Importing assistance dogs
How to import an assistance dog
Last updated 5 August 2026
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An assistance dog is a dog trained to assist a person with a disability. The dog must fulfil certain requirements before the dog is eligible as an assistance dog for import or export. Please note that emotional support dogs are currently not eligible as assistance dogs and will need to comply with the standard requirements and procedures for the import of dogs.
You should also make the necessary transportation arrangements with the airline(s) transporting your assistance dog. See the International Air Transport Association website (opens in new tab) for more information.
Steps to take before bringing assistance dogs into Singapore
The requirements and procedures for bringing assistance dogs into Singapore are stated in the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs (opens in new tab).
1. Check that the breed of your dog is allowed in Singapore.
The breeds of dogs not allowed in Singapore are:
Pit Bull, including:
American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier)
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Bulldog
Crosses of these and other breeds
Akita
Boerboel
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Neapolitan Mastiff
Tosa
Perro De Presa Canario
Crosses of any of the above breeds
2. Ensure your dog fulfils our veterinary conditions for import, and qualifies as an assistance dog.
Your assistance dog must fulfil the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs (opens in new tab) prior to arrival.
Some conditions must be carried out within specific time frames defined by the exporting country, so you should study the conditions well ahead of your dog’s travel period.
We also specify the requirements your dog must fulfil to be eligible as an assistance dog. These requirements can be found under the “Eligibility of assistance dogs” section.
3. Submit documents for assessment of your dog’s eligibility for import.
Confirm your assistance dog’s eligibility for import by submitting the necessary supporting documents to us for assessment. This must be done before you apply for an import licence. Examples of supporting documents include:
Document(s) from a medical practitioner confirming your disability and ongoing dependence on your assistance dog.
Confirmation that your assistance dog has received training at a member organisation of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
Document(s) proving that your dog has been assisting you for at least six months.
Emotional support/service animals (ESA) which do not have the required training by ADI or IGDF will not be eligible as assistance dogs and are required to follow the regular import requirements and procedures.
For any enquiries or submission of necessary supporting documents to us for assessment, please submit them at https://www.avs.gov.sg/feedback (opens in new tab).
4. Apply for and obtain an import licence prior to arrival. An import licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
An import licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply for and obtain an import licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal (opens in new tab).
Import licence cost and service standard
Type of licence | Cost | Service standard | Validity |
S$50 | Normal service, where licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. Example 1: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 before 5pm. The application will be processed by 3 June 2024. Example 2: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 after 5pm. The application will be processed by 4 June 2024. | Valid for 90 days from the date of issue. | |
S$100 | Express service, where licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents. Example 1: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 before 5pm. The application will be processed by 2 June 2024. Example 2: John submitted an online application for the import licence on 1 June 2024 after 5pm. The application will be processed by 3 June 2024. |
If you are bringing in a mixed breed or cross breed dog, you must include a colour photo of your dog in your licence application. The photo must show the dog’s face and body, so that we can verify that it is not a prohibited breed.
Exception for frequent travellers
If you travel frequently with your assistance dog, you can apply for a multiple import/export licence. The multiple import/export licence will be valid from the date of issue until the date your assistance dog’s rabies vaccination expires, or one year from the licence’s date of issue, whichever is earlier.
For enquiries on application of a multiple import/export licence of an assistance dog, please submit them at https://www.avs.gov.sg/feedback (opens in new tab).
5. Between 2 and 7 days of export, obtain a veterinary health certificate.
You must obtain a veterinary health certificate confirming that your assistance dog fulfils our veterinary conditions for import, that it is healthy, and it is free from any contagious or infectious disease prior to import.
Step 1: Download and print the veterinary health certificate template from the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs (opens in new tab).
Step 2: Send pet for external & internal parasite treatments and request treating vet to complete Sections I to III of the veterinary certificate.
Step 3: Request the exporting country’s official government veterinarian to endorse Section IV of the same veterinary certificate.
You are required to obtain a veterinary health certificate if your dog is travelling to other countries before returning to Singapore. However, if your assistance dog is returning to Singapore within seven days of export, and you are unable to obtain a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate, please do the following:
Steps to take if you are unable to obtain a veterinary health certificate within 7 days
Track | Description |
If returning by air | Make an appointment for us to conduct a veterinary inspection. This appointment can be booked here (opens in new tab). The appointment must be held 48 hours before leaving Singapore, and upon return to Singapore. See Step 7 below for more information on making appointments for inspection. |
If returning by sea | You are required to obtain a health certificate issued by the animal’s last port of boarding, as well as a captain's declaration. The latter must state that your assistance dog did not disembark or come into contact with other dogs during travel. You can find the format for the captain's declaration in Annex C of the veterinary conditions for the importation of assistance dogs (opens in new tab) |
6. At least 5 days before arrival, book an appointment for border control inspection for your dog.
Book an inspection for your dog via this link (opens in new tab) five days before the animal’s arrival, or earlier. Bringing your dog or cat for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof. The AVS import licence, flight details and contact number must be indicated in your booking.
Dogs entering Singapore by air are inspected at Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ) located at Changi Airfreight Centre. The operating hours can be found here.
Dogs entering Singapore by land are inspected at Tuas Checkpoint. The operating hours can be found here.
7. Undergo inspection upon arrival in Singapore.
Your assistance dog will undergo veterinary inspection upon arrival in Singapore. If all the veterinary conditions for import are met, and your dog is clinically healthy on arrival, it will be allowed to enter the country.