Malaysia to Singapore Cat Quarantine: What to Expect at the AQC (2026 Guide)

Every cat imported from Malaysia to Singapore is required to spend a minimum of 30 days at Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) upon arrival. There are no exceptions, no home quarantine options for Schedule III countries, and no way to shorten this period. The AQC quarantine is one of the most emotionally difficult parts of moving your cat to Singapore — knowing what to expect before it happens makes the process considerably less stressful.

This guide covers why the quarantine is required, how to book, what your cat's daily life looks like at the AQC, how to visit, and what happens when the 30 days are up.

Why Malaysia Requires 30-Day AQC Quarantine

Malaysia is a Schedule III country under Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) classification system. This means Singapore considers Malaysia to carry an elevated risk of rabies and other notifiable diseases compared to countries on Schedule I (like Australia or New Zealand) or Schedule II (like the USA or Japan).

For Schedule III imports:

• 30-day AQC quarantine is mandatory from the day of arrival
• Home quarantine is not available — unlike Schedule II where some animals may quarantine at home
• No waivers are issued based on individual health records
• A fully vaccinated, healthy cat with a passing titre test still completes the full 30 days

The quarantine is a population-level disease control measure, not a reflection of your individual cat's health status.

Booking the AQC Quarantine

Quarantine spots at the AQC are limited and in high demand. This is not a booking you leave until the week before travel. Some owners have had to delay moves by weeks because the AQC was full.

How to book: Contact AVS directly through the PALS portal at pals.avs.gov.sg or through your AVS-recognised agent. From April 2026, your agent handles this as part of the mandatory import process.

When to book: Book your quarantine slot at the same time you apply for the AVS Import Licence — ideally 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date. Peak periods around school holidays and major public holiday seasons book out fastest.

What you need to provide when booking:

• Cat's name, breed, sex, age, and microchip number
• Proposed arrival date
• Entry point (Tuas Checkpoint for road imports from Malaysia)
• Import licence application reference number

Where the AQC Is Located

The Animal Quarantine Centre is located at:

Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) 1 Perahu Road, Singapore 718827

The AQC is operated by AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service) under the National Parks Board (NParks). It is not accessible via public transport easily — most owners arrange transport with their agent or by taxi/private car.

AQC Quarantine Fees

Official AVS rates (as of 2026):

Fan-cooled vs. air-conditioned: Singapore is consistently 28–34°C with high humidity. Air-conditioned accommodation is recommended for most cats, particularly those from temperate climates or with flat-faced (brachycephalic) features like Persians or Exotic Shorthairs. The additional S$270 over 30 days is generally worth the welfare improvement.

Payment: AQC fees are settled at collection after the quarantine period. Your agent or you will receive a final bill. Keep the full quarantine amount in your budget.

What Your Cat's Daily Life Looks Like at the AQC

The AQC is a purpose-built veterinary quarantine facility, not a boarding cattery. It is clean, professionally staffed, and designed for animal welfare — but it is a controlled environment, not a home.

Daily routine:

• AVS veterinary staff check all animals daily for signs of illness
• Feeding twice daily with standard veterinary diet (you may be able to supply specific food — confirm with AVS at booking)
• Access to water at all times
• Individual kennel accommodation — cats are not housed with other animals
• Enrichment and handling by AQC staff

Medical care: If your cat requires vaccinations determined by AQC veterinarians on arrival, they are administered during the quarantine period. Any additional medical treatment required (illness, injury) is provided by AQC staff and billed to the owner at cost.

Environment: Kennels vary in size. The AQC accommodates both dogs and cats — but cat sections are separate from dog areas, which reduces stress. The facility is not designed for extended play or exercise in the way a boarding cattery would be.

Visiting Your Cat at the AQC

You can typically visit your cat during the quarantine period, but AVS regulates visiting arrangements. Current policies as of 2026:

• Visits must be pre-arranged with the AQC office
• Visiting hours are limited — contact the AQC directly to confirm current times
• You cannot remove your cat from the facility during the quarantine period for any reason
• Visits may be subject to a per-visit fee — confirm when you book

Contact the AQC directly at avs.nparks.gov.sg for current visiting arrangements. Policies can change, and what was in place last year may differ in 2026.

Practical visiting tip: Some owners find that visiting every 5–7 days strikes a good balance between keeping the cat used to their presence and minimising stress from multiple transitions in and out of the kennel area.

Can You Send Items Into the AQC?

Some cats are comforted by familiar scents from home. Ask the AQC at the time of booking whether you can supply:

• A blanket or item of clothing with your scent
• Specific food or treats (confirm what is permitted)
• Toys (non-interactive, no attached strings or small parts)

Not all items are permitted — the AQC has biosecurity protocols that limit what can enter and exit the facility. Do not send anything without prior AQC approval.

What Triggers Extended Quarantine

The standard quarantine is 30 days. AVS may extend this if:

• Your cat shows clinical signs of illness on arrival that warrant investigation
• Titre test results or documentation cannot be verified and re-testing is required
• Vaccination records are incomplete or inconsistent
• Your cat receives a vaccination on arrival and requires observation

Extended quarantine is billed at the same daily rate. This is uncommon for cats arriving with complete documentation, but it is not impossible. Keep a buffer in your budget.

What Happens on Day 30: Collecting Your Cat

On or after the 30th day, your cat is cleared to leave quarantine. Your agent or you arrange collection:

Collection process:

1. AQC issues a clearance notice once the quarantine period is complete
2. You or your agent attend the AQC with identification
3. AQC staff provide the final bill including any additional costs
4. Your cat is released with an AQC clearance certificate
5. Your cat can now travel home

What to bring to collection:

• Your identity card or passport
• Payment method for AQC fees
• A secure carrier for the journey home

After 30 days in a kennel, most cats are highly eager to be in a familiar, quiet environment. Plan to take your cat home and give them time to settle — a quiet room with food, water, litter, and bedding from before the move helps significantly.

Preparing Your Cat for Quarantine

There is no way to fully prepare a cat for 30 days in a quarantine facility, but there are things you can do to reduce stress:

Before travel:

• Carrier train your cat for several weeks before the move
• Use a pheromone spray (Feliway) in the carrier on travel day
• Ensure your cat is in good health — a vet check 1–2 weeks before travel is sensible
• Confirm your cat's regular diet with the AQC and send a small supply if permitted

During quarantine:

• Visit regularly if your situation allows
• Communicate any known medical conditions or dietary requirements to AQC staff at check-in
• Keep AVS and the AQC's contact numbers handy for any questions

Documents Needed for AQC Check-In

Your agent handles most of this, but ensure these are prepared:

• AVS Import Licence (certified copy)
• Titre test certificate with ≥0.5 IU/mL result
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• DVS-issued veterinary health certificate (≤7 days old)
• Microchip records
• AQC booking confirmation reference

How Pawsport Express Manages the AQC Process

We book your cat's AQC quarantine slot as part of our standard import service, coordinate the CAPQ inspection at Tuas, arrange transport from checkpoint to AQC, and handle the AQC documentation. We also flag any documentation issues before travel day that could trigger extended quarantine.

Get a quote for your cat's Malaysia–Singapore import.

AQC rates and quarantine policies are as published by AVS as of May 2026. Verify current procedures at avs.nparks.gov.sg before your move.