Pet Transport USA to Singapore: Category B and the 30-Day Home Quarantine
Singapore classifies the USA as Category B, which means a rabies titre test before travel and a 30-day home quarantine on arrival. This is more involved than the UK to Singapore route (Category A, no quarantine), but the quarantine is at …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination and core vaccinations are current
Responsible: Vet
Verify now.
2
Rabies titre test at an AVS-approved laboratory
Responsible: AVS-approved laboratory
Blood draw with correct timing before travel. Result must meet 0.5 IU/ml minimum.
3
Apply for AVS import licence
Responsible: Owner or agent
At least 3-4 weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo space and confirm home quarantine arrangements
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead. Confirm your Singapore address is suitable for home quarantine.
5
USDA-accredited vet health certificate and USDA APHIS endorsement
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS
Within 10 days of travel. Allow 2-10 business days for endorsement.
6
Travel to Singapore as cargo
Responsible: Airline cargo
On travel date. Direct flight or via hub.
7
AVS inspection at Changi, then 30-day home quarantine
Responsible: Singapore AVS
On arrival. Pet released to home for 30-day quarantine, subject to AVS inspection.
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 standard microchip.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Plus other core vaccinations as specified by AVS.
Rabies titre test
Required. The USA is AVS Category B. A rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml) at an approved laboratory is required, with specific timing before travel.
Quarantine
30-day home quarantine on arrival in Singapore for Category B pets. The pet is confined to the home address; AVS may inspect.
Import permit
AVS import licence required before departure. Apply via the agri-food.gov.sg or OASIS portal. Allow 3-4 weeks.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed veterinary health certificate in AVS format, issued within the AVS-specified window before travel.
Export permit (United States)
No formal US export permit. USDA-endorsed health certificate serves as export documentation.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AVS import licence fee: SGD 10 to SGD 50
Cargo airline fee: $2,000 to $5,000 from a US hub to Singapore depending on crate size
Rabies titre test at approved laboratory: $150 to $350
USDA-accredited vet examination and certificate: $200 to $500
USDA APHIS endorsement: $38 per certificate
Pet transport agent fee: $500 to $2,000
IATA-compliant travel crate: $100 to $500
Total typical range: $3,000 to $9,000
Critical points to read before you book
The USA is AVS Category B, which means a 30-day home quarantine applies on arrival in Singapore. This is home quarantine, not a facility stay, but the pet must remain at the registered address and AVS may inspect.
The rabies titre test has specific timing requirements relative to travel. A failed or mistimed titre test can delay the move significantly. Plan the titre test early.
The AVS import licence must be obtained before departure. Confirm your Singapore housing permits the pet and is suitable for home quarantine.
Singapore bans several breeds entirely including American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Neapolitan Mastiffs and others. Check the AVS banned breed list before beginning.
United Airlines offers cabin-only pet carriage and no cargo service, making it unsuitable for most dogs on this route. Singapore Airlines cargo is the standard choice.
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.
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Primary carrier. Direct US hubs to Singapore Changi via cargo. Pets in climate-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Via Dubai hub. Emirates SkyCargo from US to Singapore. Adds transit time.
Cargo Only
UNITED
United Airlines
Cabin only for small pets on applicable legs. United does not offer cargo pet service. Not suitable for most dogs on this route.
Cabin
What Category B means in practice
Singapore’s Animal and Veterinary Service classifies origin countries by rabies risk. The USA is Category B, one tier above the lowest-risk Category A countries such as the UK.
Category B requires two things that Category A does not: a rabies antibody titre test before travel (with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml from an approved laboratory), and a 30-day home quarantine after arrival. The home quarantine is significant but more comfortable than a facility stay: your pet stays at your registered Singapore address, and AVS may carry out inspections during the period.
Plan the titre test early in your timeline. The test has specific timing requirements relative to vaccination and travel, and a result that does not meet the threshold will require re-testing and delay.
The 30-day home quarantine explained
Unlike Australia’s facility quarantine, Singapore’s Category B quarantine for US pets is served at home. After your pet clears AVS inspection at Changi Airport, it travels to your registered Singapore address and remains there for 30 days.
During this period, the pet must stay at the address and may not be taken out. AVS reserves the right to inspect to confirm compliance. The requirement exists as a precaution; provided your pet is healthy and documented, the 30 days pass without issue and the pet is then free to move normally.
Confirm before travel that your Singapore housing is suitable: it must be a permitted address for the pet, and you must be able to keep the animal confined for the full 30 days.
FAQ
Common questions about United States to Singapore pet transport
At home. For Category B countries including the USA, Singapore’s quarantine is served at your registered residential address, not in a government facility. Your pet stays at home for 30 days after arrival, during which AVS may inspect. This is more comfortable for the animal than facility quarantine, but you must ensure your housing is suitable and you can keep the pet confined for the full period.
The titre test must be done with the correct timing relative to the rabies vaccination and travel date. The blood draw is taken after vaccination, and the result must meet the 0.5 IU/ml minimum from an AVS-approved laboratory. Because the timing requirements are specific and a re-test causes delay, plan the titre test early, ideally as one of the first steps once you confirm the move. Your vet or agent can advise on the exact timing for your situation.
Generally no. The only US carrier that offers in-cabin pets on relevant routes is United, and only for small pets on certain legs; United does not offer cargo service. Singapore Airlines, the primary carrier for this route, carries pets as cargo only. For most dogs, cargo on Singapore Airlines is the standard route. Very small pets may have limited cabin options on certain routings, but cargo is the norm.
Budget $3,000 to $9,000 all in, depending on the size of your pet and whether you use an agent. The main costs are the cargo airline fee ($2,000 to $5,000), the titre test, the USDA vet and endorsement, the AVS licence, and the agent fee if used. The 30-day home quarantine itself has no facility cost since it is served at your own address, which keeps the total lower than the Australia route.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United States to Singapore pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.