Moving Pets to Singapore: AVS Categories, Approved Countries, and What to Prepare

Singapore’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) divides the world into categories based on rabies risk. Which category your home country falls into determines what your pet needs before it can enter Singapore.

The Three Categories

Category 1 (Approved Low-Risk Countries): Australia, New Zealand, UK, most EU countries, Japan, USA, Canada, and others. Pets from Category 1 countries face the least restrictive requirements.

Category 2 (Approved Higher-Risk Countries): Various countries with controlled or present rabies. More documentation required.

Category 3 (Non-Approved Countries): No direct import permitted. Pet must first reside in an approved country for a set period.

Always verify the current AVS category list - it updates periodically and a country can move between categories.

Core Requirements for Category 1 Pets

ISO 15-digit microchip
Valid rabies vaccination
Titre test: required if your country is not on the simplified documentation list
AVS import licence
Health certificate issued and endorsed by a government vet
Pre-arrival stay at an AVS-approved facility (mandatory, even for Category 1 pets)

The Pre-Arrival Stay

All dogs and cats must stay at an AVS-approved animal holding facility for a minimum of 30 days after arrival in Singapore. This is not a quarantine facility in the traditional sense - your pet is housed at a licensed boarding facility, and you can visit. But it is mandatory, and you pay the boarding costs.

Book your space before booking flights. Approved facilities have limited capacity.

Permits and Timing

Apply for the import licence from AVS at least 4-6 weeks before travel. The licence specifies the approved entry point (Changi Airport only for air arrivals).

The health certificate must be issued no more than 7 days before departure and endorsed by a government authority in your country.

Cost Estimate (UK to Singapore)

Item	Estimated Cost
Titre test (if required)	£120-180
Import licence	SGD 16-26
Health certificate + APHA endorsement	£200-350
Airline cargo	£300-900+
30-day approved facility stay	SGD 800-2,500+
Agent fee	£200-500
Total	£1,500-3,500+

Sources: Singapore AVS import conditions. Data current as of {TODAY}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not traditional quarantine, but a mandatory 30-day stay at an AVS-approved animal boarding facility is required for all imported cats and dogs, even from low-risk Category 1 countries. You can visit your pet during this period. Costs are paid by the owner.

Check the current AVS approved countries list on the Singapore National Parks Board website. Categories change periodically. If your country is not listed as Category 1 or 2, direct import is not permitted and your pet must first reside in an approved country.