Skip to main content

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS)

Transhipping small mammals

How to tranship a small mammal

Last updated 23 February 2026

On this page

Applying for a transhipment licence 
What happens during transhipment 

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.

Transhipping small mammals via Singapore is allowed if you have an AVS-issued transhipment licence. 

Applying for a transhipment licence 

Apply for and obtain an AVS-issued transhipment licence via GoBusiness Licensing Portal and upload the following documents: 

  • A valid veterinary health certificate 

  • An import permit issued by the importing country (if required) 

Licence cost and validity

Type of licence  

  Cost and validity 

Licence to Import/Export/Tranship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs, and Biologics (personal) 

• S$50 for normal service. Licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents. 
• S$100 for express service. Licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents. 

 
This licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. 

What happens during transhipment 

If your consignment of small mammals is transiting/transhipping Singapore via air, your animals will be kept in the airline’s animal holding area prior to loading on the connecting flight. Your pet may be subject to inspection by AVS during transhipment. You will be informed if an inspection is required.