Importing dogs and cats

Countries/Regions of export are categorised according to their rabies risk status. Dogs and cats coming from each country/region category are subject to different veterinary conditions. 

As this categorisation is subject to change, please check our website closer to the date of import for the most current information on each country/region’s rabies risk status.

Veterinary conditions for the import of dogs and cats vary, depending on which country/region category the animal comes from. 

These conditions include sending the animal for vaccinations, blood tests, parasite treatments and post-arrival quarantine. Some conditions need to be fulfilled within specific time frames, so read the conditions for import carefully before you begin your application process. 

Veterinary conditions for the import of dogs and cats according to country/region category are as follows: 

*You are required to produce documentary proof of the following before import: 

• The Bengal cat cross you are importing is at least a fifth generation cross from the ancestral stock of Prionailurus bengalensis. 

• The Savannah cat cross you are importing is at least a fifth generation cross from the ancestral stock of Leptailurus serval. 

A list of the breeds of dogs allowed to be kept in HDB flats can be found here. 

The maximum number of dogs and cats allowed in your residence depends on your type of residence:

Schedule I countries/regions

The dog or cat does not require rabies vaccination and serology test. 

Schedule II & III countries/regions 

The dog or cat must have a valid vaccination against rabies using an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine acceptable to NParks/AVS. This refers to a valid primary vaccination and/or up to date booster(s) in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer. 

 The dog or cat must undergo blood sampling for rabies serology at least 28 days after a valid vaccination against rabies. The blood sampling must be done at least 90 days and within 12 months prior to the date of export. 

 The blood sampling for rabies serology must be conducted at either a WOAH reference laboratory for rabies or at a laboratory in a Schedule I or II country/region approved by the respective Competent Authority of the Schedule I or II country/region. 

Dogs must have valid* vaccination against:

• Canine Distemper virus

• Canine Adenovirus type 1

• Canine Parvovirus type 2

These must be supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore. 

Cats must have valid* vaccination against:

• Feline Calicivirus

• Feline Herpesvirus-1

• Feline Panleukopaenia

These must supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore. 

Examples of a valid vaccination record include vaccination cards or certificates containing the following information: 

• Microchip number of the animal 

• Date of vaccination 

• Vaccine brand name and batch number 

• Signature/endorsement of the attending veterinarian 

*Follow the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations on validity, including number of doses required and duration between doses.

Schedule I countries/regions

Dogs or cats coming from Schedule I countries do not need to undergo any quarantine on arrival in Singapore, provided that the animal(s) is fully compliant with the veterinary conditions. 

Schedule II countries/regions

Post-arrival quarantine is not required unless the pet falls under the following categories: 

1. The pet is brought into Singapore more than 5 days from the owner’s entry into Singapore. 

   • A minimum 10-day home quarantine is required for pets imported using a personal import licence. 

2. The pet has been with the owner for less than 6 months (i.e. adopted, rescued, or purchased less than 6 months from date of import into Singapore). 

   • A minimum 10-day home quarantine is required for pets imported using a personal import licence 

 To apply for home quarantine:  

1. Submit your application via this FormSG link. 

2. NParks officers will attend to your application within 5 working days. 

3. Proceed to apply for an import licence after receiving approval of home quarantine. 

 Please note that if home quarantine is approved, the licence holder shall comply with the Conditions for the Quarantine of Dogs and Cats at Home. Smart collar tags will be used to ensure that pets remain in their quarantine premises. Upfront payment of $29 per animal per day or part thereof will be applicable to importers whose pet(s) are eligible for the smart collar tag. 

Schedule III countries/regions

For animals arriving from Schedule III countries, post-arrival quarantine of at least 30-days at AQC is required. In addition, animals arriving from Schedule III countries will be vaccinated against rabies upon arrival in Singapore. The owner or his agent is responsible for ensuring that a quarantine space has been booked for the animal at the Animal Quarantine Centre, which can be done so via the Quarantine Management System (QMS). 

Please note that animals undergoing quarantine at AQC are required to provide their animal’s vaccination records (both rabies and general vaccination records) when reserving a quarantine space in QMS. This is to ensure that animals are adequately protected prior to quarantine at AQC.

For more information on AQC, please refer to this page. 

To import a dog or cat, you must obtain a dog or cat licence before applying for an import licence.

For step-by-step instructions on licensing a dog or cat, refer to this page.

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.  

 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. 

The importation of pets requires a Customs In-Payment (Goods and Services Tax) permit before arrival in Singapore. You should engage a forwarding agent from the List of Local Forwarding Agents to obtain the permit.    

Please refer to Singapore Customs website on Importing Personal Pets for more details on GST permits.

Book an inspection for your dog or cat via this link 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. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the online inspection appointment booking process. 

Dogs and cats 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 and cats entering Singapore by land are inspected at Tuas Checkpoint. The operating hours can be found here. 

Collection of pet container at CAPQ/Tuas 

All pet containers (i.e. carriers and crates) exceeding the external dimensions of 82cm (L) by 64cm (H) by 58cm (W) must be collected personally by pet owners or agents upon clearance at Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) or Tuas Checkpoint. 

Pet containers that are not collected at CAPQ or Tuas will be transferred to private transport contractors assigned by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). 

AVS will share the contact details of these private pet transporters with pet owners or agents, who will need to contact them directly to retrieve the pet containers. Additional fees will be incurred. 

All pet containers used for transportation of pets must comply with the latest International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. 

You must obtain a veterinary health certificate certifying that your dog or cat fulfils the required veterinary conditions for import, is healthy, and is free from any clinical sign of contagious or infectious disease and fit for travel at the time of export.

Step 1: Download and print the veterinary health certificate template from the relevant veterinary conditions documents: 

• Schedule I veterinary conditions 

• Schedule II veterinary conditions 

• Schedule III veterinary conditions 

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.

During check-in, present your dog's or cat's import licence. Refer to Step 7 for steps on obtaining this licence.  

If your dog or cat comes from Schedule I or II countries/regions, you also need to obtain a signed captain's declaration form endorsed by the transporting airline(s). The template for this form can be found in the relevant veterinary conditions document: 

• Schedule I veterinary conditions 

• Schedule II veterinary conditions 

• Schedule III veterinary conditions

Emotional Support or Service Animals 

If you are travelling with an emotional support animal, ensure that you have checked-in an IATA approved transport container as the animal will be transported from Changi Airport to AVS’ quarantine facilities. Upon handing over the animal to the lost and found counter, owners must transfer their emotional support or service animal to their IATA approved transport crate.