Importing dogs and cats
How to import a dog or cat
Last updated on 21 September 2026
Use our live chat service (click the Ask AVS button on the bottom right) for real-time responses to questions related to imports, exports and permits of pets.
Before deciding to bring a dog or cat into Singapore, you should consider how its age, medical condition(s), and the stress of travel could affect it during the journey.
Air travel for smaller dog breeds
There are some inherent risks associated with air travel for small breeds or young dogs, such as heat stress. Puppies, especially those of smaller breeds such as teacup breeds, are also at a higher risk for hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) due to their smaller sizes and lower energy reserves. Coupled with the stress of air travel over long hours, the puppies may not eat enough food, which leads to the development of hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia results in neurological signs such as seizures and in severe cases may lead to death.
Preparing to bring dogs and cats into Singapore
You should purchase a suitable animal container to house the animal and make the necessary arrangements with the airline(s) involved in the journey. The International Air Transport Association website (opens in new tab) offers guidelines on how to choose a suitable animal container. If your dog or cat is travelling with you in-cabin or as excess baggage (i.e. in the passenger cabin in the plane), you must also provide a rigid crate that meets IATA’s container requirements for hard crates. This is for the safety of your pet during the transfer from the airport to Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ). Soft bags are not allowed for the transfer to CAPQ.
Ensure that your dog or cat is microchipped according to International Standards Organisation (ISO) Standard 11784 or ISO Standard 11785 Annex A. The microchip number must be indicated in all vaccination/treatment records.
Your dog/cat must be at least twelve (12) weeks of age at the time of export.
Steps to take before bringing dogs and cats into Singapore
1. Identify the exporting country/region's rabies risk category.
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:
Rabies risk categories and their veterinary conditions
Rabies risk categorisation | Veterinary conditions |
Schedule I
| Schedule I veterinary conditions [PDF, 375KB] (opens in new tab) |
Schedule II
| Schedule II veterinary conditions [PDF, 375KB] (opens in new tab) |
Schedule III Any country/region except countries/regions listed under Schedule I and II of the Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats | Schedule III veterinary conditions [PDF, 131KB] (opens in new tab) |
2a. Ensure the breed of dog or cat you are importing is allowed in Singapore.
Breeds of dogs and cats not allowed in Singapore
Breeds of dogs not allowed in Singapore | Breeds of cats not allowed in Singapore |
| First to fourth generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses*. |
*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.
2b. Ensure your dog or cat is allowed at your intended residence in Singapore.
A list of the breeds of dogs allowed to be kept in HDB flats can be found here (opens in new tab).
The maximum number of dogs and cats allowed in your residence depends on your type of residence:
Number of dogs and cats allowed
Type of dog or cat | Number of dogs or cats allowed per Housing Development Board (HDB) residential flat | Number of dogs or cats allowed per unit of non-HDB residential premises |
Cat | 2 | Up to 3 cats or dogs, or a combination of both. |
Non-Specified dog | 1 | Up to 3 cats or dogs, or a combination of both. |
0 | Out of the 3 cats and/or dogs, only 1 Specified dog is allowed. |
3. Send your dog or cat for a rabies vaccination and a serology test.
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.
4. Ensure your dog or cat has valid core vaccinations.
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.
5. Reserve quarantine space when the serology test result is ready.
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 for personal pet imports that meet the following conditions:
The pet is brought into Singapore less than 5 days from the owner’s entry into Singapore.
The pet has been continuously living in the same residential address as the owner for more than 6 months from date of import into Singapore.
A minimum 10-day home quarantine is required for pets imported using a personal import license that do not satisfy the conditions above.
A minimum 10-day quarantine at AQC is required for all pets imported using a commercial import license.
To apply for home quarantine:
Submit your application via this FormSG link (opens in new tab).
NParks officers will attend to your application within 5 working days.
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 (opens in new tab). 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) (opens in new tab).
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 (opens in new tab). This is to ensure that animals are adequately protected prior to quarantine at AQC.
For more information on AQC, please refer to this page.
6. Obtain a dog or cat licence on the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS).
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.
7. Apply for and obtain an import licence before 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.
8. Obtain a Customs In-Payment (Goods and Services Tax) permit before arrival. The permit is valid for 10 working days from the approval date.
The importation of pets may requirea Customs In-Payment (Goods and Services Tax) permit before arrival in Singapore. The procedures differ depending on whether the pet owner is accompanying or not accompanying the pet on the same transport.
Please refer to Singapore Customs website on Importing Personal Pets as Part of a Change of Residence (opens in new tab) for more details on the key requirements and procedures.
9. At least 5 days before arrival, book an appointment for border control inspection for your dog or cat.
Book an inspection for your dog or cat 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.
Here are some frequently asked questions [PDF, 120KB] (opens in new tab) 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.
10. Between 2 and 7 days of export, send your dog or cat for parasite treatments and complete the veterinary health certificate.
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:
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.
11. Present your dog's or cat's import licence during check-in to your flight.
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:
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.
Procedures upon arrival in Singapore
If your pet is arriving at any other border checkpoints, you would have been advised on clearance procedures when issued the import licence. Please contact us at https://www.avs.gov.sg/feedback (opens in new tab) if you require clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the approved brands of rabies and core vaccines that are accepted for use by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) for import?
AVS does not maintain an approved list of vaccine brands for administration to pets. For information on accepted vaccines, kindly check with the competent authority of the country of export, as they would be the relevant authority on vaccines approved for use in their jurisdiction.
Where can I find the list of WOAH reference laboratories for rabies?
The list of WOAH approved laboratories can be found at https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/#ui-id-3 (opens in new tab)
How do I know if post-arrival quarantine is not required for my pet(s) coming from Schedule II countries?
Post-arrival quarantine is not required for personal pet imports that meet the following conditions:
A. The pet is brought into Singapore less than 5 days from the owner’s entry into Singapore.
B. The pet has been continuously living in the same residential address as the owner for more than 6 months from date of import into Singapore.
A minimum 10-day home quarantine is required for pets imported using a personal import license that do not satisfy the conditions above.
What are the supporting documents that I need to submit for my pet to be eligible for Schedule II import without post-arrival quarantine?
Please ensure that all relevant supporting documents are submitted together with your import application. These include, but are not limited to, confirmed flight booking documentation from the airline, official veterinary records containing details of the animal (breed, sex, date of birth, microchip number, and owner's particulars), and any other documents that may be relevant to the assessment of your application.
If you are uncertain whether your pet meets the eligibility criteria for exemption from post-arrival quarantine, we suggest that you submit an application for home quarantine along with the relevant supporting documents via go.gov.sg/avs-homeq (opens in new tab). This will allow AVS officers to conduct a preliminary assessment prior to the submission of your formal online import licence application.
If my dog or cat cannot meet the pre-export rabies vaccination requirement prior to export to Singapore, what should I do?
All dogs and cats importing into Singapore must fully comply with the import requirements, which are in place to safeguard biosecurity and prevent the introduction of animal diseases. Please refer to the relevant veterinary conditions in Step 1 above (opens in new tab) for further information.
Is my dog or cat allowed to transit in a Schedule III country but it is exported from a Schedule I or II country?
Dogs and cats are permitted to transit through a Schedule III country, provided that the ‘Declaration by Captain/Authorised Airline Staff of Aircraft carrying live Dogs/Cats for Import into Singapore’ form has been duly completed by the captain or an authorised staff member of the operating airline. The template for this form can be found in the veterinary conditions. Owners are advised to confirm the availability of the completed form with their airline prior to travel.
This completed form must be submitted to the AVS office at the time of the post-arrival inspection. Failure to submit this completed form during the inspection may result in penalties being imposed on the animal and/or the importer.
Can I request for an extension of my pet’s import licence?
The import licence is valid for 90 days from the date of approval and there is no extension thereafter.
My dog or cat is coming from a Schedule II country and the blood sampling for the rabies serology was performed on 1 January 2026. When is the earliest my dog can comply with the rabies requirement for import?
The dog or cat must have valid vaccination against rabies using an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine acceptable to NParks/AVS. This includes a valid primary vaccination and/or up-to-date booster(s) administered in accordance with the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendation. At least 28 days after the primary rabies vaccination or last booster, the dog or cat must undergo a WOAH prescribed test demonstrating a rabies neutralising antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. This test must be conducted no less than 90 days and no more than 12 months prior to export, at either a WOAH reference laboratory for rabies or a laboratory in a Schedule I or II country approved by the respective Competent Authority of that country.
Dogs and cats that fulfil the above rabies requirements, as well as all other requirements stipulated in the relevant veterinary conditions, will be eligible for import from 1 April 2026 at the earliest.
I am bringing my dog or cat to a Schedule II or Schedule III country for vacation/short period of time only. Do I still need to comply with the 90-day waiting period after my pet’s blood sampling date for rabies serology?
Yes, all imports are required to fully comply with the Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats as part of our national biosurveillance system. This includes providing a valid rabies serology test report with acceptable rabies antibody levels and be dated at least 90 days after and within 12 months of the blood sampling date. Kindly note that pets exported from Singapore and returning will also be subjected to the same import requirements as those importing for the first time.
I am planning to bring my dog or cat to Malaysia for a day trip/holiday/short trip. Can I request for exemption from 30-day quarantine upon returning to Singapore?
All dogs and cats coming from Schedule III countries will need to undergo a 30-day quarantine on arrival in Singapore. Even though your dog or cat is a local personal pet and only going to Malaysia for a short period, we would like to inform you that once your dog or cat reached Malaysia, your pet will be considered an import from Malaysia. You may wish to note that pets exported from Singapore and returning will be subject to the same import requirements as those importing for the first time.
There is a change of departure/arrival date for my pet. Do I need to amend my license?
Your pet’s flight details are not reflected on the AVS import/export license. Hence, an amendment application is not required if your pet dog or cat is arriving in Singapore or departing from Singapore within the import/export license’s validity period.
However, if the pet’s arrival/departure date is after AVS import/exporter licence’s validity period, applicants will be required to re-apply for a new import/export licence instead.
If a rabies booster is given before the previous vaccination expires (maintaining continuous vaccination coverage), must we wait at least 28 days after the booster before collecting the blood sample for a rabies antibody titre test, or can the blood sample be collected immediately after the booster?
In general, as long as there is no lapse in the pet’s rabies vaccination, owners may proceed to get a WOAH prescribed rabies serology test for his/her pet. Please also ensure that you maintain the rabies vaccination of your pet.
My dog or cat currently resides with me in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which I understand is classified as a Schedule III country. However, we intend to travel to United Kingdom (UK) before coming to Singapore. Will my pet then be eligible for import under Schedule I veterinary conditions?
Assuming you intend to travel with your pet dog or cat from UAE to UK for less than 6 months before coming to Singapore. As your pet will only reside in UK for less than 6 months, the dog or cat will be considered an import from Schedule III country and will need to undergo a 30-day quarantine on arrival in Singapore.