Share

Due to an exceptionally high number of import/export/transhipment licence applications, express service applications will be suspended temporarily from 22 August 2022 onwards. Thank you.

Preparing to bring dogs and cats into Singapore 

Before deciding to bring a dog or cat into Singapore, you should consider how its age, medical condition(s), and the stress of travel could affect it during the journey.

You should also purchase a suitable animal container to house the animal, and make the necessary arrangements with the airline(s) involved in the journey. The International Air Transport Association website offers guidelines on how to choose a suitable animal container. If your dog or cat is travelling inside the cabin, you are required to bring a suitable animal container to facilitate the transport of your dog or cat from Changi airport to AVS quarantine facilities.

Steps to take before bringing dogs and cats into Singapore

Steps to bring animals to Singapore

1. Identify exporting country/region rabies risk category

Countries/Region of export are categorised according to their rabies risk status. Dogs and cats coming from each country/region category are subject to different veterinary conditions.

As this categorisation is subject to change, please check our website closer to the date of import for the most current information on each country/region’s rabies risk status. 

Rabies risk categorisation

Category A
Countries/Region of export free from rabies
 Category B
Countries/Region of export with negligible risk of rabies
Category C
Countries/Region of export with controlled risk or low incidence of rabies
Category D
Countries/Region of export with undetermined risk of rabies
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • United Kingdom
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bermuda
  • Cayman Islands
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France 
  • Germany 
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Iceland
  • Italy 
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Liechtenstein
  • Luxembourg
  • New Caledonia
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands 
  • USA (Guam and Hawaii only) 
  • Canada
  • Czech Republic
  • Cyprus
  • Estonia
  • Greece

  • Latvia
  • Malta
  • Republic of Korea
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain (except Ceuta and Melilla)
  • Taiwan
  • United States of America (except Guam and Hawaii)
 All countries not listed in Categories A, B, and C.

Veterinary conditions for the import of dogs and cats vary, depending on which country/region category the animal comes from.

These conditions include sending the animal for vaccinations, blood tests, and parasite treatments. Some conditions need to be fulfilled within specific time frames, so read the conditions for import carefully before you begin your application process.

Veterinary conditions for the import of dogs and cats according to country/region category are as follows:

The dog and cat flowcharts below give you an overview of what to expect from the importing process. These charts contain the deadlines for completing certain critical veterinary conditions necessary for import.

You may also use our Dog and Cat Import Requirement Calculator to search for information about vaccination and testing requirements related to the import of dogs and cats. 

2a. Ensure the breed of dog or cat you are importing is allowed in Singapore

Breeds of dogs not allowed in Singapore   Breeds of cats not allowed in Singapore
  • 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.
    • Crosses of these and other breeds.
  • Akita.
  • Boerboel.
  • Dogo Argentino.
  • Fila Brasileiro.
  • Neapolitan Mastiff.
  • Tosa.
  • Perro De Presa Canario.
  • Crosses of any of the above breeds.
First to fourth generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses*.

*You are required to produce documentary proof of the following before import:

  • The Bengal cat cross you are importing is at least a fifth generation cross from the ancestral stock of Prionailurus bengalensis.
  • The Savannah cat cross you are importing is at least a fifth generation cross from the ancestral stock of Leptailurus serval.

2b. Ensure your dog or cat is allowed at your intended residence in Singapore

 Type of dog or cat  Number of dogs or cats allowed per Housing Development Board (HDB) residential flat  Number of dogs or cats allowed per unit of non-HDB residential premises
Non-Specified dog  One.  Up to three.
Specified dog  0  One. Out of the three dogs, only one Specified dog is allowed.
 Cat.  0  Check with your building management for specific rules on keeping cats.

A list of the breeds of dogs allowed to be kept in HDB flats can be found here.

3. Send your dog or cat for a rabies vaccination and a serology test

Dogs and cats coming from Category B, C, or D countries must have a valid rabies vaccination supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore. Current vaccinations and booster date must be recorded.

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. The antibody level must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.  

Please make sure that at each veterinary visit for testing or vaccination, the dog or cat must be scanned and the microchip number must be recorded on all documentation.  Currently, we only recognise WOAH-recommended tests for international trade for rabies which are Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralising (FAVN) Test and the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT).

For a detailed timeline of when to complete the rabies vaccination and the rabies serology test, please refer to the dog and cat Import flowchart in Step 1 .

4. Send your dog or cat for general vaccinations

Dogs must have valid vaccination against canine distemper, canine hepatitis and canine parvoviral infection supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore.

Cats must have valid vaccination against cat flu (feline calicivirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis) and cat enteritis (i.e. feline panleukopenia/ feline parvovirus) supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore.

Please make sure the dog's or cat's microchip number is indicated in all vaccination records .

For a detailed timeline on when to complete these vaccinations, please refer to the dog and cat import flowchart in Step 1.

5. Reserve quarantine space 

Dogs and cats from Category C or D countries must be quarantined at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) upon their arrival in Singapore.

Dogs and cats from Category C countries must be quarantined for either 10 days (Category C1) or 30 days (Category C2). This dog and cat import flowchart for Category C countries shows how you can minimise your dog’s or cat’s quarantine period. 

Dogs and cats from Category D countries must be quarantined for at least 30 days.

Dogs and cats from Category A or B countries are not required to undergo quarantine provided all veterinary conditions for import are met, and the animals are clinically healthy upon arrival.

Please reserve a quarantine space through our Quarantine Management System (QMS)As there is high demand for quarantine spaces, we encourage applicants to book early.

Please note that animals undergoing quarantine in AQC are required to provide their animal’s vaccination records (both rabies and general vaccination records) when reserving a quarantine space in QMS. This is to ensure that animals are adequately protected prior to quarantine in AQC. Examples of a valid vaccination record include vaccination cards or certificates containing the following information:

  • Microchip number of the animal
  • Date of vaccination
  • Vaccine brand name and batch number
  • Signature/endorsement of the attending veterinarian

For a detailed timeline on when to reserve quarantine space for your dog or cat, please refer to the dog and cat animal import flowchart in Step 1

More information on animal quarantine requirements is available here.

6. Obtain a dog licence before applying for an import licence

Dog licence

If you are importing a dog, you must obtain a dog licence before applying for an import licence. Please refer to the table below for the relevant fees. 

Licence fees

 Category  1-year licence*  2-year licence*   3-year licence* One-time licence@ 
Dogs below five months of age  $15 per dog  N.A. N.A.   N.A.
 First three dogs.

Sterilised:
S$15 per dog

Non-sterilised:
S$90 per dog

Sterilised:
S$25 per dog

Non-sterilised:
S$165 per dog

S$230 per non-sterilised dog

 $35 per sterilised dog
 Fourth and subsequent dog. S$180 per dog
or
A reduced licence fee of S$15 for the fourth dog**.
$325 per dog
or
A reduced licence fee of S$25 for the fourth dog**.
$460 per non-sterilised dog

 $460 per sterilised dog 

OR

A reduced licence fee of $35 for the fourth dog

*A 10% rebate is extended to licensees who make payment via GIRO, online, or via AXS.  Prices quoted exclude the 10% rebate.

@With effect from 1 Sept 2020, you will be able to apply for a one-time licence for sterilised dogs that is valid throughout the life of the dog.  Three year licences for non-sterilised dogs will automatically be changed to a one time licence when you update the dog's sterilisation status.


**Dog has to be a sterilised, obedience-trained mongrel adopted from our animal welfare rehoming partner.

 

Import licence

An import licence is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can apply for and obtain an import licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal

A step-by-step guide on how to apply for an import licence is available here.

 Type of licence  Cost  Service standard  Validity 
Licence to import/export/transship animals, birds, eggs, and biologics (personal)

 • S$50

 

 • S$100

• Normal service, where licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents.

• Express service, where licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents.

 Valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Licence to import/export/transship animals, birds, eggs, and biologics (commercial)

• S$87

 

• S$174

 • Normal service, where licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents.

• Express service, where licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents.

 Valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

If you are bringing in a mixed breed or cross breed dog, you must include a colour photo of your dog in your licence application. The photo must show the dog’s face and body, so that we can verify that it is not a prohibited breed.

For a detailed timeline on when to apply for the dog licence (if applicable) and import licence, please refer to the dog and cat import flowchart in Step 1

7. Obtain a Customs In-Payment (Goods and Services Tax) permit

The importation of pets require a Customs In-Payment (Goods and Services Tax ) permit before arrival in Singapore. You should engage a forwarding agent (List of Local Forwarding Agents (customs.gov.sg)) to obtain the permit.  Please refer to Singapore Customs website on Importing Personal Pets for more details on GST permits.

8. Book an inspection for your dog or cat

Book an inspection for your dog or cat via the Intelligent Food Approval & Safety Tracking System (iFAST) five days before the animal’s arrival, or earlier. Bringing your dog or cat for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an S$80 fee. The AVS import licence, flight details and contact number must be indicated in your iFAST booking.

Please avoid these inspection timings:
Mondays to Saturdays, 10.30 pm - 8 am.
Sundays and Public Holidays.

These step-by-step guides will help you create an account and book an inspection easily. 

Dogs and cats entering Singapore by air are inspected at our border control office located at Changi Airfreight Centre. The operating hours are:

  • Mondays to Saturdays, 8am-1pm and 2pm-10.30pm
  • Sundays and Public Holidays, closed

Please note that for dogs and cats arriving via air, the time of inspection is at least one and half hour upon arrival in Singapore.

Dogs and cats entering Singapore from Malaysia via land can only enter from Tuas Checkpoint from 8 to 10 am from Mondays to Saturdays.

For a detailed timeline on when to book an inspection for your dog or cat, please refer to the dog and cat import flowchart in Step 1.

Collection of pet container at CAPQ/Tuas

All pet containers (i.e. carriers and crates) exceeding the external dimensions of 82cm (L) by 64cm (H) by 58cm (W) (see picture attached) must be collected personally by pet owners/agents upon clearance at Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ)/Tuas Checkpoint.

Pet containers that are not collected at CAPQ/Tuas will be transferred to private transport contractors assigned by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

AVS will share the contact details of these private pet transporters with pet owners/agents, who will need to contact them directly to retrieve the pet containers.  Additional fees will be incurred.

All pet containers used for transportation of pets must comply with the latest International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animal Regulations.

9. Send your dog or cat for parasite treatments and obtain a veterinary health certificate

You must obtain a veterinary health certificate certifying that your dog or cat fulfils the required veterinary conditions for import, is healthy, and is free from any clinical sign of contagious or infectious disease and fit for travel at the time of export.
Step   Description 
Step A:   Download and print the veterinary health certificate template from the relevant veterinary conditions form or detailed pet import flowchart in Step 1.
Step B:   Your dog or cat must be treated for external and internal parasites. The treating licensed veterinarian must complete the certificate which you printed.
Step C:   Have the completed certificate endorsed by the exporting country’s government veterinarian.

For a detailed timeline on when to send your dog or cat for parasite treatments, and when to obtain the veterinary health certificate, please refer to the dog and cat import flowchart in Step 1.

10. Present your dog's or cat's import licence during check-in

During check-in, present your dog's or cat's import licence. Refer to Step 6 for steps on obtaining this licence. 

If your dog or cat comes from Category A or B countries, you also need to obtain a signed captain's declaration form endorsed by the transporting airline(s). The template for this form can be found in the veterinary conditions for import section or detailed dog and cat import flowchart in Step 1. 

*Emotional Support/Service Animals

If you are travelling with an emotional support animal, ensure that you have checked-in an IATA approved transport container as the animal will be transported from Changi passenger terminal to AVS quarantine facilities. Upon handing over the animal to the lost and found counter, owners must transfer their emotional support/service animal to their IATA approved transport crates.

Summary

  Country category 
 Requirement for import into Singapore  A B  C  D
 ISO-standard microchip  Y  Y  Y  Y
 General vaccination
 Y  Y  Y  Y
 Rabies vaccination.  -  Y  Y  Y
 Rabies serology test  -  Y  Y  Y
 Veterinary health certificate.  Y  Y  Y  Y
 Original vaccination records.  Y  Y  Y  Y
 Quarantine space reservation.      Y  Y
 Captain's declaration form. 
(template available in veterinary conditions for import of animals from category A and B countries)
 Y  Y    
 IATA Approved container   Y