Pawsport Express
2025年5月11日
Introduction
Relocating to Singapore with your beloved pet is a life-changing experience filled with excitement, anticipation, and naturally, questions. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or a fresh start, bringing your furry friend along means ensuring their comfort and legal compliance with Singapore’s strict animal import regulations. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of the veterinary, licensing, travel, and quarantine requirements updated as of September 2024.
At Pawsport Express, our mission is to make your pet’s journey as seamless as yours. We specialize in complete pet relocation solutions, offering documentation support, international logistics, quarantine coordination, and post-arrival care. With our expertise, your pet is in safe hands every step of the way.
Country Classifications Under Singapore's Pet Import System
Singapore classifies countries based on the risk of rabies transmission into three schedules, each affecting the stringency of import requirements:
Schedule I – Rabies-Free Countries: Includes nations like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Pets from these regions are considered lowest risk and may be exempt from quarantine, provided all documentation and vaccination requirements are met.
Schedule II – Controlled Rabies Risk: Covers countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, and many EU nations. These pets must meet more comprehensive vaccination and serology requirements and may be subject to a 10-day home or facility quarantine.
Schedule III – High Rabies Risk: All other countries not listed in Schedules I and II. Pets from these areas face the strictest measures, including mandatory rabies serology testing and a minimum 30-day quarantine on arrival.
Pawsport Express will help you determine your pet’s classification and guide you through each unique requirement to eliminate confusion and prevent costly mistakes.
General Requirements for All Pet Imports to Singapore
No matter where your pet is coming from, certain universal conditions apply:
Microchipping: All pets must be microchipped with a device compliant with ISO 11784 or 11785. The chip should be scannable at entry points in Singapore. If the chip is not ISO-compatible, a reader must be supplied by the owner.
Licenses: An Import Licence and Cat/Dog Licence must be acquired from NParks/AVS. The application process is digital, conducted through the PALS (Pet Animal Licensing System) and GoBusiness Licensing platforms.
Timeline: Applications must be filed no later than 30 days prior to arrival. Quarantine bookings and rabies testing must be planned well in advance.
Pawsport Express ensures every license is filed accurately and on time. We also follow up with AVS and airline partners to keep your pet’s import journey on track.
Veterinary Documentation Essentials
One of the most critical steps in importing a pet into Singapore is ensuring that veterinary documentation meets AVS standards. A certified veterinary health certificate is required and must be issued no more than seven (7) days prior to departure. This certificate must be completed by a government-approved veterinarian and endorsed by an official veterinarian from the country of export.
The certificate should include your pet’s species, breed, age, sex, coloration, microchip number, and confirmation that the animal is healthy, free from contagious diseases, and fit for travel. Additionally, all vaccination records must clearly reference the microchip number, ensuring a secure link between identity and immunization status.
Pawsport Express works directly with your veterinarian to ensure documentation is filled out correctly and endorsed properly, eliminating the risk of delays or rejections at the border.
Rabies Vaccination and Serology Test Guidelines
Rabies control is a cornerstone of Singapore’s pet import policy. The level of documentation required depends on your country’s classification. Pets from Schedule I countries are exempt from rabies testing, while pets from Schedules II and III must comply with the following:
Vaccination: Administered using an inactivated or recombinant vaccine approved by NParks/AVS. The vaccine must be current and administered according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Serology Test: At least 28 days post-vaccination, a WOAH-approved blood test must be conducted to confirm a neutralizing antibody titre of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. This test must be conducted not less than 90 days and not more than 12 months prior to export.
Pawsport Express assists with scheduling your serology test at an approved lab, monitors compliance with testing windows, and keeps track of booster shots to maintain rabies protection standards.
Parasite Treatments and Clinical Exams
Singapore requires all dogs and cats to be treated for both internal and external parasites shortly before their flight. Treatment must occur within two (2) to seven (7) days prior to export and must be documented with product names, active ingredients, and treatment dates.
Additionally, a clinical examination by a government-approved veterinarian must confirm that the pet shows no signs of infectious or contagious diseases and is deemed fit to travel. These health assurances are vital for the wellbeing of all animals traveling internationally and for Singapore’s strict biosecurity protocols.
With Pawsport Express, your pet receives a detailed health checklist and appointment coordination, so you never miss a deadline or forget a critical treatment. We even confirm treatment formulations meet AVS approval.
Quarantine Rules Based on Schedule
Singapore enforces strict quarantine regulations depending on the pet's country of origin. This is to ensure that imported animals do not introduce zoonotic diseases or pose a threat to resident pets or public health. Here’s how quarantine requirements differ by schedule:
Schedule I: Pets from rabies-free countries may enter Singapore without quarantine, provided all vaccination and documentation criteria are met.
Schedule II: Pets may undergo 10-day quarantine either at home or at an AVS-approved quarantine facility. Home quarantine eligibility depends on whether the pet arrives within five days of the owner and is not being transferred to a new owner.
Schedule III: Pets must undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) upon arrival in Singapore. They also receive an additional rabies vaccination upon entry, regardless of prior vaccinations.
Pawsport Express manages your quarantine booking and ensures space availability at the AQC. We also liaise with AVS to obtain pre-approval for home quarantine if your pet qualifies, easing your transition and reducing stress on your pet.
Transport Requirements
Transporting pets internationally is highly regulated. Singapore requires that pets be shipped in escape-proof, well-ventilated containers that comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. These crates must be spacious enough to allow the animal to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
For pets coming from Schedule I and II countries, a signed declaration from the airline captain or authorized airline staff is mandatory. This statement must confirm that the pet was not exposed to other animals during transit, remained in a sealed crate, and did not disembark at unauthorized ports.
Pawsport Express provides IATA-certified carriers, arranges for pre-departure crate inspections, and coordinates with airline partners to ensure full compliance with transport protocols, including necessary documentation and in-transit care.
Prohibited and Restricted Breeds
To maintain safety and prevent animal welfare issues, Singapore has banned certain dog breeds and placed restrictions on others. Importing prohibited breeds or failing to meet conditions for restricted breeds can result in your pet being denied entry.
Prohibited Dog Breeds: Pit Bull Terrier (including all variants), Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Akita, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, Perro de Presa Canario, and any crosses thereof.
Restricted Breeds: Bull Terrier, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and related breeds, Mastiffs like Bullmastiff and Cane Corso. These require special licensing, insurance coverage of SGD 100,000, and a banker’s guarantee.
Exotic Cats: Bengal and Savannah cats must be at least five generations removed from their wild ancestors (e.g., Prionailurus bengalensis or Leptailurus serval). Documentary proof must be provided.
Pawsport Express will help verify your pet’s eligibility, guide you through special licensing procedures, and source proper documentation for lineage verification of restricted cat breeds. We ensure compliance and peace of mind before you travel.
NParks/AVS Inspection on Arrival
Upon arrival in Singapore, all pets must undergo an official veterinary inspection conducted by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). This step is mandatory for clearance, and pets will not be released without it. The inspection typically occurs at Changi Airport’s Animal & Plant Quarantine Station or at the Animal Quarantine Centre, depending on the pet’s schedule classification and travel mode.
You must present the following documents during inspection:
AVS Import Licence
Cat/Dog Ownership Licence
Veterinary Health Certificate
Original Vaccination Records
Rabies Serology Report (if applicable)
Captain’s Declaration for Schedule I & II pets
Inspections must be booked at least 5 working days in advance through the iFAST system. Unscheduled inspections may incur additional fees or delays. Pawsport Express schedules your pet’s arrival inspection, ensures document readiness, and has staff on-site to coordinate with AVS officers.
Licensing for Pet Ownership in Singapore
In addition to import licensing, pet owners in Singapore must obtain a license to legally keep a dog or cat. This license ensures traceability, responsible ownership, and compliance with HDB and private housing rules. Licensing requirements vary based on your place of residence and your pet’s breed.
Private property: Up to 3 pets (any mix of dogs and cats) are allowed.
HDB flats: Limited to one HDB-approved dog breed and up to 2 cats.
Restricted dog breeds require public liability insurance and a SGD 2,000 banker’s guarantee.
Pawsport Express will evaluate your housing status, help you choose the correct license category, and manage the application submission. We also provide breed eligibility checks for HDB housing limitations.
Application and Notification Process
The importation process requires coordinated licensing and inspection bookings. Both the import and pet ownership licences must be obtained through AVS before your pet arrives. Failure to acquire proper authorizations can lead to fines, entry denial, or quarantine delays.
The steps include:
Apply for a Cat/Dog Licence via the PALS portal (https://pals.avs.gov.sg)
Submit the approved pet licence along with your Import Licence application at the GoBusiness portal
Make an appointment for veterinary inspection at least 5 working days before arrival via the iFAST system
Pawsport Express consolidates all three application steps under one service plan. Our experienced team ensures that all entries are correct, documents are uploaded in the right format, and deadlines are met to avoid last-minute surprises.