A pet import to Singapore must meet AVS requirements based on the exporting country or region, the animal’s vaccination history and the intended arrival date. AT Pet Services coordinates route assessment, permits, veterinary preparation, flight documents, border inspection, customs or quarantine arrangements and final delivery.
Singapore classifies exporting countries and regions into different schedules. That classification affects rabies preparation, laboratory testing and quarantine. Requirements should therefore be checked for the individual pet and route before flights or veterinary appointments are finalised.
Main requirements for importing a dog or cat
Depending on the route, preparation can include:
- An ISO-compatible microchip
- Valid core vaccinations
- Rabies vaccination and rabies serology
- A dog or cat licence in Singapore
- An AVS import licence
- An official veterinary health certificate
- A captain’s declaration
- Quarantine or approved home quarantine
- A Customs In-Payment permit where applicable
- A border-control inspection appointment
- An IATA-compliant rigid travel crate
The pet must also be an allowed breed and be permitted at the intended Singapore residence.
Microchip and vaccination records
AVS requires dogs and cats to be identified with an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A compatible microchip. The same microchip number should appear consistently on vaccination, laboratory and veterinary documents.
Dogs require valid core vaccinations against canine distemper, canine adenovirus type 1 and canine parvovirus type 2. Cats require valid core vaccinations against feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1 and feline panleukopaenia. Rabies requirements depend on the exporting country or region.
Rabies serology and waiting periods
Pets arriving from some schedules require a valid rabies vaccination followed by a rabies antibody test. The blood-sampling date, approved laboratory and required waiting period are critical. A test performed too early, too late or by an unsuitable laboratory can affect the planned arrival date.
The timeline should be calculated from the pet’s actual vaccination and sampling records rather than from a generic checklist.
Quarantine in Singapore
Quarantine depends on the exporting country or region, the type of import licence and whether all veterinary conditions are satisfied.
- Fully compliant pets from Schedule I countries or regions generally do not require post-arrival quarantine.
- Some personal imports from Schedule II countries or regions may qualify for quarantine-free entry when AVS conditions are met.
- Other Schedule II personal imports may require home quarantine, while commercial imports may require quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre.
- Pets from Schedule III countries or regions generally require at least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre.
Quarantine space is limited and should be reserved early whenever it is required.
Singapore pet licence and import licence
A dog or cat licence must be obtained through PALS before applying for the import licence. The AVS personal import, export and transhipment licence is valid for 90 days from issue.
Applications should be timed around the arrival date and supported by the required veterinary and flight documents. Government fees and service standards should always be confirmed from the current AVS guidance.
Arrival inspection and clearance
AVS requires an appointment for border-control inspection to be booked at least five days before arrival. The arrival process may include document checks, microchip scanning, veterinary inspection, customs clearance and transfer to quarantine or release for delivery.
Pets travelling in the cabin or as accompanied baggage must still have a suitable rigid crate for transfer to the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station. Soft travel bags are not accepted for that transfer.
How AT Pet Services helps
Our Singapore import service can include:
- Country-schedule and route assessment
- A personalised requirements checklist and timeline
- Licence and permit coordination
- Review of vaccination, microchip and laboratory records
- Veterinary-certificate guidance
- Quarantine planning and booking support
- Flight and crate coordination
- Border inspection and customs arrangements
- Airport collection and safe delivery
- Updates during clearance and handover
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start?
Start several months ahead whenever rabies testing, a waiting period or quarantine is involved. Even a simpler route should allow time for permits, veterinary documents, flights and inspection appointments.
Can my pet avoid quarantine?
It depends on the country or region of export, import type and full compliance with the applicable AVS conditions. Quarantine should never be assumed until the route and documents have been reviewed.
Can I import a restricted dog breed?
Singapore prohibits certain dog breeds and crosses. Housing restrictions can also apply even when a breed is otherwise importable. Confirm breed eligibility and residence rules before making travel commitments.
Can AT Pet Services deliver my pet home?
Yes. Where permitted, we can coordinate inspection, clearance, release and final delivery to the approved address.
Plan your pet’s arrival in Singapore
Share the exporting country, proposed arrival date and your pet’s records. We will assess the route and explain the necessary preparation, quarantine position and next steps.
Related pet relocation guides
Official Sources
AVS — Importing dogs and cats and AVS Animal Quarantine Centre