before arrival
• Confirm appointment date, time slot, and reference number
• Confirm CAPQ is operating on your travel day (not Sunday, not a public holiday)
• Save the appointment confirmation

Singapore Customs GST Permit

• Agent confirms whether a TradeNet GST In-Payment Permit is required for your import
• If required: agent submits via TradeNet before travel
• Keep the permit reference for checkpoint presentation

Phase 6: Document Final Check (Day Before Travel)

Print or have digital access to every document:

• AVS Import Licence (original or certified copy)
• Veterinary Health Certificate from Malaysian DVS-accredited vet (dated within last 7 days)
• Rabies titre test certificate (≥0.5 IU/mL; blood draw date clearly shown)
• Rabies vaccination certificate (microchip number present)
• FVRCP vaccination records
• Microchip implantation certificate
• AQC quarantine booking confirmation
• CAPQ inspection appointment confirmation
• GST permit (if applicable)
• Agent contact details for travel day

Phase 7: Travel Day

• Prepare your cat's carrier — IATA-compliant, clearly labelled with cat's name, your contact details, and microchip number
• Add a familiar blanket or item for comfort during transport
• Pack water and a small amount of food (offer before the journey, not during)
• Plan your route to Tuas Checkpoint (Second Link) — do NOT drive to Woodlands
• Arrive at Tuas CAPQ facility at your appointed time slot
• Your agent is present or has a representative at the CAPQ facility
• Documents are verified and cat is inspected by AVS veterinary officer
• Cat is handed to AQC transport
• Note the AQC arrival date — Day 1 of the 30-day quarantine

Phase 8: During Quarantine (Days 1–30)

• Contact the AQC to confirm your cat has arrived and been admitted
• Arrange visits through the AQC office (confirm current visiting arrangements and any fees)
• Keep the AQC's contact number for any questions or welfare concerns
• Monitor any bills from AQC (vaccinations, medical care) — settled at collection
• Prepare your home for your cat's return: quiet room, food, water, litter, familiar items

Phase 9: Collection

On or after Day 30:

• Receive AQC clearance notice
• Arrange collection — bring ID and payment method for final AQC bill
• Agent may coordinate collection if included in service
• Collect AQC clearance certificate
• Take your cat home

Quick-Reference Summary

The 5 things most likely to cause a delay:

1. Drawing blood for the titre test before 28 days post-vaccination
2. Failing to book AQC quarantine far enough in advance
3. DVS health certificate issued more than 7 days before crossing
4. Arriving at Woodlands instead of Tuas Checkpoint
5. No AVS-recognised agent engaged after April 2026

How Pawsport Express Can Help

Managing this checklist across 4+ months while also planning a move is genuinely complex. Pawsport Express handles the Singapore-side of this process: AVS import licence, AQC booking, CAPQ inspection, and AQC transport coordination. We review your Malaysian documents before submission and flag any timing issues before they become problems.

Contact us for a Malaysia–Singapore cat import quote.

Requirements are based on AVS guidelines as of May 2026. Verify current requirements at avs.nparks.gov.sg before travel.