Transshipping dogs and cats 

Transshipment refers to the act of transiting Singapore for less than 24 hours during the journey between countries.

A transshipment licence is needed for dogs and cats transiting Singapore.

Apply for a transshipment licence

Inform our relevant border control office of your dog’s or cat’s arrival date and time ahead of the animal’s arrival in Singapore.

You are required to prepare one of the following documents for your transshipment licence application:
• A valid veterinary health certificate endorsed by the official government veterinarian of the exporting country, or
• A valid rabies vaccination record of your dog and cat, or
• An import permit issued by the importing country.

Log in to GoBusiness Licensing Portal to upload the prepared document(s) and locate the specific transshipment licensing service.

A step-by-step guide on how to apply for a transshipment licence is available here.

 

Type of licence	Cost and validity
Licence to import/export/transship animals, birds, eggs, and biologics (commercial)	• S$87 for normal service. Issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. • S$174 for express service. Issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents. This licence is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Each licence allows you to export one consignment only.
Licence to import/export/transship animals, birds, eggs, and biologics (personal)	• S$50 for normal service. Issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. • S$100 for express service. Issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents. This licence is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

What happens during transshipment

If your dog or cat is transiting/transhipping Singapore via air, your dog or cat will be kept in the airline's animal holding area prior to loading on the connecting flight. Your pet may be subject to inspection by AVS during transhipment. You will be informed if an inspection is required.

If your dog or cat is transiting Singapore from Malaysia via land and departing Singapore via air, your dog or cat will be escorted by an AVS officer from Tuas Checkpoint to Changi Animal Quarantine Station (CAPQ). As the AVS officer will be following you and your pet in the same vehicle, you need to make an arrangement for a transport and reserving a seat for the said officer. The best timing to come to Tuas Checkpoint is between 8 to 10am. While travelling from Malaysia to Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint, please go through the Lorry / Heavy Vehicle Channel to reach A4 Bay (AVA Tuas Command). Your dog or cat must be transported in an IATA approved crate. You are required to pay S$38 per hour or part thereof for the escort from TUAS Checkpoint to CAPQ and S$26.25 per animal per dayto accommodate your dog or cat at CAPQ.