Assistance dogs

An assistance dog is a dog trained to assist a person with a disability. The dog must fulfil certain requirements before we recognise it as an assistance dog suitable for import or export. Please note that emotional support dogs are currently not recognized as assistance dogs and will need to comply with the standard requirements and procedures for the import of dogs.

You should also make the necessary transportation arrangements with the airline(s) transporting your assistance dog. See the International Air Transport Association website for more information.

Importing assistance dogs

The requirements and procedures for bringing assistance dogs into Singapore are stated in the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs. Below is an overview.

1. Check that the breed of your dog is allowed in Singapore

Breeds of dogs not allowed in Singapore

Pit Bull

Akita
Boerboel
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Neapolitan Mastiff
Tosa
Perro De Presa Canario
And crosses of all the above

2. Ensure your dog fulfils our veterinary conditions for import, and qualifies as an assistance dog

Your assistance dog must fulfil our veterinary conditions for import, and qualify as an assistance dog.

Details on the conditions for import of assistance dogs can be found here. Some conditions must be carried out within specific time frames defined by the exporting country, so you should study the conditions well ahead of your dog’s travel period.

We also specify the requirements your dog must fulfil in order to be recognised as an assistance dog. These requirements can be found under the “Eligibility of assistance dogs” section.

3. Submit documents for assessment of your dog’s eligibility for import

Confirm your assistance dog’s eligibility for import by submitting the necessary supporting documents to us for assessment. This must be done before you apply for an import licence. Examples of supporting documents include:

Document(s) from a medical practitioner confirming your disability and ongoing dependence on your assistance dog.
Confirmation that your assistance dog has received training at a member organisation of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
Document(s) proving that your dog has been assisting you for at least six months.

* Emotional support/service animals (ESA) which do not have the required training by ADI or IGDF will not qualify as assistance dogs and are required to follow the regular import requirements and procedures.

For any enquiries or submission of necessary supporting documents to us for assessment, please contact animal_feedback@nparks.gov.sg.

4. Obtain an import licence

Apply for and obtain an import licence from us via GoBusiness Licensing Portal in order to bring your assistance dog into Singapore.

A step-by-step guide on how to apply for an import licence can be found here.

Type of licence	Cost and validity
Licence to import/export/transship animals, birds, eggs, and biologics (personal)	• S$50 for normal service. Licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. • S$100 for express service. Licence 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.

Exception for frequent travellers

If you travel frequently with your assistance dog, you can apply for a multiple import licence. The multiple import licence will be valid from the date of issue until the date your assistance dog’s rabies vaccination expires, or one year from the licence’s date of issue, whichever is earlier.

For enquiries on application of a multiple import licence of an assistance dog, please contact animal_feedback@nparks.gov.s g.

5. Obtain a veterinary health certificate

You must obtain a veterinary health certificate confirming that your assistance dog fulfils our veterinary conditions for import, that it is healthy, and it is free from any contagious or infectious disease prior to import.

You can obtain the certificate by following these steps:

Step	Description
Step 1	Download and print the relevant veterinary health certificate template available in the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs
Step 2	Have your licensed private veterinarian complete the certificate
Step 3	Have the completed certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian from the exporting country

You are required to obtain a veterinary health certificate if your dog is travelling to other countries before returning to Singapore. However, if your assistance dog is returning to Singapore within seven days of export, and you are unable to obtain a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate, please do the following:

Track

Description

If returning by air

Make an appointment for us to conduct a veterinary inspection. This appointment can be booked via our inspection and laboratory e-services website.

The appointment must be held 48 hours before leaving Singapore, and upon return to Singapore.

See Step 7 below for more information on making appointments for inspection.

If returning by sea

You are required to obtain a health certificate issued by the animal’s last port of boarding, as well as a captain's declaration. The latter must state that your assistance dog did not disembark or come into contact with other dogs during travel.

You can find the format for the captain's declaration in Annex C of the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs.

6. Make an appointment for border control inspection

Your assistance dog must undergo inspection at our border control office (either the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station or Tuas Checkpoint) upon arrival in Singapore.

Make an appointment for us to conduct a veterinary inspection. This appointment can be booked via our inspection and laboratory e-services website.

More information on the checkpoints as well as inspections can be found here.

7. Inspection upon arrival in Singapore

Your assistance dog will undergo veterinary inspection upon arrival in Singapore. If all the veterinary conditions for import are met, and your dog is clinically healthy on arrival, it will be allowed to enter the country.

Exporting assistance dogs

For information on the requirements for exporting your assistance dog, refer to the guidelines here.

Visit the website of the destination country’s relevant government authority to find out if there are any special requirements for entry of assistance dogs.

Exception for frequent travellers

If you travel frequently with your assistance dog, you can apply for a multiple export licence. This licence will be valid from the date of issue until the date your assistance dog’s rabies vaccination expires, or one year from the date of issue, whichever is earlier.

You are still required to fulfil all other export requirements.

Transshipping assistance dogs

If your assistance dog is transiting Singapore, refer to our requirements and procedures for transshipping dogs and cats via Singapore.