SG
Pet Import to Singapore
Moderate-Strict to importVerification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by Dr. Sarah Okafor, International Animal Health Consultant
Singapore’s Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS, part of NParks) sorts origin countries into three Schedules, and your pet’s quarantine depends on which one it is coming from. Schedule I is Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom: no rabies vaccination and no quarantine, provided the pet has lived there (or in another Schedule I country) for at least 6 months before export or since birth. Schedule II includes the USA, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong SAR and many European countries, among them France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain (except Ceuta and Melilla). Everywhere else is Schedule III, which means at least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC), booked in advance.
Some dogs are not allowed into Singapore at all. AVS lists Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario, and crosses of any of these.
Housing matters too. Licence conditions allow only 1 dog of an approved breed and up to 2 cats in an HDB flat. Know the housing rules before you commit to bringing a large dog.
Import Requirements
Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 1 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.
Who is in charge
- Import of dogs and cats is regulated by AVS (part of NParks); the import licence is applied for through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
| Group | What applies | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | No rabies vaccination or serology required; no quarantine if all conditions are met; pet must have lived in the exporting (or another Schedule I) country for at least 6 months or since birth. Source | Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom |
| Schedule II | Rabies vaccination and serology (at least 0.5 IU/ml, sample 90 days to 12 months before export). Personal imports exempt from quarantine if the pet arrives within 5 days of the owner and has lived with the owner at the same address for over 6 months; otherwise minimum 10 days' home quarantine (10 days at AQC for commercial imports). Source | 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 |
| Schedule III | Rabies vaccination and serology as for Schedule II, plus at least 30 days' quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC), booked in advance. Source | all other countries/regions |
- Origins are grouped into Schedules I, II and III (this replaces the old Category A to D system). Schedule I is Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Schedule III covers every country or region not in Schedules I and II (for example UAE, Malaysia, South Africa, Taiwan, South Korea are not in Schedule I or II as listed).
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule III origins.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
Import permit
- An AVS import licence is required. Fee S$50 (normal, 2 working days) or S$100 (express, 1 working day). It is valid for 90 days from issue.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - A Singapore dog or cat licence must be obtained before applying for the import licence.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
Microchip
- Microchip to ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A is required. AVS pages do not say the chip must be implanted before rabies vaccination, but the chip code must match the health and vaccination certificates (see next entry).
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - At CAPQ the pet is checked for a microchip whose code matches the one on the veterinary health certificate and the vaccination certificate.
Applies to Schedule II.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
Rabies vaccination
- Not required: Schedule I pets need no rabies vaccination (and no quarantine) under the 1 April 2026 Schedule I conditions.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule I origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule I (DOGCAT 83-1, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - Schedule II (and III) pets need a valid rabies vaccination with an inactivated or recombinant vaccine acceptable to AVS, primary and boosters per the manufacturer.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule II and III origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test
- Rabies serology at least 28 days after vaccination, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, sample taken not less than 90 days and not more than 12 months before export, at a WOAH reference laboratory or a lab in a Schedule I or II country approved by its competent authority.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule II and III origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - Same serology rule applies to Schedule III.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule III origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
Health certificate
- Veterinary certificate (AVS template) dated not more than 7 days before export, signed by a government-approved vet and endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the exporting country.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule II origins (same pattern in Schedule I and III conditions).
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
Other vaccines and tests
- Dogs need core vaccination against canine distemper, canine adenovirus type 1 and canine parvovirus type 2, per manufacturer recommendations.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Cats need core vaccination against feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus 1 and feline panleukopaenia.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
Parasite treatment
- External (fleas and ticks) and internal (nematodes and cestodes) parasite treatment between 2 and 7 days before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule II origins (also stated on the main AVS page for all).
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
Quarantine
- No quarantine for Schedule I pets.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule I origins.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Schedule II personal imports are exempt from quarantine only if the pet arrives less than 5 days from the owner's entry and has lived at the owner's address for over 6 months; otherwise at least 10 days' home quarantine (10 days at AQC for commercial licences). Home quarantine conditions document is effective 18 Dec 2024.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule II origins.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Schedule III pets must spend at least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC), booked in advance through the Quarantine Management System (QMS).
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule III origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - AQC is at 2 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698919; book through QMS.
Applies to dogs and cats needing AQC quarantine.
Animal Quarantine Centre, checked 1 October 2026
Arrival points and notice
- Air arrivals are inspected at Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ); land arrivals at Tuas Checkpoint. Book the border inspection at least 5 days before arrival.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
Minimum age
- At least 12 weeks old at export.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
How many pets
- No per-import limit is stated in the import conditions, but licence conditions cap keeping at 3 cats or dogs in private premises, and only 1 dog of an approved breed plus up to 2 cats in an HDB flat.
Applies to All pet dogs and cats.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - HDB flats: only 1 dog of an approved breed and up to 2 cats.
Applies to Pets living in HDB flats.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
Banned and restricted breeds
- Dogs not allowed into Singapore include Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and crosses of these with other breeds), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario, and crosses of any of these breeds.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - First to fourth generation Bengal and Savannah cat crosses are not allowed; fifth generation or later only.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Part 2 specified dogs (Bull Terrier, Dobermann, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and related breeds, mastiffs including Bullmastiff, Cane Corso and Dogue de Bordeaux, and crosses) may be licensed but must be leashed and muzzled in public, with insurance of at least S$100,000 and a S$2,000 banker's guarantee (page last updated 17 September 2026).
Applies to Part 2 specified dog breeds.
Specified dogs, checked 1 October 2026
How your pet may travel
- Pets may travel in-cabin or as excess baggage as well as cargo; in-cabin/excess baggage pets still need a rigid IATA-compliant hard crate. Soft bags are not allowed for transfer to CAPQ.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026 - Pets travelling in the cabin are handed to the Lost and Found counter in the arrival hall on landing and then cleared at CAPQ; all import clearance of personal pets, including in-cabin and excess baggage pets, must go through an AVS-recognised pet agent.
Applies to Schedule II personal imports.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - Soft bags are banned for the transfer to CAPQ.
Applies to dogs and cats arriving by air.
Importing dogs and cats, checked 1 October 2026
Official fees
- AQC accommodation fees rise from 1 December 2026: fan kennel S$26 to S$36 per day, air-conditioned S$35 to S$44 per day (page last updated 3 July 2026).
Applies to dogs and cats quarantined at AQC.
Animal Quarantine Centre, checked 1 October 2026 - Import licence S$50 per personal licence. An AVS inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof is charged when there is no online inspection appointment (fee attachment to the 1 April 2026 conditions).
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule II origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - AVS charges S$75 per dog or cat per trip to transport the pet from Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station or Tuas Checkpoint to the Animal Quarantine Centre (page last updated 3 July 2026).
Applies to Pets going into quarantine at AQC.
Animal Quarantine Centre, checked 1 October 2026
Other conditions
- Since the conditions dated 1 April 2026, pet owners must engage an AVS-recognised pet agent before arrival; all import clearance for personal pets arriving as manifested cargo or accompanied/excess baggage must be done through such an agent. Note: the AVS pet agent page and general information page still say applications may be made by the owner or through an agent, so the owner can apply for licences, but clearance goes through an agent.
Applies to personal dogs and cats from all schedules (stated in Schedule II and III conditions, updated 1 April 2026).
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - The Schedule III conditions (updated 1 April 2026) require owners to engage an AVS-recognised pet agent before the pet arrives.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule III origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - AVS states import and export licence applications may be made by the pet owner or through an AVS-recognised pet agent (page last updated 1 October 2026; agent list dated 16 September 2026). This covers the licence application only; clearance of a personal pet on arrival must still go through an AVS-recognised agent under the 1 April 2026 conditions, so the two do not conflict.
Applies to personal pets, import and export.
List of AVS-Recognised Pet Agents, checked 1 October 2026 - Schedule I pets must have lived in the exporting (or another Schedule I) country for at least 6 months before export or since birth.
Applies to dogs and cats from Schedule I origins.
Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats for countries/regions under Schedule I (DOGCAT 83-1, updated 1 April 2026), checked 1 October 2026
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Understanding the Schedule system
AVS now groups origins into Schedules I, II and III, which replaced the old Category A to D system. There is no quarantine for Schedule I pets. Schedule II personal imports are exempt from quarantine only if the pet arrives less than 5 days from the owner’s entry and has lived at the owner’s address for over 6 months; otherwise the pet serves at least 10 days of home quarantine. Schedule III covers every country or region not in Schedules I and II, including the UAE, Malaysia, South Africa, Taiwan and South Korea, and those pets must spend at least 30 days at the AQC, booked through the Quarantine Management System (QMS).
Schedule II and III pets also need a valid rabies vaccination and a rabies titre test. The blood sample is taken at least 28 days after vaccination and not less than 90 days or more than 12 months before export, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
This is the single most important thing to know before planning a pet move to Singapore. The Schedule decides the timeline, and whether your pet stays at home or at the AQC.
Breed restrictions and housing rules
AVS does not allow Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa or Perro de Presa Canario into Singapore, nor crosses of any of these breeds. First to fourth generation Bengal and Savannah cat crosses are not allowed either. Other breeds, such as the Rottweiler, Dobermann, German Shepherd and Bullmastiff, are Part 2 specified dogs: they can be licensed, but must be leashed and muzzled in public, with insurance of at least S$100,000 and a S$2,000 banker’s guarantee.
Separately, licence conditions allow only 1 dog of an approved breed and up to 2 cats in an HDB (public housing) flat, and cap private premises at 3 cats or dogs. Know your housing situation before deciding which pet to bring.
Routes to Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The UK is in Schedule I, and AVS sets no quarantine for Schedule I pets, as long as your cat has lived in the UK (or another Schedule I country) for at least 6 months before export or since birth. Schedule I pets need no rabies vaccination either. Your cat will still need a Singapore cat licence and an AVS import licence, a microchip, its core vaccinations and a veterinary certificate dated not more than 7 days before export. Clearance on arrival must go through an AVS-recognised pet agent.
Yes. The UAE is not in Schedule I or II, so it falls in Schedule III. Your dog must spend at least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC), booked in advance through the Quarantine Management System. AVS charges S$26 a day for a fan kennel and S$35 for an air-conditioned one, rising to S$36 and S$44 from 1 December 2026, plus S$75 per trip to take your dog from the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station to the AQC. The Schedule III conditions also require you to engage an AVS-recognised pet agent before your dog arrives.
AVS does not allow Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa or Perro de Presa Canario into Singapore, nor crosses of any of these breeds. If your dog is on the list, it cannot enter Singapore.
It depends on your housing type. Licence conditions allow only 1 dog of an approved breed and up to 2 cats in an HDB (public housing) flat, and cap private premises at 3 cats or dogs. If you’re in an HDB flat, check the approved breed list before deciding which dog to bring to Singapore.
AVS issues the import licence, and you apply through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal before your pet travels. You must get a Singapore dog or cat licence first. AVS charges S$50 for a normal application (2 working days) or S$100 for express (1 working day), and the licence is valid for 90 days from issue. You can apply yourself or through an AVS-recognised pet agent, but clearance on arrival has to go through an agent.
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Singapore
- Difficulty: Moderate-Strict
- Code: SG