Exporting a dog or cat from Singapore involves two sets of rules: Singapore’s export procedures and the destination country’s import requirements. AT Pet Services coordinates these requirements in the correct order, helping families prepare permits, veterinary documents, airline arrangements, travel crates and departure handling.
Because every destination has different rules, the correct timeline depends on the country, pet, vaccination history and intended travel date. Starting early reduces the risk of missed tests, expired documents or unavailable flights.
What is required to export a pet from Singapore?
Every pet leaving Singapore requires an AVS export licence. The pet must also satisfy the entry conditions of the destination country, which can include vaccinations, laboratory tests, parasite treatments, a veterinary health certificate, government endorsement or a pre-export inspection.
The main steps are:
- Confirm the destination country’s current import conditions.
- Check the pet’s microchip and vaccination records.
- Complete any required laboratory tests or waiting periods.
- Arrange a suitable IATA-compliant travel crate.
- Apply for the AVS export licence at the appropriate time.
- Complete the required veterinary health certificate.
- Obtain AVS endorsement or a QR-verifiable certificate when required.
- Book any mandatory pre-export inspection.
- Confirm the flight, ground handler and departure documents.
AVS export licence
AVS requires an export licence for pets leaving Singapore. The licence is valid for 90 days from its issue date, so it should be applied for only when the travel timeline is sufficiently firm.
As of the review date of this page, AVS lists a S$50 normal-service fee and a S$100 express-service fee for the personal import, export and transhipment licence. Government fees and processing standards can change, so the official AVS page should be checked before submission.
If a licensed dog is permanently leaving Singapore, the Singapore dog licence should be cancelled after export.
Veterinary health certificates and government endorsement
Many destinations require a veterinary health certificate completed shortly before departure. The certificate wording and validity period are set by the destination authority, not by the airline or relocation company.
Some countries require their certificate template to be completed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by AVS. Where no destination-specific template exists, AVS may be able to issue a QR-verifiable veterinary health certificate based on a certificate from a licensed private veterinarian. The timing must be managed carefully because health certificates often have short validity periods.
Flights, travel crates and departure handling
Airline acceptance depends on the route, aircraft, breed, crate size and seasonal or operational restrictions. The travel crate must fit the pet correctly and satisfy the applicable airline and IATA requirements.
For manifest-cargo departures, arrangements may also be required with the airline’s Singapore ground-handling agent. The pet normally travels with the AVS export licence, original health certificate and any additional destination documents.
How AT Pet Services helps
Our export service can include:
- A route-specific requirements review and timeline
- Permit and document coordination
- Veterinary appointment and testing guidance
- Health-certificate preparation and endorsement support
- Flight and ground-handler arrangements
- Travel-crate sizing and preparation advice
- Pre-export inspection coordination when required
- Departure-day handling and journey updates
- Coordination with an overseas destination partner
When should I start?
For straightforward destinations, preparation may take several weeks. Countries with rabies serology, mandatory waiting periods, import permits or quarantine can require several months. Australia, New Zealand and Japan should normally be planned well in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I export my pet myself?
Yes, provided you complete every Singapore and destination requirement correctly. Families often use a pet relocation agent when the route involves multiple permits, strict certificate timing, cargo arrangements or overseas clearance.
Does every pet need a health certificate?
Not every destination uses the same certificate, but many require one. The destination authority’s current import conditions determine what is needed.
Can my pet travel on my flight?
Possibly. The available travel method depends on the airline, route, aircraft and pet. Some pets travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, while others must travel as manifest cargo.
Can AT Pet Services arrange door-to-door delivery?
Yes, where the route allows it. We can coordinate the journey from collection and preparation in Singapore through destination clearance and final delivery.
Plan your pet’s export from Singapore
Tell us the destination, preferred travel date and your pet’s details. We will review the route and explain the likely requirements, timeline and next steps.