Pet Transport from India to Singapore

AVS NParks classifies countries from which pets can be imported into Singapore on a schedule system. India is Schedule III, which carries the most stringent requirements outside a full import ban. All dogs and cats from Schedule III countries must complete 30 days of quarantine at the Singapore Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) upon arrival, regardless of health status or documentation. This quarantine period is set by law and cannot be shortened or waived. Source: AVS NParks, avs.nparks.gov.sg.

The titre test is the other significant requirement. A rabies antibody titre test must show a minimum result of 0.5 IU/ml. The blood sample must be drawn at least 28 days after the rabies vaccination, and the test result must still be valid on the day your pet arrives in Singapore (tests are valid for between 90 days and 12 months depending on the laboratory and AVS acceptance). If you fail the test, you need a booster vaccination, another 28-day wait, and a retest. This is the step that most commonly delays departures for Indian pet owners.

All arriving pets from Schedule III countries are also vaccinated against rabies again on arrival at AQC Singapore. This is done as a precaution as part of the quarantine protocol and is not something you need to arrange separately. Your pet will also need current core vaccinations: for dogs, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus; for cats, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia. These must be current on the date of Singapore arrival.

Three key documents govern this route: the Singapore AVS import licence, the Indian AQCS No Objection Certificate, and the health certificate from a government-authorised vet in India.

Apply for the AVS import licence through the AVS NParks GoBusiness portal or the LicenceOne portal. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before your pet’s arrival. The permit specifies the exact conditions under which your pet will be admitted and the quarantine arrangements. Processing takes one to two weeks in most cases, but applying early is strongly recommended in case clarifications or additional documentation are requested.

The AQCS NOC is the Indian export clearance. Apply through the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) office in the state from which you are exporting. The AQCS will inspect your pet and verify that all vaccination records and microchip details are in order before issuing the NOC. Processing times vary by state office; allow four to six weeks. The health certificate must be issued by a government-authorised vet in India in the format required by AVS, within ten days of travel, and must be consistent with the microchip number and vaccination records in all other documents.

Singapore Airlines operates from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and other Indian cities to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). For this route, Singapore Airlines is the most straightforward carrier option with established cargo handling. Small pets may be accepted in cabin on some Singapore Airlines domestic and regional sectors, but on the India-Singapore leg specifically, cargo is the more reliable option. Check directly with Singapore Airlines for current cabin pet acceptance on India-origin flights, as policy can vary by aircraft type.

Air India, Vistara, and Scoot also serve the India-Singapore corridor. Budget carriers have limited pet cargo programmes and are less reliable for this type of complex move. Where possible, use a carrier with established pet cargo handling and a clear cold-chain protocol for the cargo hold.

The 30-day quarantine at AQC Singapore is the most emotionally difficult part of this move for most owners. The facility is professionally run and pets are monitored by veterinary staff throughout. Owners can visit during designated visiting hours. Quarantine fees are owner-paid and must be settled before release. Based on published AVS rates, budget approximately SGD 1,400-2,500 per pet for the 30 days, depending on the size of your pet. Verify the current fee schedule at avs.nparks.gov.sg before travel.