Taking your dog or cat from Canada to Singapore comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. There is a fair amount of paperwork here, so plan on around 12-20 weeks. Your pet will spend 30 days in quarantine after landing.
A rabies …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Canada to Singapore
typically takes around 12-20 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Canada to Singapore pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Apply for NParks/AVS import permit online. Confirm Category C requirements.
Responsible: Owner or agent
At least 10-12 weeks before intended travel.
2
Confirm microchip is ISO standard
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
3
Confirm rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
4
Blood draw for FAVN titre test at AVS-approved Canadian laboratory
Responsible: AVS-approved laboratory
After vaccinations confirmed current.
5
Pre-arrange 30-day government quarantine in Singapore
Responsible: Owner or agent
Book as soon as import permit is approved.
6
CFIA-accredited vet issues health certificate in AVS format
Responsible: CFIA-accredited vet
Within AVS-specified window before travel.
7
Book cargo space on chosen airline
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks ahead.
8
Travel to Singapore. 30-day government quarantine on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, NParks/AVS
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Singapore
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Must be current per AVS schedule.
Rabies titre test
Required. FAVN titre test. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood drawn at AVS-approved laboratory.
Quarantine
30 days at a Singapore government quarantine facility. More restrictive than Category B SRS. Must be pre-arranged.
Import permit
Required. Apply via NParks/AVS online before travel. Allow 4-6 weeks processing.
Health certificate
AVS-format health certificate from CFIA-accredited vet.
Export permit (Canada)
No formal export permit for personal pets leaving Canada.
FAVN titre test at approved Canadian lab: approximately CAD 150-300
30-day government quarantine in Singapore: SGD 1,800-3,500 (CAD 1,700-3,300)
Airline cargo to Singapore (with connections): CAD 1,000-2,500 depending on route and size
Total typical range: CAD 3,500 to CAD 7,500
Critical points to read before you book
Canada is Category C for Singapore, which means 30 days in a government quarantine facility, not 10 days in the SRS as for Category B countries. This is a significant commitment for both pet and owner. Plan carefully.
Singapore has breed restrictions: Pit Bull types, Akita Inu, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and others are prohibited. Check the full NParks/AVS restricted breeds list before making any arrangements.
Singapore's housing rules are strict. HDB flats (approximately 80% of housing) have strict pet limits. Confirm your accommodation allows your pet before starting the process.
30 days quarantine is harder on some animals than others. Younger, healthier pets adapt more readily. Senior pets and very anxious animals may find the quarantine period particularly challenging.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Vancouver or Toronto to Singapore via connections (often via Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Seoul). Air Canada Cargo.
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Vancouver/Toronto to Singapore via Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific Cargo. Well-established on this corridor.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
No direct Canada to Singapore service. Via connections. Singapore Airlines Cargo.
Cargo Only
Singapore entry requirements at a glance
The requirements for Singapore are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.
Getting the details right
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
FAQ
Common questions about Canada to Singapore pet transport
Singapore’s AVS category system is based on each country’s disease risk profile and the presence of specific diseases of concern. Canada is Category C primarily because of the presence of rabies in Canadian wildlife and the associated risk assessment. Australia is Category B with a different risk profile. The categories can be updated, so check the current NParks/AVS category for Canada at nparks.gov.sg/avs before starting.
30 days at a Singapore government quarantine facility for Category C countries, including Canada. This is longer than the 10-day Special Residential Scheme quarantine available to Category B countries. The quarantine is mandatory and cannot be shortened for any reason.
Yes. An FAVN rabies titre test is required for Category C countries including Canada. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The blood draw must be done at an AVS-approved laboratory. The result is required as part of the import permit application.
There are no direct Canada to Singapore flights. Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and Air Canada via various Asian hubs are the most common routes. Singapore Airlines does not currently serve Canada directly. Cathay Pacific Cargo is frequently used for this corridor by pet transport agents. Book cargo space early, as connections on this route can be complicated.
Airline guides
Air Canada
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.