Pet Transport from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore
Getting a pet from United Arab Emirates to Singapore is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Set aside roughly 16-24 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Arab Emirates to Singapore
typically takes around 16-24 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United Arab Emirates to Singapore import process
01
First step. Must be done before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Responsible: Your veterinarian in the UAE
02
After microchipping. The titre test blood draw cannot happen until at least 28 days after vaccination.
Complete rabies vaccination course
Responsible: Your veterinarian in the UAE
03
At least 28 days after the rabies vaccination. The titre test result is valid from 90 days to 12 months before Singapore entry. Results typically take 1-3 weeks.
Rabies titre test blood draw at an AVS-approved laboratory
Responsible: Your veterinarian and AVS-approved laboratory
04
At least 30 days before planned Singapore arrival. Apply via avs.nparks.gov.sg. Allow additional time if the application requires supplementary documents.
Apply for Singapore AVS import licence
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
05
Within the validity window required by Singapore AVS. Dubai Municipality or MOCCAE endorsement required.
Obtain UAE health certificate with authority endorsement
Responsible: UAE government-approved veterinarian and endorsing authority
06
4-6 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal availability directly with the cargo department.
Book cargo space with Emirates or alternative carrier
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
07
3-4 hours before departure at the cargo facility. Have all original documents including import licence, health certificate and titre test result.
Travel day: cargo facility check-in and documentation presentation
Responsible: Owner and airline cargo desk
08
Begins immediately on arrival at Changi Airport. 30 days, owner-paid.
30-day quarantine at Singapore AQC on arrival
Responsible: Singapore AVS and AQC facility
Requirements
Singapore entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination record to be valid under AVS rules.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Primary vaccination course must be completed after microchipping. Blood draw for titre test cannot take place until at least 28 days after vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required for pets from the UAE. Blood draw at least 28 days after rabies vaccination. Titre test result valid from 90 days to 12 months before Singapore entry. Minimum result: 0.5 IU/ml at an AVS-approved laboratory. Source: AVS NParks, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Quarantine
30-day quarantine at Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) on arrival. Owner pays all quarantine costs. Quarantine cannot be waived or shortened for pets arriving from the UAE.
Import permit
Required. Apply for an import licence from AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service, NParks) at least 30 days before arrival in Singapore. Apply via avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Health certificate
Required. Issued by UAE government-approved vet and endorsed by Dubai Municipality or relevant UAE authority. Must accompany the pet and be presented on arrival.
Leaving United Arab Emirates
Export requirements
Export permit
No UAE-specific export permit required for cats and dogs. The endorsed health certificate is the primary export document. ISO 11784/11785 microchip must be implanted and recorded.
Health certificate
Required. Issued by a UAE government-approved veterinarian in a format acceptable to Singapore AVS. For Dubai-based pets, endorsed by Dubai Municipality veterinary services. For Abu Dhabi and other emirates, endorsed by MOCCAE or the relevant authority. Source: MOCCAE, moccae.gov.ae.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo fees (Dubai to Singapore): typically AED 2,000-7,000 depending on pet size, crate dimensions and routing
IATA-compliant travel crate: AED 400-1,800 depending on size
Veterinary fees in the UAE: microchip, vaccinations, health certificate preparation and authority endorsement
Titre test laboratory fee: approximately AED 600-1,200 at an AVS-approved laboratory
30-day quarantine costs at Singapore AQC: owner-paid, confirm current rates with AVS directly
Pet transport agent fee (recommended): AED 2,000-5,000 depending on service level
Critical points
30-day quarantine at Singapore's AQC is mandatory for pets arriving from the UAE. This cannot be waived or shortened. Plan and budget for the full quarantine period before committing to travel dates.
The titre test result must be valid at the time of Singapore entry: the blood draw must have been taken between 90 days and 12 months before arrival. A titre test that is too recent (less than 90 days before entry) or too old (more than 12 months) will not be accepted. Source: AVS NParks, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
The Singapore AVS import licence must be applied for at least 30 days before arrival. Without it, your pet cannot enter Singapore.
Flydubai does not accept pets on international routes. Do not attempt to book a pet on Flydubai for this route.
Temperature embargoes during Gulf summer months (typically June to September) can restrict cargo availability. Confirm with the airline cargo department if travelling in this period.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Emirates
Cargo only from Dubai (DXB) to Singapore Changi (SIN). Direct service via Emirates SkyCargo in a temperature-controlled hold. This is the primary routing for UAE-to-Singapore pet moves. Book through an approved cargo agent well in advance. Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer months.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo from Singapore (SIN) to Dubai (DXB) operates in both directions. Pets travel via Singapore Airlines Cargo in a pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. An established live animal handler at Changi. No cabin pets on Gulf routes.
Cargo Only
Etihad Airways
Cargo from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Singapore (SIN) via Etihad Cargo. Contact Etihad Cargo directly for live animal booking and routing confirmation. Temperature restrictions apply during Abu Dhabi summer months.
Cargo Only
Flydubai
Flydubai does not accept pets on international routes. Not suitable for this move.
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Routing via Hong Kong (HKG) hub. Connects Dubai to Singapore with one stop. Pets travel via Cathay Pacific Cargo. An option if direct Emirates booking is unavailable, though the additional stop adds journey time.
Cargo Only
Singapore import rules, explained
Singapore has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
Practical tips for this move
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.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. A mandatory 30-day quarantine at Singapore’s Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) applies to all pets arriving from the UAE. This cannot be waived, shortened or served at a private facility. Plan and budget for the full 30-day period. The cost is paid by the owner. Source: AVS NParks, avs.nparks.gov.sg.
The rabies titre test blood draw must have been taken between 90 days and 12 months before your pet’s arrival in Singapore. A test drawn less than 90 days before arrival is too recent; one drawn more than 12 months before arrival has expired. The blood must also have been drawn at least 28 days after the rabies vaccination. Plan the timing carefully around your intended travel date.
At least 30 days before your pet’s planned arrival in Singapore. Apply through the AVS online portal at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Do not book a confirmed travel date before the licence has been approved. Without the import licence, your pet cannot enter Singapore.
Emirates SkyCargo operates a direct cargo service from Dubai (DXB) to Singapore Changi (SIN) and is the main option. Singapore Airlines Cargo operates the same route. Etihad Cargo is available from Abu Dhabi. All transport is cargo only; no airline accepts pets in the cabin on UAE-Singapore international routes.
Allow 16-24 weeks from microchipping to Singapore arrival. The titre test timing window and the 30-day AVS licence application are the main scheduling constraints. The quarantine period adds 30 days after arrival. Starting the preparation well before your travel date is the only way to stay on schedule.
Airline guides
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
Etihad Airways
Flydubai
Cathay Pacific
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.