Use this checklist to track every step of the Singapore to Malaysia pet export process. Work through it in order — some steps cannot start until earlier ones are complete. For the full explanation behind each step, see the complete Singapore to Malaysia pet export guide.
Requirements sourced from avs.nparks.gov.sg and dvs.gov.my. Verify current requirements with both agencies before your crossing date.
Phase 1: Before You Start (4 to 6 Weeks Before Crossing)
Pet eligibility:
- Confirm your pet has a working ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip
- Confirm the microchip is readable — arrange a scan at your vet if in doubt
- Confirm your pet's rabies vaccination is current (Malaysia requires proof of current vaccination for all incoming dogs and cats)
- If rabies vaccination has lapsed: schedule vaccination with your Singapore vet now
- If your dog is a Part 2 specified breed (Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Mastiff types): confirm breed acceptance with the local council at your Malaysia destination address
Malaysia DVS import permit:
- Apply for the Malaysia Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) import permit via dvs.gov.my
- Confirm your pet's details for the application: species, breed, sex, microchip number
- Allow processing time — do not assume same-week approval
- Receive and save the DVS import permit approval (print or digital — confirm which is accepted at Tuas)
Phase 2: Singapore Export Licence (3 to 4 Weeks Before Crossing)
- Log in to the GoBusiness Licensing Portal (gobusiness.gov.sg)
- Apply for the pet export licence
- Standard: SGD 50, approximately 2 working days
- Express: SGD 100, approximately 1 working day
- Receive export licence — confirm the microchip number on the licence matches your pet's chip exactly
- Note the licence expiry date (valid 90 days from issue) — confirm your crossing date falls within this window
- Save the export licence (you will present the original or certified copy at Tuas)
Phase 3: Veterinary Health Certificate (7 to 10 Days Before Crossing)
- Book appointment with a Singapore-licensed private veterinarian
- Bring all documents to the appointment:
- Microchip certificate or scan record
- Rabies vaccination certificate (microchip number must be on this document)
- Full vaccination history
- Malaysia DVS import permit (or approval reference)
- Singapore export licence
- Vet examines your pet and completes the health certificate in Malaysia's DVS format
- Confirm the microchip number on the health certificate matches all other documents exactly
- Confirm the health examination date on the certificate — this becomes the issue date
AVS endorsement (choose one option):
Option A — Malaysia DVS template, endorsed by AVS (recommended for land route):
- Submit original health certificate, vaccination records, and GoBusiness application number to AVS drop-off box at Raffles Building, Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Allow 2 working days for endorsement
- Collect or receive the endorsed certificate
- Confirm the endorsed certificate date — calculate whether it will still be within the validity window on your crossing date
Option B — QR-verifiable certificate (7-day validity from issue):
- Apply via GoBusiness Licensing Portal after vet completes the base certificate
- Self-print after AVS approval
- Confirm the certificate issue date — your crossing must fall within 7 days of this date
Phase 4: Day Before Crossing — Final Document Check
Run through every document and confirm each detail before you leave:
- Malaysia DVS import permit — pre-approved, accessible (print or confirmed digital)
- Singapore export licence — original or certified copy; not expired
- AVS-endorsed health certificate — original; within validity window
- Rabies vaccination certificate — microchip number matches all other documents
- Full vaccination records — for both dogs and cats
- Microchip implantation certificate or chip scan record
- Your passport or identity documents
Cross-check all microchip numbers. The number on the health certificate, the DVS import permit, the export licence, and the vaccination records must all match exactly. One wrong digit causes delays or refused entry at the JB DVS inspection.
Confirm DVS operating hours. Malaysia DVS officers at Tanjung Kupang CIQ operate on set hours — not 24/7. Confirm current operating hours with DVS Johor before your crossing day. Do not cross outside operating hours expecting to clear the DVS inspection.
Confirm your pet's carrier or crate:
- Carrier is secure, well-ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down
- Carrier is labelled with your pet's name, your contact details, and the microchip number
- Carrier is clean and familiar to your pet — a well-used carrier reduces travel stress
Phase 5: Crossing Day
Singapore side (Tuas Second Link):
- Drive to Tuas Checkpoint — not Woodlands Causeway (pets cannot be inspected there)
- Present Singapore export licence and health certificate to Singapore Customs
- Cross into Malaysia via Tuas Second Link
Malaysia side (Tanjung Kupang CIQ):
- Report to the DVS inspection area at the Malaysian checkpoint
- Present all documents to the DVS veterinary officer:
- Malaysia DVS import permit
- AVS-endorsed health certificate
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Full vaccination records
- Microchip certificate
- DVS officer inspects your pet (brief physical check and microchip scan)
- Receive DVS clearance
- Continue to your Malaysia destination
Phase 6: After Crossing (Dogs Only)
- Log in to PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg) with SingPass
- Locate your dog's licence
- Select the export/cancellation option and complete the process
- Save the cancellation confirmation
Cats do not currently have a Singapore PALS licence cancellation step.
Quick Reference: What Can Go Wrong
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Crossing at Woodlands instead of Tuas | Turned away; reroute to Tuas |
| DVS import permit not pre-obtained | Pet cannot enter Malaysia |
| Health certificate outside validity window | DVS officer rejects it; crossing fails |
| Microchip number mismatch across documents | Inspection halted; entry may be refused |
| Crossing outside DVS operating hours | No officer available; must wait or return |
| Expired export licence | Singapore customs issue; must reapply |
Key Contacts and Portals
| Task | Where |
|---|---|
| Singapore export licence | gobusiness.gov.sg |
| Malaysia DVS import permit | dvs.gov.my |
| PALS dog licence cancellation | pals.avs.gov.sg |
| AVS health certificate endorsement | Singapore Botanic Gardens (Raffles Building drop-off) |
| DVS Johor operating hours | Contact DVS Johor state office |
The Pawsport SG to Malaysia land package covers the export licence, AVS health certificate, Malaysia DVS import permit, and JB land transport at a fixed SGD 1,350 all-in. Your Pawsport coordinator manages the document sequence and confirms DVS operating hours before your crossing date.
For a step-by-step explanation of each item on this checklist, see the complete Singapore to Malaysia pet export guide. For what to expect at the JB customs inspection, see the JB customs pet inspection guide.
Sources: Animal and Veterinary Service, Singapore (AVS), Malaysia Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). Verify current requirements before your crossing date.