Bringing your pet to Singapore: A lowdown on Singapore’s pet import rules

If you have to relocate to Singapore with your pet dog or cat, there are a few pet import rules that you need to follow to be able to bring your pet into the country. There are a multitude of steps to follow, and it is crucial that every single step is completed accurately. Read on to know what you need to do to be able to fly your dog or cat to Singapore.

Identify your country category

Singapore has different rules for dogs and cats flying in from different countries. Before you start the relocation process, the first thing to do is to identify the category of the country from where your pet is flying in. The Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has different categories for countries based on their rabies risk status. The categories are:

• 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)
• 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

Ensure your pet is not a banned breed

Singapore prohibits a few aggressive breeds from entering the country. Check the list before beginning your preparations.

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 breeds

• First to fourth generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses

Microchip

Dogs and cats entering Singapore must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted in them. The microchip needs to be ISO 11784/11785 compliant, so check with your vet and get the right microchip.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are different for each country category. If your dog is travelling from a country in Category A, he or she will need general vaccines such as canine parvovirus, hepatitis and distemper. Cats need to be vaccinated against cat flu, and cat enteritis.

Pets travelling from countries in Category B need the vaccinations as mentioned earlier as well as a rabies vaccine, not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before flying to Singapore. Your dog or cat will also need a rabies blood titre test more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

If your pet is travelling from a country in Category C, he or she will need the general vaccines mentioned above and rabies vaccine more than three months before travelling. Post the rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test has to be done more than 30 days after the vaccination and within six months of travelling to Singapore.

Pets travelling from countries in Category D need the longest time window to prep for the move. Your dog or cat has to have all his or her vaccinations up to date and be vaccinated for rabies six months before entering the country. Your pet will need a blood titre test more than 30 days after the vaccination and within six months of flying.

All vaccinations and the blood titre test must be done by an accredited vet, and the microchip number has to be mentioned in all vaccination records.

Book quarantine space

Cats and dogs travelling from countries in categories A and B do not have to be quarantined, provided all the paperwork is correct, and all veterinary conditions are met. However, pets travelling from country category C and D will have to spend time in the quarantine facility in Sembawang.

You will have to book quarantine space at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station at least three months before the arrival of your pet. Pets flying in from countries in Category C will spend a minimum of 10 days or a maximum of 30 days in quarantine and those flying in from countries in Category D will be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days.

Apply for a dog licence and import licence

Dog parents need to apply for a dog licence online and then apply for a pet import licence subsequently at least 30 days before entering Singapore.

Book inspection

After applying for the import licence, the next step is to book an inspection date for your dog or cat five days before your pet’s arrival. Try and avoid landing on Sundays and public holidays, which can lead to lengthy delays.

Veterinary health certificate

You will need a veterinary certificate that certifies that your pet dog or cat is healthy and meets all the necessary veterinary conditions. Treat your dog for external and internal parasites before getting the veterinary certificate endorsed.

Check-in and arrival in Singapore

When you check your pet in, an import licence must be presented. Pets flying in from country categories A and B also need a Caption’s Declaration Form from the airline. As you arrive in Singapore with your pet dog or cat, your pet will undergo inspection by an AVA officer. If your pet does not require quarantine, you can take him or her home immediately. If your pet needs quarantine, he or she will be transferred to the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station and released after fulfilling the quarantine conditions.

Call the experts

Moving homes can get very stressful, especially if there is a lot of paperwork involved. Your pet can be refused entry or will face extended quarantine periods if all the required veterinary conditions are not met. It is advisable to use the services of a pet relocation company to manage your move and mitigate any potential issues. Reach out to us at Petraveller for any questions about moving to Singapore, and we will be glad to help you with the relocation. Safe travels!