The Ultimate Guide to Pet Relocation to Singapore (Updated for September 2024)

Moving to Singapore with your beloved pet is a life-changing event that is full of excitement, anticipation, and, of course, questions. If you're moving for work, family, or a new beginning, you'll need to make sure your pet is comfortable and that you follow Singapore's strict rules about bringing animals into the country. This complete guide has a full list of the veterinary, licensing, travel, and quarantine rules that are in effect as of September 2024.

Our goal at Pawsport Express is to make your pet's trip as easy as yours. We specialise in full-service pet relocation, which includes help with paperwork, international logistics, coordinating quarantine, and care after the pet arrives. We know how to take care of your pet at every stage.

Types of Countries Singapore's Pet Import System divides countries into three groups based on how likely they are to spread rabies. Each group has different rules for importing pets:

Schedule I – Rabies-Free Countries: This list includes Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK. Pets from these areas are thought to be the least likely to get sick and may not need to be quarantined if all paperwork and vaccination requirements are met.

Countries like the US, Canada, Japan, and many EU countries are on Schedule II, which means they have a controlled rabies risk. These pets need to get more vaccinations and blood tests, and they may have to stay at home or in a facility for 10 days.

Schedule III: High Rabies Risk: All other countries that are not on Schedules I and II. Pets from these areas have to go through the strictest rules, such as mandatory rabies serology testing and a 30-day quarantine when they get there.

Pawsport Express will help you figure out what kind of pet you have and walk you through each requirement so you don't get confused and make mistakes that cost you money.

Requirements for Bringing Pets into Singapore

No matter where your pet is coming from, there are some rules that apply to all pets:

Microchipping: All pets must have a microchip that meets the standards set by ISO 11784 or 11785. In Singapore, the chip should be able to be scanned at entry points. The owner must provide a reader if the chip is not ISO-compatible.

You need to get an import licence and a cat/dog licence from NParks/AVS. You can apply online using the PALS (Pet Animal Licensing System) and GoBusiness Licensing platforms.

Timeline: You must send in your application at least 30 days before you arrive. You need to plan your quarantine bookings and rabies tests well in advance.

Pawsport Express makes sure that every licence is filed correctly and on time. We also check in with AVS and our airline partners to make sure your pet's import journey stays on track.

Important Veterinary Paperwork

One of the most important things to do when bringing a pet into Singapore is to make sure that the veterinary paperwork meets AVS standards. You need a certified veterinary health certificate, and it can't be more than seven (7) days old when you leave. A government-approved veterinarian must fill out this certificate, and an official veterinarian from the country of export must sign it.

The certificate should have your pet's species, breed, age, sex, colour, microchip number, and proof that the pet is healthy, not contagious, and ready to travel. Also, all vaccination records must clearly show the microchip number to make sure that identity and vaccination status are linked safely.

Pawsport Express works directly with your vet to make sure that all the paperwork is filled out correctly and signed properly. This way, you won't have to worry about delays or being turned away at the border.

Guidelines for rabies vaccination and serology testing

Controlling rabies is a key part of Singapore's policy on bringing pets into the country. The amount of paperwork you need depends on how your country is classified. Pets from Schedule I countries don't have to be tested for rabies, but pets from Schedules II and III do have to follow these rules:

Vaccination: Given with an inactivated or recombinant vaccine that NParks/AVS has approved. The vaccine must be up to date and given according to the instructions from the maker.

Serology Test: A blood test approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) must be done at least 28 days after vaccination to confirm a neutralising antibody titre of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. You have to do this test at least 90 days and no more than 12 months before you ship.

Pawsport Express helps you make an appointment for your serology test at an approved lab, makes sure you follow the testing windows, and keeps track of booster shots to keep rabies protection standards up to date.

Treatments for parasites and clinical exams

Before flying to Singapore, all dogs and cats must be treated for both internal and external parasites. Treatment must happen between two (2) and seven (7) days before export, and the names of the products, active ingredients, and treatment dates must be written down.

Also, a government-approved veterinarian must do a clinical exam to make sure the pet is healthy and doesn't have any infectious or contagious diseases. These health guarantees are important for the health of all animals travelling abroad and for Singapore's strict biosecurity rules.

Pawsport Express gives your pet a detailed health checklist and helps you make appointments, so you'll never miss a deadline or forget an important treatment. We even check to make sure that the treatment formulations have AVS approval.

Quarantine Rules Based on the Schedule

Singapore has strict quarantine rules based on where the pet came from. This is to make sure that animals brought in from other countries don't bring in zoonotic diseases or put pets or public health at risk. Here's how the rules for quarantine change depending on the schedule:

Schedule I: Pets from countries that don't have rabies can enter Singapore without being quarantined as long as they have all the required vaccinations and paperwork.

Schedule II: Pets may be quarantined for 10 days at home or at a quarantine facility that has been approved by the AVS. To be eligible for home quarantine, the pet must arrive within five days of the owner and not be going to a new owner.

Schedule III: When pets arrive in Singapore, they must spend 30 days in quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). They also get another rabies shot when they enter, even if they have had one before.

Pawsport Express takes care of your quarantine booking and makes sure there is space at the AQC. We also work with AVS to get pre-approval for home quarantine for your pet if they qualify. This makes the transition easier and less stressful for your pet.

Requirements for transportation

There are a lot of rules about taking pets across borders. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations say that pets must be shipped in containers that are escape-proof and well-ventilated. The animal should be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably in these crates.

If your pet is coming from a Schedule I or II country, the airline captain or another authorised airline staff member must sign a declaration. This statement must say that the pet was not around other animals during the trip, stayed in a sealed crate, and did not get off at ports where it wasn't allowed.

Pawsport Express works with airline partners to make sure that all transport protocols are followed, including the right paperwork and care while the animals are in transit. They also provide IATA-certified carriers and arrange for pre-departure crate inspections.

Breeds that are not allowed and are limited

To keep people safe and protect animals, Singapore has banned some dog breeds and put limits on others. If you try to bring in a breed that is not allowed or don't meet the requirements for a restricted breed, your pet may not be allowed in.

Pit Bull Terrier (including all variants), Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Akita, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, Perro de Presa Canario, and any crosses of these breeds are not allowed.

Breeds that are not allowed are Bull Terrier, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and similar breeds, and Mastiffs like Bullmastiff and Cane Corso. These need a special licence, insurance coverage of SGD 100,000, and a guarantee from a bank.

Exotic Cats: Bengal and Savannah cats must have at least five generations of wild ancestors, such as Prionailurus bengalensis or Leptailurus serval. You must show proof in writing.

Pawsport Express will help you check if your pet is eligible, walk you through the special licensing process, and get the right papers to prove the lineage of restricted cat breeds. We make sure you follow the rules and feel safe before you travel.

NParks/AVS Check When You Arrive

When pets arrive in Singapore, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) must check them out. This step is required for clearance, and pets won't be let go until it is done. Depending on the pet's schedule and mode of travel, the inspection usually takes place at Changi Airport's Animal & Plant Quarantine Station or the Animal Quarantine Centre.

You must show the following papers during the inspection:

• AVS Import License

• License to Own a Cat or Dog

• Certificate of Health from the Vet

• Original Vaccination Records

• Rabies Serology Report (if necessary)

• Captain's Declaration for Pets in Schedule I and II

You need to book inspections at least five business days in advance using the iFAST system. Extra fees or delays may come with inspections that aren't planned. Pawsport Express sets up the inspection of your pet's arrival, makes sure the paperwork is ready, and has staff on hand to work with AVS officers.

Getting a licence to own a pet in Singapore

Pet owners in Singapore must get a licence to legally own a dog or cat. They also need a licence to bring animals into the country. This licence makes sure that you can be traced, that you are a responsible owner, and that you follow the rules for HDB and private housing. Depending on where you live and what kind of pet you have, the rules for getting a licence are different.

You can have up to three pets (any mix of dogs and cats) on private property.

HDB flats: You can only have one HDB-approved dog breed and two cats.

If you have a restricted dog breed, you need public liability insurance and an SGD 2,000 banker's guarantee.

Pawsport Express will look at your housing situation, help you pick the right licence category, and handle the submission of your application. We also check to see if your breed is allowed in HDB housing.

How to Apply and Get Notified

For the import process to work, licensing and inspection appointments must be planned ahead of time. Before your pet arrives, you need to get both the import and pet ownership licences from AVS. If you don't get the right permissions, you could be fined, denied entry, or have to wait longer for quarantine.

The steps are as follows:

1. You can apply for a Cat/Dog Licence through the PALS portal (https://pals.avs.gov.sg).

2. At the GoBusiness portal, send in your import licence application along with your approved pet licence.

3. Use the iFAST system to make an appointment for a veterinary checkup at least five business days before you arrive.

Pawsport Express combines all three steps of the application process into one service plan. Our skilled team makes sure that all entries are correct, that documents are uploaded in the right format, and that deadlines are met so there are no last-minute surprises.