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AVS has reviewed and updated the veterinary import conditions for dogs and cats entering Singapore. This ensures that Singapore’s veterinary import conditions are aligned with the international standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Overall, the changes after the review will offer greater flexibility, clarity and ease for pet owners while ensuring sufficient safeguards are in place for our biosecurity.

 

Preparing to bring dogs and cats into Singapore (from 1 July 2024 onwards)

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/Regions 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

 

Schedule I

Schedule II

Schedule III

· Australia

· New Zealand

· Republic of Ireland

· United Kingdom

· Austria

· Belgium

· Bermuda

· Canada

· Cayman Islands

· Cyprus

· Czech Republic

· Denmark

· Estonia

· Finland

· France

· Germany

· Greece

· Hong Kong SAR

· Iceland

· Italy

· Japan

· Jersey

· Latvia

· Liechtenstein

· Luxembourg

· Malta

· New Caledonia

· Norway

· Portugal

· Slovakia

· Slovenia

· Spain (except Ceuta and Melilla)

· Sweden

· Switzerland

· The Netherlands

· USA

Any country/region except countries/regions listed under Schedule I and II of the Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats

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, parasite treatments and post-arrival quarantine. 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:

Veterinary conditions

· Schedule I

· Schedule II

· Schedule III

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.

Flowchart

· Flowchart

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:

o American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier).

o American Staffordshire Terrier.

o Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

o American Bulldog.

o 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

Cat Two Up to three cats or dogs, or a combination of both.

Non-Specified dog

One

Up to three cats or dogs, or a combination of both.

Specified dog

0

One. Out of the three cats and/or dogs, only one Specified dog is allowed.

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

Import of dog/cat from Schedule I countries/regions do not require rabies vaccination and serology test.

Schedule II & III countries/regions

The dog/cat must have a valid vaccination against rabies using an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine acceptable to NParks/AVS. This refers to a valid primary vaccination and/or up to date booster(s) in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer.

 

The dog/cat must undergo blood sampling for rabies serology at least 28 days after a valid vaccination against rabies. The blood sampling must be done at least 90 days and within 12 months prior to the date of export.

 

The blood sampling for rabies serology must be conducted at either a WOAH reference laboratory for rabies or at a laboratory in a Schedule I or II country/region approved by the respective Competent Authority of the Schedule I or II country/region.

 

4. Send your dog or cat for general vaccinations

Dogs must have valid vaccination against Canine Distemper virus, Canine Adenovirus type 1 & Canine Parvovirus type 2 supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore.

 

Cats must have valid vaccination against Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Panleukopaenia 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 

Schedule II

Post-arrival quarantine is not required unless the pet falls under the following categories:

(a)   At least 10-day home quarantine is required for pets imported using a personal import licence where the pet:

                i.         Is brought into Singapore more than 5 days from the owner’s entry into Singapore.

              ii.         Has been with the owner for less than 6 months e.g. adopted, rescued or animals purchased less than 6 months from date of import into Singapore.

(b)   At least 10-day quarantine at AQC is required for pets imported using a commercial import licence.

 

To apply for home quarantine:

 

  1. Submit your application via this FormSG link
  2. Complete this step before applying for an import licence
  3. NParks officers will process your application within 3 to 5 working days

 

Please note that if home quarantine is approved, the licence holder shall comply with the “Conditions for the Quarantine of Dogs and Cats at Home”. Smart collar tags will be used to ensure that pets remain in their quarantine premises. Upfront payment of $29 per animal per day or part thereof will be applicable to importers whose pet(s) are eligible for the smart collar tag.

Schedule III

 

For animals arriving from Schedule III countries, post-arrival quarantine of at least 30-days at AQC is required. In addition, animals arriving from Schedule III countries will be vaccinated against rabies upon arrival in Singapore. The owner or his agent is responsible for ensuring that a quarantine space has been booked for the animal at the Animal Quarantine Centre, which can be done so via the Quarantine Management System (QMS).

 

Please note that animals undergoing quarantine at 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 at 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 AQC 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

Licence fees (Before 1 September 2026)

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.

** 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.

Licence fees (From 1 September 2026 onwards)

Category

1-year licence*

2-year licence*

3-year licence*

One-time licence**

Cats/Dogs below five months of age

$15 per cat/dog

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

First three cats/dogs

Sterilised:
S$15 per cat/dog

Non-sterilised:
S$90 per cat/dog

Sterilised:
S$25 per cat/dog

Non-sterilised:
S$165 per cat/dog

S$230 per non-sterilised cat/dog

$35 per sterilised cat/dog

Fourth and subsequent cat/dog

S$180 per cat/dog


OR


A reduced licence fee of S$15 for the fourth cat/dog^.

$325 per cat/dog


OR


A reduced licence fee of S$25 for the fourth cat/dog^.

$460 per non-sterilised cat/dog

$460 per sterilised cat/dog

OR

A reduced licence fee of $35 for the fourth cat/dog^^

* A 10% rebate is extended to licensees who make payment via GIRO, online, or via AXS. Prices quoted exclude the 10% rebate.
 
** You will be able to apply for a one-time licence for sterilised cats/dogs that is valid throughout the life of the cat/dog. Three-year licences for non-sterilised cats/dogs will automatically be changed to a one-time licence when you update the dog's sterilisation status.
 
^ Cat has to be sterilised and adopted from our animal welfare rehoming partner. Dog has to be a sterilised, obedience-trained local mixed breed adopted from our animal welfare rehoming partner. 

Import licence

An import licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply for and obtain an import licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal

 

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.

Example 1: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 before 5pm.  The application will be processed by 3 June 2024.
Example 2: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 after 5pm.  The application will be processed by 4 June 2024.

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

Example 1: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 before 5pm.  The application will be processed by 2 June 2024.
Example 2: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 after 5pm.  The application will be processed by 3 June 2024.

 

Valid for 90 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.

Example 1: Company ABC submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 before 5pm.  The application will be processed by 3 June 2024.
Example 2: Company ABC submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 after 5pm.  The application will be processed by 4 June 2024.

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

 

Example 1: Company ABC submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 before 5pm.  The application will be processed by 3 June 2024.
Example 2: Company ABC submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 after 5pm.  The application will be processed by 4 June 2024.

 

Valid for 90 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 eservices - National Parks Board (NParks) 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 booking.

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

 

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 Schedule I or II countries/regions, 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.