Moving to Singapore with a Pet
Singapore is one of the world’s great expat cities, and thousands of families with pets relocate here each year. The import process is well-structured and consistently administered. The key to a smooth move is starting early and following the steps in the correct order.
Understanding Singapore’s country group system
NParks (National Parks Board) via its Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) classifies origin countries into groups:
Group 1 (shorter quarantine, simpler pathway): Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and a few others. Post-arrival quarantine is typically 10 days.
Group 2 (longer quarantine): USA, Canada, and most European countries including Germany, France, Netherlands, and others. Post-arrival quarantine is typically 30 days.
Group 3 (most restrictive): All other countries not in Group 1 or 2.
Always confirm your country’s current group status on the NParks website, as classifications are reviewed.
Step-by-step process
Book a quarantine facility: NParks-approved private quarantine facilities in Singapore must be booked in advance. Book as soon as you have an approximate travel date.
Apply for the import licence: Through the GoBusiness portal. You need the quarantine facility booking reference, your pet’s microchip number, and vaccination records.
Prepare documentation in your origin country: Health certificate endorsed by national authority, titre test (for Group 2 countries), microchip record.
Book the cargo flight: Contact your airline’s live animal team. Singapore Airlines and Qantas have well-established live animal programmes to Changi (SIN).
Arrive in Singapore: Your pet goes directly from the aircraft to the approved quarantine facility. You will be notified when they are settled.
Quarantine completion: At the end of the quarantine period, collect your pet and register them with the relevant Singapore authorities.
After quarantine: life in Singapore
Singapore is a comfortable, safe, and well-served city for pet owners. Changi, Bishan, Bukit Timah, and East Coast areas have well-used dog parks. Veterinary care is excellent and internationally trained vets are common.
Heat and humidity are the main welfare consideration. Breeds with thick coats or brachycephalic breeds need careful management in Singapore’s climate. Access to air conditioning is essential.
Official sources:
- NParks/AVS: nparks.gov.sg
- GoBusiness licensing: gobusiness.gov.sg
- Approved quarantine facilities: nparks.gov.sg