Import a dog to Singapore

So you have reached the big decision to relocate to Singapore. Now how do you import your dog to Singapore and ensure the relocation process takes place in the best possible way? 

Worry not, Pet Airport and their wonderful team in Singapore are here to assist you with all the procedures, documents and transport of the animal.

Strict regulations

Singapore has strict import regulations to protect the local fauna from rabies and any other other imported diseases. If you are looking to move to Singapore with your pets, make sure you verify the quarantine regulations in Singapore. 

The number of days your pet spends in quarantine changes based on the country you are flying from. Generally, your dog will need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, other vaccinations, parasite treatments, health certificate and import license. On top of that, you will need to organize a health inspection upon arrival and may need to organize your dog to stay in Singapore Pet Quarantine (see detailed information below). 

Import license

Before entering Singapore, you need to apply for a dog license as well as an import permit from the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) at least 30 days prior to the pet arrival date. You will of course also need a veterinary health certificate that certifies that your pet dog or cat is healthy and meets all the necessary conditions and a valid rabies vaccination certificate supported by vaccination records. 

It is also important to treat your dog for external and internal parasites before getting the health certificate endorsed by your vet. 

All applications for the import, export of personal pets (e.g. dog, cat, small mammals, ornamental bird) in Singapore must be handled either by the pet owner or by an AVS recognized pet agent. 

You also need to purchase a suitable animal container or crate to transport the animal and make all the arrangements with the airline(s) involved in the journey (to avoid any refusal).  

The steps below contain a summary of post-arrival procedures: 

• Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (for an arrival by plane) 
• Tuas Checkpoint (for an arrival by road) 

If your pet does not require quarantine, your pet will be released upon passing inspection. 

If your pet requires quarantine, 

• AVS will transport your pet to Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). 
• Your pet will be released from quarantine after its quarantine period. (10 to 30 days). 

Pet owners are usually allowed to visit them. However, home quarantine will be available to some dogs and cats, mostly those with health conditions, as well as pets coming from countries with lower risk of animal disease. The pets will have smart collar tags throughout their quarantine period to ensure that they remain in their assigned premises.  

Rabies risk status 

Singapore classifies countries in 4 main categories according to the rabies risk status: 

• Category A – Countries free from rabies: Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom 
• Category B – Countries with negligible risk of rabies: Cayman Islands, Denmark, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, USA (Guam & Hawaii only) If your pet transport is from one of these countries, the pet will not need to be quarantined in Singapore. 
• Category C – Countries with low incidence of rabies: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, USA (except Guam & Hawaii) 
• Category D – Countries with undetermined risk of rabies: All other countries 
If you're shipping your pet from any of these countries, the quarantine could be either 10 days or 30 days. A blood sample taken and tested for acceptable rabies antibody levels at least 30 days after the above vaccination must also be done for these dogs and cats.

Quarantine space

The previous quarantine facility in Singapore was Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS). It was the sole quarantine facility for pets arriving in the country and was considered one of the best quarantine stations in the world. 

There is now a new Animal Quarantine Centre, which is run by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) under the National Parks Board (NParks). This new centre boasts technological improvements that help to monitor the health condition of animals and ensure their comfort. Your pet will receive professional care and daily checks by on-site veterinary staff. 

You need to book a quarantine space in advance (around 3 months before the pet arrival) so do not wait till the last minute. Quarantine is necessary to prevent the spread of rabies in Singapore, which has been free of the viral infection for the last 60 years. 

Entry restrictions

Some dogs are barred from entry to Singapore. So if you are bringing in a mixed breed or cross breed dog, make sure to add a color photo of your dog in your licence application. The photo must show the dog's face and body, to verify that it is not a prohibited breed. 

There are also additional restrictions on owning the following breeds while residing in Singapore: Bull Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog with its related breeds such as the Belgian Shepherd Dog and the East European Shepherd Dog, Mastiffs including the Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso and Dogue De Bordeaux, and crosses between any of the above breeds and other breeds. 

Banned dog breeds are: Pit Bull including American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and crosses between them and other breeds Akita Boerboe Dogo Argentino Fila Brasileiro Neapolitan Mastiff Tosa Perro De Presa Canario Crosses of the above breed 

Call Us

If you are a pet owner and you need to relocate or travel to Singapore, contact us and we’ll draw up a complete travel plan to Singapore for your furry friend.