Bringing a dog or cat to Singapore
From moderate to hard, depending on which of the authority's 3 origin groups your pet starts in.
Requirements
It depends on where you're coming from. Pick your country, or compare the origin groups the authority itself uses below.
Dog from Germany (Schedule 2): 20 requirements
Open as my dated checklist- 01Residence periodContinuously resident in the country of export or in any Schedule I or II country for at least 6 months before export, or since birth, or since being imported directly from Singapore.
- At least 6 months before departure
- 02MicrochipISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A microchip, number on all vaccination and treatment records; with a non-ISO chip bring a reader. (Advice: implant it before the rabies vaccination — the vaccination certificate must carry the chip number.)Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
- 03Rabies vaccinationValid rabies vaccination with an inactivated or recombinant vaccine — a valid primary vaccination and/or up-to-date boosters per the manufacturer. AVS keeps no list of approved brands (ask the exporting country's authority). Keep it valid without a lapse until export.
- 04Rabies antibody (titer) testWOAH-prescribed rabies neutralising antibody test, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. Blood sample at least 28 days after the primary vaccination or last booster (no wait if a booster was given without a lapse — AVS FAQ), and at least 90 days but not more than 12 months before export. Lab: a WOAH reference laboratory for rabies, or a lab in a Schedule I or II country approved by that country's authority. The report travels with the certificate.
- At least 28 days after the rabies vaccination
- At least 90 days before departure
- At most 12 months before departure
- 05Other vaccinationsDistemper (CDV), adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) and parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), per the manufacturer, at least 14 days before export.
- At least 14 days before departure
- 06Parasite treatmentExternal (fleas and ticks) and internal (nematodes and cestodes) treatments, both 2–7 days before export.
- At least 2 days and at most 7 days before departure
- 07Minimum ageAt least 12 weeks old at export. In practice much older: vaccine + 28 days + 90 days means about 4 months after the first rabies vaccination.Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
- 08Health certificateAVS certificate template from the Schedule II PDF; Sections I–III by a government-approved or official vet, Section IV endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the exporting country. Dated no more than 7 days before export; valid 7 days. Travel with the originals of the certificate, the vaccination certificate (with chip number) and the titer report.
- At most 7 days before departure
- 09Pet ownership courseFirst-time cat/dog licence applicants must first complete AVS's free online Pet Ownership Course (about 20–30 minutes).Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Pet Ownership Course)· checked 04 Oct 2026
- 10Pet licenceSingapore cat/dog licence on PALS (pals.avs.gov.sg) before applying for the import licence.
- 11Quarantine bookingApply for home quarantine through AVS's FormSG (go.gov.sg/avs-homeq); AVS replies within 5 working days; only then apply for the import licence. During home quarantine the pet goes straight home with an AVS-designated pet transporter, stays isolated (no visitors, no other animals except those on the licence), wears a smart collar tag (S$29 per day, paid upfront) and is released after a final AVS check.
- Only if: the pet does not meet the no-quarantine conditions (see quarantine), or the owner is unsure
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026 - 12Import permitAVS import licence (personal) via GoBusiness: S$50 (2 working days) or S$100 express (1 working day); valid 90 days from issue, no extension. To qualify for no quarantine, attach the confirmed flight booking and vet records showing the owner's particulars. Mixed/cross-breed dogs: colour photo. Show it at check-in.
- At most 90 days before arrival
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026 - 13One of the following
- 13aCustoms declarationMoving to Singapore — GST relief application to Singapore Customs at least 5 working days before arrival.
- At least 5 working days before arrival
- Only if: moving to Singapore (new residents, returning citizens/PRs)
Source:Singapore Customs (opens official site: Importing Personal Pets as Part of a Change of Residence)· checked 04 Oct 2026 - 13bCustoms declarationTemporary visit or Singapore resident returning with the same pet — GST relief application at least 5 working days before arrival.
- At least 5 working days before arrival
- Only if: temporary visit (non-resident taking the pet out again within 6 months) or Singapore resident returning from a trip with the same pet
Source:Singapore Customs (opens official site: With Personal Pets for Overseas Travel)· checked 04 Oct 2026 - 13cCustoms declarationOtherwise — Customs In-Payment (GST) permit before arrival (GST on the CIF value); valid 10 working days from approval.
- At most 10 working days before arrival
- Only if: no GST relief applies, or relief is refused
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
- 14Registered agentAppoint an AVS-recognised pet agent before arrival; only these agents may clear pets at CAPQ since 1 April 2026.
- 15Advance notice to the authorityBook the arrival inspection on AVS eServices at least 5 working days before arrival (web pages: 5 days); S$133 per hour without a booking.
- At least 5 working days before arrival
- 16Transport rulesCaptain's declaration from the airline (same template and conditions as Schedule I: sealed cage, no contact with other animals, no change of aircraft without AVS permission). Transit through a Schedule III country is allowed with it.Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
- 17Transport rulesIATA container; pets in the cabin also need a rigid IATA hard crate for the transfer to CAPQ (no soft bags).Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
- 18Arrival inspectionInspection at CAPQ (air) or Tuas Checkpoint (land): import licence, health certificate, cat/dog licence, vaccination records, titer report, captain's declaration, GST permit/relief. Released to the agent if healthy and compliant; home-quarantine pets go home with a designated transporter.
Dog from Germany: 20 requirements.
In short: Rabies vaccine + titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) with a 90-day wait from blood sample to export; 6 months' residence. No quarantine if the pet arrives within 5 days of the owner and has lived with the owner for more than 6 months; otherwise at least 10 days of home quarantine. Same licences, endorsed certificate, captain's declaration and pet agent as Schedule I.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Compare by origin group
The groups are the authority's own lists. Pick a cell to see that group's checklist above.
| From | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
Schedule 1 4 placesAustralia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom | ||
Schedule 2 32 placesAustria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States | ||
Schedule 3 (every country not listed elsewhere) |
Quarantine
No quarantine when the paperwork is in order
At least 10 days at home when the pet arrives 5 or more days after the owner enters Singapore, or has not lived with the owner at the same address for more than 6 months (the Veterinary Conditions phrase it as a transfer of ownership: adopted, rescued, or bought/obtained abroad less than 6 months before export)
If the pet does not meet the rules: detained, returned to the country of export or destroyed at the discretion of the Director-General; the importer also commits an offence (fine up to S$10,000 and/or up to 12 months' imprisonment).
Official fees
- AVS import licence (personal), normal serviceNational Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
- SGD 50 per consignment
- Smart collar tag during home quarantineOnly only if home quarantine appliesNational Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
- SGD 29 per animal per day
- Inspection without an e-bookingOnly the inspection was not booked in advance on AVS eServicesNational Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
- SGD 133 per hour
- Cat/dog licence — one-time (lifetime) licenceOnly the pet is sterilisedNational Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
- SGD 35 per animal
Official fees only. Vet, airline and courier prices are not part of the rules.
Going back to Germany
Returning to Germany from Singapore: 0 weeks; a rabies antibody test is needed. Timing set by: Rabies antibody (titer) test.
Germany guideApproved entry points
Airports: SIN
Land: Tuas Checkpoint
3 notes on this list
SIN (Changi) — inspection at CAPQ, Changi Airfreight Centre.
Tuas Checkpoint — land arrivals from Malaysia.
Seletar Airport, ferry terminals and the Changi passenger terminals have inspections only Mon–Fri 9am–4pm; not listed as entry points here.
List as of 24 Sep 2026Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
Breed bans
- Banned from import · dogs
- Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as American Pit Bull / Pit Bull Terrier)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tosa
- Akita
- Dogo Argentino
- Boerboel
- Fila Brasileiro
- Perro de Presa Canario
Crosses of these breeds included.
Exceptions: Part 1 Specified dogs already licensed in Singapore (unclear for a dog whose licence was cancelled on export).
- Banned from import · cats
- Bengal cat crosses of the 1st to 4th generation (F1–F4) from Prionailurus bengalensis
- Banned from import · cats
- Savannah cat crosses of the 1st to 4th generation (F1–F4) from Leptailurus serval
Transit through Singapore
Transit rules for Singapore have not been researched yet. Ask the authority and your airline before booking a connection with the pet.
Leaving Singapore with your pet
An AVS export licence is needed for every pet leaving Singapore (S$50 / S$100 express, valid 90 days); cancel the pet licence after export.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Exporting dogs and cats)· checked 04 Oct 2026Coming back is a new import: a Singapore pet returning from abroad must meet all import conditions of the schedule of the country it returns from (titer test and 90-day wait for Schedule II/III, 30-day AQC quarantine for Schedule III). Plan the titer test before leaving Singapore.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026For Schedule I/II countries the residence rule is relaxed for pets that left Singapore: "since being imported directly from Singapore" counts instead of 6 months (certificate Section II (b)).
Rule changes
- COMING · 01 Dec 2026
AQC quarantine fees rise to S$36 per day (fan) and S$44 per day (air-conditioned) from 1 December 2026.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Animal Quarantine Centre)· checked 04 Oct 2026 - IN FORCE · 01 Apr 2026
Registered agent: Appoint an AVS-recognised pet agent before arrival; since 1 April 2026 only these agents may carry out import clearance at Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) and deliver the pet home. Owners may no longer enter the Changi Airfreight Centre. (Stated for CAPQ/air arrivals; not stated for Tuas land arrivals.)
Good to know
AVS groups origin countries by rabies risk into Schedule I, II and III and says the grouping can change — check the AVS page close to the travel date.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026Singapore itself is rabies-free (since 1953); rabies vaccination of pets living in Singapore is not compulsory.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Rabies)· checked 04 Oct 2026Legal basis — every import (and transhipment) of an animal needs a licence from the Director-General and must follow its conditions (the Veterinary Conditions PDFs).
Non-compliant pets can be detained, sent back or destroyed, and the importer fined up to S$10,000 and/or jailed up to 12 months (Animals and Birds Act s. 8).
Where the pet may live — HDB (public housing) flat: up to 2 cats and 1 dog of an HDB-approved breed, no Specified dog; private premises: up to 3 cats and/or dogs, of which at most 1 Specified dog. The HDB list of approved dog breeds is not researched yet — check it with HDB.
No Specified dog (Part 1 or Part 2 breeds) may be kept in an HDB flat.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Limits of ownership)· checked 04 Oct 2026Cats imported now count against the limit for the home — the grandfathering of existing cats does not apply to them.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Limits of ownership)· checked 04 Oct 2026The import ban on Part 1 Specified dogs (the banned breeds) also covers temporary visits; only dogs already licensed in Singapore are exempt (e.g. a Singapore-licensed dog returning home — confirm with AVS).
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Specified dogs)· checked 04 Oct 2026Restricted (not banned) dog breeds — "Part 2 Specified dogs": Bull Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog and related breeds (Belgian Shepherd, East European Shepherd), Mastiffs (Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux) and their crosses. One per premises, leash + muzzle in public, S$100,000 liability insurance and a S$2,000 banker's guarantee; not allowed in HDB flats.
Part 2 Specified dogs must also complete AVS-set training; the banker's guarantee is due within 4 weeks of the licence application or of the dog's arrival, whichever is later.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Specified dogs)· checked 04 Oct 2026AVS expects the GST permit (or Customs' GST-relief approval) to be in hand before the inspection is booked.
Transit through Singapore (not entering) needs a separate AVS transhipment licence.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Transhipping dogs and cats)· checked 04 Oct 2026AVS counts a stay of less than 24 hours in transit as transhipment; a longer stay is an import.
Legal basis of the cat/dog licence — no cat or dog may be kept as a pet in Singapore without one.
The cat/dog licence does not give permission to keep the pet at that address — check with HDB or the condominium/estate management before importing.
The order is unclear — the import conditions require the cat/dog licence BEFORE the import licence, but the PALS licensing page lists the import permit as the supporting document for an imported pet. Follow the import conditions; ask AVS (live chat) if PALS will not accept the application.
Pets in the cabin or as excess baggage are handed over at the Lost & Found counter in the arrival hall, in a rigid IATA crate, and taken to CAPQ by the ground handler; the owner leaves the airport without the pet.
CAPQ hours since 1 April 2026: Mon–Tue 9am–5pm, Wed–Fri 9am–8pm (lunch 1–2pm), closed weekends and public holidays. AVS advises landing at least 3 hours before closing; later arrivals wait with the ground handler until the next working day.
Arrivals outside CAPQ hours are held by the ground handling agent until the next working day.
By land (from Malaysia): inspection at the AVS office at Tuas Checkpoint (Mon–Sat 7am–12pm, closed Sundays and public holidays), via the ICA Tuas arrival cargo lane; animals must be in a hard crate.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Tuas Checkpoint)· checked 04 Oct 2026Other entry points: Seletar Airport, ferry terminals and the Changi passenger terminals have inspections only Mon–Fri 9am–4pm; pets arriving by sea are inspected at the importer's premises.
Questions about Singapore
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to the page it comes from. Confirm with the authority before travelling.
01Do I need to book an appointment for my dog or cat to be inspected upon arrival?
Yes, an E-booking is required for all shipments that need inspection, including those with dogs and cats.
02How much does it cost to book an inspection appointment?
Booking, changing, or cancelling an inspection appointment is free.
03What happens if I forget to book an inspection appointment?
There is a penalty fee of SGD 133 per shipment if you do not have an E-booking.
04What are the inspection hours for pets arriving at the airport or ferry terminals?
At Changi passenger terminals, ferry terminals, and Seletar Airport, inspections are available from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
05What happens if my pet arrives at the airport outside of inspection hours?
Animals arriving outside the opening hours of the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) station will be kept overnight in an air-conditioned holding room provided by the Ground Handling Agents.
06Where can I book the inspection appointment?
Appointments are made through the National Parks Board (NParks) e-services portal.
07When are inspections conducted for pets arriving by sea?
For sea arrivals, inspections take place at the importer's premises from 8am to 12.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Checklists to Singapore
Step-by-step route pages for the origins people move from most, dated timeline and all.
No traveller reports for Singapore yet. If you have made this trip, tell the next person what was actually checked at the border.
Share your tripEvery official page behind this guide, with the last day its text was confirmed unchanged.
- Animal Quarantine Centre (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Annex B — Changes to pet import clearance and CAPQ opening hours (starting 1 April 2026) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Applying for a dog or cat licence (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Conditions for the Quarantine of Dogs and Cats at Home (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
Show all 25 sources
- Exporting dogs and cats (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- FAQ on E-booking (inspection appointments at CAPQ / Tuas) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- General information — importing, exporting and transshipping pets (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Importing dogs and cats (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 24 Sep 2026
- Licence fees (cat and dog licences) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Licensing requirements (cat and dog licences) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Limits of ownership (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Pet Ownership Course (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Quarantine Management System (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Rabies (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Specified dogs (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Transhipping dogs and cats (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Tuas Checkpoint (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule I (DOGCAT 83-1) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule II (DOGCAT 83-2) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Importing Personal Pets as Part of a Change of Residence (opens official site)Singapore Customs · checked 04 Oct 2026
- With Personal Pets for Overseas Travel (opens official site)Singapore Customs · checked 04 Oct 2026
- Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024 (S 683/2024) — rules 1–4, First Schedule (opens official site)Singapore Statutes Online (Attorney-General's Chambers) · checked 24 Sep 2026
- Animals and Birds Act 1965 (2020 Revised Edition), Part 2 — sections 7, 8, 10, 11 (opens official site)Singapore Statutes Online (Attorney-General's Chambers) · checked 24 Sep 2026