Edit route

BRINGING A CAT FROMThailand to Singapore

Cat · Moving

Bringing a dog instead?
Download PDF
Prep time about 17 weeks

Quarantine: at least 30 days at a government quarantine station. Needs microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, other vaccinations, parasite treatment, minimum age, health certificate, quarantine booking, pet ownership course, pet licence, import permit, customs declaration, registered agent, advance notice to the authority, transport rules, arrival inspection and second rabies vaccination.

Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.

Entry requirements

Tap the seal to stamp a step done.0 OF 19 STAMPED
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3))· checked 04 Oct 2026

Rabies vaccine + titer test with a 90-day wait, then at least 30 days' quarantine at the government Animal Quarantine Centre (booked in advance, deposit paid) and a rabies booster on arrival. No residence period and no captain's declaration.

01
Microchip
before travel

ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A microchip, number on all vaccination and treatment records; with a non-ISO chip bring a reader.

DETAILS +

ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A microchip, number on all vaccination and treatment records; with a non-ISO chip bring a reader.

02
Rabies vaccination
before travel

Valid rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine), primary and/or up-to-date boosters per the manufacturer, without a lapse until export.

DETAILS +

Valid rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine), primary and/or up-to-date boosters per the manufacturer, without a lapse until export.

03
Rabies antibody (titer) test
28+ days after the rabies vaccination90+ days before departurewithin 12 months before departure

WOAH-prescribed rabies antibody test, at least 0.5 IU/ml; blood sample at least 28 days after the primary vaccination or last booster, and at least 90 days but not more than 12 months before export. The lab must be a WOAH reference laboratory or a lab in a Schedule I or II country approved by that country's authority — a local lab in a Schedule III country does not qualify unless it is a WOAH reference laboratory.

DETAILS +

WOAH-prescribed rabies antibody test, at least 0.5 IU/ml; blood sample at least 28 days after the primary vaccination or last booster, and at least 90 days but not more than 12 months before export. The lab must be a WOAH reference laboratory or a lab in a Schedule I or II country approved by that country's authority — a local lab in a Schedule III country does not qualify unless it is a WOAH reference laboratory.

04
Other vaccinations
14+ days before departure

Feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1 and feline panleukopenia, per the manufacturer, at least 14 days before export.

DETAILS +

Feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1 and feline panleukopenia, per the manufacturer, at least 14 days before export.

05
Parasite treatment
2–7 days before departure

External (fleas and ticks) and internal (nematodes and cestodes) treatments, both 2–7 days before export.

DETAILS +

External (fleas and ticks) and internal (nematodes and cestodes) treatments, both 2–7 days before export.

06
Minimum age
before travel

At least 12 weeks old at export (in practice about 4 months after the first rabies vaccination).

DETAILS +

At least 12 weeks old at export (in practice 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
07
Health certificate
within 7 days before departure

AVS certificate template from the Schedule III 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.

DETAILS +

AVS certificate template from the Schedule III 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.

08
Quarantine booking
before travel

Reserve a space at the Animal Quarantine Centre in the Quarantine Management System (qms.avs.gov.sg) once the titer report is ready — microchip number, rabies vaccination records and titer report are required. Pay a non-refundable deposit (10 days' fees + transport); the space is held only up to 3 days after the allocated date; date/room changes cost S$65 (first change free if more than 30 days ahead). High demand — book early. The AQC acceptance must be attached to the import licence application.

DETAILS +

Reserve a space at the Animal Quarantine Centre in the Quarantine Management System (qms.avs.gov.sg) once the titer report is ready — microchip number, rabies vaccination records and titer report are required. Pay a non-refundable deposit (10 days' fees + transport); the space is held only up to 3 days after the allocated date; date/room changes cost S$65 (first change free if more than 30 days ahead). High demand — book early. The AQC acceptance must be attached to the import licence application.

Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Quarantine Management System)· checked 04 Oct 2026
09
Pet ownership course
before travel

First-time cat/dog licence applicants must first complete AVS's free online Pet Ownership Course (about 20–30 minutes).

DETAILS +

First-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
10
Pet licence
before travel

Singapore cat/dog licence on PALS (pals.avs.gov.sg) before applying for the import licence.

DETAILS +

Singapore cat/dog licence on PALS (pals.avs.gov.sg) before applying for the import licence.

11
Import permit
within 90 days before arrival

AVS import licence (personal) via GoBusiness, with the AQC quarantine acceptance attached. S$50 (2 working days) or S$100 express (1 working day); valid 90 days from issue, no extension. Show it at check-in.

DETAILS +

AVS import licence (personal) via GoBusiness, with the AQC quarantine acceptance attached. S$50 (2 working days) or S$100 express (1 working day); valid 90 days from issue, no extension. Show it at check-in.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
12
Customs declaration
5+ working days before arrival

Moving to Singapore — GST relief application to Singapore Customs at least 5 working days before arrival.

DETAILS +

Moving to Singapore — GST relief application to Singapore Customs at least 5 working days before arrival.

  • · 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
13
Customs declaration
5+ working days before arrival

Temporary visit or Singapore resident returning with the same pet — GST relief application at least 5 working days before arrival.

DETAILS +

Temporary visit or Singapore resident returning with the same pet — GST relief application at least 5 working days before arrival.

  • · 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
14
Customs declaration
within 10 working days before arrival

Otherwise — Customs In-Payment (GST) permit before arrival (GST on the CIF value); valid 10 working days from approval.

DETAILS +

Otherwise — Customs In-Payment (GST) permit before arrival (GST on the CIF value); valid 10 working days from approval.

  • · 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
15
Registered agent
before travel

Appoint an AVS-recognised pet agent before arrival; only these agents may clear pets at CAPQ since 1 April 2026.

DETAILS +

Appoint an AVS-recognised pet agent before arrival; only these agents may clear pets at CAPQ since 1 April 2026.

Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Annex B — Changes to pet import clearance and CAPQ opening hours (starting 1 April 2026))· checked 04 Oct 2026
16
Advance notice to the authority
5+ working days before arrival

Book the arrival inspection on AVS eServices at least 5 working days before arrival (web pages: 5 days); S$133 per hour without a booking.

DETAILS +

Book the arrival inspection on AVS eServices at least 5 working days before arrival (web pages: 5 days); S$133 per hour without a booking.

17
Transport rules
before travel

IATA container; pets in the cabin also need a rigid IATA hard crate for the transfer to CAPQ (no soft bags). No captain's declaration is required for Schedule III.

DETAILS +

IATA container; pets in the cabin also need a rigid IATA hard crate for the transfer to CAPQ (no soft bags). No captain's declaration is required for Schedule III.

Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
18
Arrival inspection
before travel

Inspection at CAPQ (air) or Tuas Checkpoint (land): import licence, health certificate, cat/dog licence, vaccination records, titer report, GST permit/relief. The pet is then moved by AVS transport to the Animal Quarantine Centre (CAPQ→AQC transfers Mon–Fri 10:00–10:30; later arrivals stay overnight at CAPQ).

DETAILS +

Inspection at CAPQ (air) or Tuas Checkpoint (land): import licence, health certificate, cat/dog licence, vaccination records, titer report, GST permit/relief. The pet is then moved by AVS transport to the Animal Quarantine Centre (CAPQ→AQC transfers Mon–Fri 10:00–10:30; later arrivals stay overnight at CAPQ).

19
Second rabies vaccination
before travel

AVS vaccinates every Schedule III dog and cat against rabies on arrival at the AQC (S$68), then quarantine starts.

DETAILS +

AVS vaccinates every Schedule III dog and cat against rabies on arrival at the AQC (S$68), then quarantine starts.

  • Preparation time 17 weeks: chip + rabies vaccine on day 0, blood sample on day 28, export no earlier than day 118, plus finding an AQC slot (AVS: high demand, book early). The 30 days of quarantine come on top, after arrival.
  • CAPQ → AQC transfers run Mon–Fri 10:00–10:30 only; a pet cleared later waits at CAPQ overnight (CAPQ fee S$35/day). — National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
  • Release from AQC is only 10:00–12:00 on the release date; quarantine cannot be extended. — National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
  • The QMS reservation lapses 3 days after the allocated date — a delayed flight can lose the slot. — National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
  • A Singapore pet visiting Malaysia (Schedule III), even for a day, comes back as a Schedule III import — titer test with the 90-day wait and 30-day quarantine. — National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)

Quarantine: at least 30 days at a government quarantine station

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)

Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3))· checked 04 Oct 2026

Timeline

Working out your dates…

Documents

One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 14 ready.

Official fees

Fees the authorities publish for this route, in their own currency. Vet and airline charges are not included.

AVS import licence (personal), normal service
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3))· checked 04 Oct 2026
SGD 50 per consignment
AQC quarantine, fan room
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3))· checked 04 Oct 2026
SGD 26 per animal per day
AQC quarantine, air-conditioned room
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3))· checked 04 Oct 2026
SGD 35 per animal per day
Transport CAPQ or Tuas → AQC (per animal, per trip)
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule III (DOGCAT 83-3))· checked 04 Oct 2026
SGD 75 per animal
Rabies vaccination on arrival
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Animal Quarantine Centre)· checked 04 Oct 2026
SGD 68 per animal
Inspection without an e-bookingthe inspection was not booked in advance on AVS eServices
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Importing dogs and cats)· checked 24 Sep 2026
SGD 133 per hour

Entry points

Where a pet may enter Singapore, per the rules.

Breed bans

Add the breed to your link (Edit route) and the checklist refuses a banned type.

Airlines

Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines

  • Lufthansa LH
    CabinYes
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • Emirates EK
    CabinNo
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways) NHhold: conditions on this route
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
  • Qantas QF
    CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedNot stated
  • Delta Air Lines DL
    CabinYes
    HoldNo
    Snub-nosedHold, cargo: no
  • KLM KL
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no
  • Air France AF
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • British Airways BA
    CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedCargo: restricted
  • Qatar Airways QR
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: restricted

Announced changes

Return trip to Thailand

Moderate for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 5 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order.

  • Import permit — 7+ working days before arrival: In advance: apply to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) of the arrival airport for the notice of import approval (form R.6, called the "import permit") at least 7 working days before arrival — through the DLD e-Movement system or by e-mail (Suvarnabhumi: qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th) with form R1/1, a copy of the owner's passport, a photo of the pet and an English vaccination record showing the microchip number, one PDF per animal. Mandatory in advance for air cargo. The permit is valid 60 days and comes with the health "Requirement" for the exporting country's vet.
  • Import permit: On arrival: for hand-carried pets the advance application does not apply — at the discretion of the port veterinarian the owner may apply at the AQS on arrival (Suvarnabhumi "option C") with the complete documents: original endorsed health certificate, original vaccination record or pet passport in English with the microchip number, form R1/1. Not recommended with a short connection; airlines may refuse boarding without a permit issued in advance.
Source:Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD (opens official site: B. Pet in cabin/Checked baggage — import permit in advance (PDF, created 2023-12-20))· checked 04 Oct 2026
+4 more
Also:Royal Thai Government Gazette (hosted on the Suvarnabhumi Airport AQS site, DLD),Department of Livestock Development, Division of Animal Quarantine and Inspection (citizen's manual under the Licensing Facilitation Act B.E. 2558),Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD,Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine Station, DLD

Full checklist for a cat from Singapore to Thailand

Leaving Singapore with the 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.
  • Coming 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.
  • For 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)).
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Exporting dogs and cats)· checked 04 Oct 2026
+2 more
Also:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS),National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)

Questions about Singapore

Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to its source.

What they actually checked at the border

Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.

No traveller reports here yet. If you have made this trip, tell the next person what was actually checked at the border.

Share your trip

Sources

Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 24 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.

Keep this checklist

Download PDF

More routes

Checklists for nearby trips — same rules engine, same official sources.