The titre test for Singapore pet import is one of the most important, and most misunderstood, steps in the entire process. Not because the test itself is complicated, but because Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) requires the test to be done at a specific AVS-approved laboratory for your route, and that approved lab list is not the same for every country.
Use the wrong lab, even one that is internationally recognised, and AVS Singapore will not accept the rabies titre test result. You'll need to re-vaccinate and re-test, adding at least three months to your Singapore pet import timeline.
This guide explains how the AVS-approved titre test lab system works, how to verify your lab before booking, and what to do if your preferred lab isn't on the approved list.
What Is a Rabies Titre Test?
A rabies titre test (technically, a Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation or FAVN test, or an equivalent) measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet's blood. Singapore requires the result to be ≥ 0.5 IU/mL, the international standard set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The test is only required for Schedule II and Schedule III country imports. Pets travelling from Schedule I countries (Australia, New Zealand, UK, Republic of Ireland) do not need a titre test for Singapore.
Why the Lab Choice Matters
Singapore requires the titre test to be conducted at a WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, or at a laboratory that has been approved by the Competent Authority of a Schedule I or II country.
That second category is where complexity lives. The specific labs AVS accepts for a given route are set out in the Schedule veterinary conditions documents published on the NParks/AVS website. These documents are updated periodically, and the list varies by country.
A lab approved for imports from France may not appear on the approved list for imports from Malaysia. The approval is route-specific, not universal.
The consequence of the wrong lab: AVS will not accept the titre test result. You'll need to restart from the vaccination stage: re-vaccinate, wait at least 28 days, re-test at an approved lab, and then restart the 90-day waiting period. That's a minimum of 4 months added to your timeline.
How to Find the Approved Lab for Your Route
Step 1: Identify your Schedule Confirm whether your origin country is Schedule I, II, or III. The schedule classification is set by AVS and can be checked at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
If your country is Schedule I, you don't need a titre test for Singapore. If it's Schedule II or III, continue.
Step 2: Download the Schedule veterinary conditions PDF The official approved lab list is published within the Schedule II veterinary conditions document. You can find the current version linked from the AVS import page.
Look for the attachment named something like "Schedule II Veterinary Conditions." The approved laboratory list is typically in an annex to that document.
Step 3: Confirm with AVS or your agent If you're unsure whether your specific lab is approved, contact AVS directly or work through an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent who knows the current approved list for your route. Lab lists can change between document revisions, so a double-check before booking protects you from an expensive mistake.
Commonly Cited Approved Labs by Region
The following labs are frequently cited by pet relocation professionals as having been accepted for Singapore Schedule II imports from their respective regions. These should be verified against the current AVS veterinary conditions PDF before use. This list is for orientation only, not as a substitute for official confirmation.
| Region | Lab | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (KSU-VDL) | Widely cited for US Schedule II imports |
| France / Europe | ANSES Nancy Laboratory | WOAH reference lab |
| UK | APHA Weybridge | Government veterinary lab |
| Australia | Not required | Australia is Schedule I |
| New Zealand | Not required | New Zealand is Schedule I |
| Japan | WOAH reference labs or approved Japanese labs | Confirm with AVS (Japan is Schedule II) |
Important: This table is illustrative. The official approved list is in the AVS Schedule II veterinary conditions PDF. Always confirm before booking.
Key Timing Rules for the Titre Test
Get these right before you book:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum time after vaccination | Blood must be sampled at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination |
| 90-day waiting period | Starts from the date of blood sampling (not when results arrive) |
| Maximum window before export | Blood sampling must be no more than 12 months before the export date |
| Minimum result | ≥ 0.5 IU/mL |
The 12-month maximum is important if your move date gets pushed back. If more than 12 months pass between your titre test and your travel date, you may need to re-test.
What to Do If Your Lab Isn't Approved
If your local vet uses a lab that isn't on the AVS approved list, you have a few options:
1. Use an international shipping service for the blood sample Many AVS-approved labs accept international blood samples. Your local vet can collect the blood sample and ship it (in the correct preservation conditions) to an approved lab in another country. Your CAPQ agent or the lab itself can advise on shipping requirements.
2. Find an approved lab in your region Some countries have multiple AVS-approved labs. Your CAPQ agent will know which labs are accepted for your specific route and can recommend one.
3. Ask your vet to use the approved lab directly If your vet is unfamiliar with the AVS-approved labs, share the relevant list from the Schedule II veterinary conditions PDF. Many experienced vets can arrange submission to approved labs on your behalf.
What Happens If the Titre Result Is Too Low
If your pet's result comes back below 0.5 IU/mL, you cannot proceed on your current timeline. The steps are:
- Re-vaccinate your pet (ideally after consulting your vet about timing)
- Wait at least 28 days
- Re-test at the approved lab
- If the result passes, the 90-day waiting period starts again from the new blood sampling date
Some pets have low titre levels even after vaccination, particularly older animals or those with health conditions that affect immune response. If your pet has had trouble achieving a sufficient titre in the past, mention this to your vet early. An early titre test (before you're committed to a travel date) gives you time to manage this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a titre test if we're coming from Australia? No. Australia is a Schedule I country for Singapore. Pets from Australia do not require a rabies vaccination or titre test under Singapore's import requirements.
Does my pet need a titre test if we're coming from Japan? Yes. Japan is classified as Schedule II by AVS. A titre test at an approved lab is required, along with the 90-day waiting period from blood sampling.
Can I use any WOAH Reference Laboratory? In principle, WOAH Reference Laboratories for Rabies meet the testing standard. In practice, AVS also maintains a country-specific approved lab list in the Schedule conditions PDFs. Using a WOAH reference lab is generally safe, but confirm with AVS or your agent that it's accepted for your specific origin country.
How long do titre test results take? Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on the lab and whether the sample was shipped internationally. Factor this into your timeline. The 90-day waiting period only starts from blood sampling, not when you receive results, but you want the result in hand before committing to a travel date.
Do I need to do anything with the titre test certificate after travel? The original titre test certificate should be kept with your pet's travel documents. Your agent will need it for the CAPQ clearance process.
How to Read Your Titre Test Certificate
Once your AVS-approved lab returns results, your titre test certificate needs to contain specific information before it will be accepted at CAPQ clearance. Check that the certificate clearly shows:
- Your pet's microchip number (must match all other documentation)
- The date blood was sampled (this is the date your 90-day waiting period starts from, not the date results were issued)
- The titre value in IU/mL (must be ≥ 0.5 IU/mL)
- The test method used (FAVN or equivalent)
- The laboratory's name and accreditation details
Keep the original certificate. Your CAPQ agent will need it as part of the documentation package at Changi Airport. If AVS or your agent has questions about any of the details, a certificate missing even one of these fields can cause delays at clearance.
Preparing Your Blood Sample for International Shipping
If you're in a country where no AVS-approved lab is located locally, your vet will need to ship the blood sample internationally. This is more common than most pet owners expect, as many approved labs accept international samples as a routine service.
Key points to confirm with your vet and the receiving lab before sampling:
- Sample preservation requirements: Most rabies titre tests require serum (separated from whole blood), stored at a specific temperature. Confirm with the lab whether chilled or frozen shipping is required for your specific transit time.
- International shipping timeline: Allow 2–5 business days for sample transit in addition to lab processing time. Budget 3–5 weeks total from blood draw to results.
- Customs documentation: Blood samples crossing international borders require a specific category of export documentation. Your vet or a specialist courier will handle this, but confirm in advance.
- Lab contact: Call or email the receiving lab before your vet draws blood. They will confirm current sample requirements, shipping instructions, and whether they're experiencing any processing delays.
Getting these logistics wrong can mean a compromised sample that will not be accepted by the lab and is not refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a titre test if we're coming from Australia? No. Australia is a Schedule I country for Singapore. Pets from Australia do not require a rabies vaccination or titre test under Singapore's import requirements.
Does my pet need a titre test if we're coming from Japan? Yes. Japan is classified as Schedule II by AVS. A titre test at an AVS-approved lab is required, along with the 90-day waiting period from blood sampling.
Can I use any WOAH Reference Laboratory for my Singapore pet import titre test? In principle, WOAH Reference Laboratories for Rabies meet the testing standard. In practice, AVS also maintains a country-specific approved lab list in the Schedule conditions PDFs. Using a WOAH reference lab is generally safe, but confirm with AVS or your CAPQ agent that it's accepted for your specific origin country before booking.
How long do titre test results take? Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on the lab and whether the sample was shipped internationally. Factor this into your timeline. The 90-day waiting period only starts from blood sampling, not when you receive results, but you want the result in hand before committing to a travel date.
What happens if my titre test certificate is missing information? AVS may request clarification or reject the certificate at CAPQ clearance. If a certificate is rejected, you may need to re-test. Always review the certificate details against the requirements listed above before your travel date.
Do I need to do anything with the titre test certificate after travel? The original titre test certificate should be kept with your pet's travel documents. Your AVS-recognised CAPQ agent will need it for the clearance process at Changi Airport.
Need help confirming which titre test lab is approved for your Singapore pet import route? Contact our team. We handle this verification as part of every import case.
Source: AVS: Importing dogs and cats; Schedule II veterinary conditions (NParks). Always verify the current approved lab list with AVS before booking.