Exporting dogs and cats

Find out what the destination country’s import requirements are. An animal may need to undergo certain vaccinations and laboratory tests, or obtain a veterinary health certificate, before it can enter some countries. 

These import requirements can be found on the website of the destination country’s relevant government authority. 

Apply for and obtain an export licence from us via GoBusiness Licensing Portal within 90 days of leaving Singapore. As the export licence is only valid for 90 days, it is important that you apply for it at the right time.   

Please take note to cancel your dog licence (if applicable) in PALS once your dog is exported out of Singapore. 

This step only applies to you if the destination country mandates that a veterinary health certificate is a condition for entry. 

You can obtain a veterinary health certificate by bringing your dog or cat to any of our licensed private veterinarians for examination. The statements needed on the certificate, as well as the certificate’s validity period, will depend on the destination country’s import requirements. 

However, some countries require that the veterinary health certificate be issued or endorsed by an official government veterinarian. Please approach us for the following services to fulfil this requirement. 

This requires us to manually endorse the importing country’s veterinary health certificate template. You can obtain this template from the website of the destination country’s relevant government authority. 

How to apply: 

1. Bring your dog or cat for an examination by a licensed private veterinarian. Bring along the veterinary health certificate template for the licensed private veterinarian to complete and sign.  

2. Make an online application via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. Note your application number as it is needed during the submission of the completed health certificate template and subsequent collection of the endorsed certificate. 

3. Download and complete this checklist for Veterinary Certificate (VC) Application for Export of Dogs & Cats from Singapore to ensure that you submit all necessary documents. Please submit the following documents in order for us to endorse the certificate:  

   • Original completed veterinary health certificate template 

   • Original vaccination records and laboratory test results (if applicable) 

   • Your application number 

4. Please attach the checklist to your hardcopy supporting documents and deposit the completed health certificate template at the AVS drop-off box at the following address: 

   • Raffles Building Level 1 (next to elevator), Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569 

   • Please refer to the location of the AVS drop-off box.  

   • The drop-off box is accessible 24 hours, including weekends. 

5. Your online application will only be approved upon receiving the full documents based on the service standard.  The service standard for endorsement of importing country’s veterinary health certificate template is two (2) working days.  Express service is not available.

If your destination country does not have a specific veterinary health certificate template, we are also able to convert a veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed private veterinarian into a QR verifiable veterinary health certificate. 

The QR verifiable veterinary health certificate is only valid for seven days from its date of issue. 

How to apply 

1.  Bring your dog or cat to a licensed private veterinarian for an examination, and to obtain a veterinary health certificate. 

2. Apply for our QR verifiable veterinary health certificate via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal, supported by the following documents:  

   • Signed veterinary health certificate

   • Vaccination records and laboratory test results (if applicable)

3. Once your application for veterinary certificate has been approved, you may proceed print out a PDF copy of the QR verifiable certificate using your own printer. 
   
   Our issued certificates/licences will now carry a QR code security feature on the certificate/licence (see specimen), which allows for the certificate/licence to be authenticated by relevant foreign Competent Authorities officers.
    
   Please note that the QR code may appear in a different position depending on the certificate/licence. 

This step applies to you if the destination country mandates pre-export inspection as a condition for entry. 

Make an appointment for your dog’s or cat’s inspection by submitting a request via the eservices - National Parks Board (NParks) at least five days before the animal’s departure. Bringing your dog or cat for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee. 

The inspection must be done during the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station's operating hours. 

Contact the transporting airline(s) to make arrangements with the ground handling agent prior to your dog’s or cat’s departure. There are two ground handling agents for this purpose: 

• SATS Gateway Pte Ltd 

• DNATA Singapore

Before you transport your dog or cat to the ground handling agent on the day of departure, please ensure that it is accompanied by the following documents: 

• A copy of the AVS-issued export licence

• The original veterinary health certificate that fulfils the import and/or entry requirements of the destination country 

• Any other additional supporting documents required by the destination country