China is classified as Schedule III by Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service. Every dog or cat coming from China must complete a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) after arriving at Changi Airport. No exceptions apply.
The China route has specific documentation requirements including government endorsement from China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and titre test results from WOAH-approved Chinese laboratories. Starting the process at least 6 months before your intended arrival date in Singapore is essential.
All requirements on this page are sourced from official AVS/NParks information at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify current guidelines before proceeding.
What Schedule III Means
Singapore classifies China as Schedule III. This means:
- Rabies titre test is mandatory (minimum ≥0.5 IU/mL) at a WOAH-approved laboratory
- 90-day wait from blood draw date before export
- Mandatory 30-day quarantine at the AQC on arrival in Singapore
- AQC space must be pre-booked via AVS Quarantine Management System (QMS) before travel
- CAPQ clearance requires an AVS-recognised agent (mandatory from April 2026)
Step-by-Step Process
Follow this sequence precisely. Steps completed out of order require restarting.
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microchip implanted (ISO 11784/11785) | First step; before all vaccinations |
| 2 | Rabies vaccination administered | After microchip is confirmed readable |
| 3 | Blood draw for titre test | Minimum 28 days after rabies vaccination |
| 4 | Send sample to WOAH-approved Chinese laboratory | Immediately after draw |
| 5 | Receive titre test result | Lab processing time: approximately 2–4 weeks |
| 6 | 90-day wait from blood draw date | Hard cutoff |
| 7 | Book AQC quarantine space via QMS | As early as possible once travel date is confirmed |
| 8 | Engage AVS-recognised CAPQ agent | 8–10 weeks before arrival |
| 9 | Apply for AVS import licence | Agent handles via PALS/GoBusiness; S$50 normal, S$100 express |
| 10 | Get health certificate from vet in China | Within 7 days of departure |
| 11 | Health certificate endorsed by MARA | Allow additional processing time beyond 7-day window |
| 12 | Singapore Customs GST permit obtained | Agent handles prior to arrival |
| 13 | CAPQ clearance on arrival day | Agent collects from Changi cargo, presents documents |
| 14 | Transfer to AQC for 30-day quarantine | Immediately after CAPQ |
Minimum timeline from first step to AQC release: 6–8 months.
Health Certificate and MARA Endorsement
The veterinary health certificate must be:
- Completed by a licensed veterinarian in China
- Endorsed by an official veterinarian from China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) or the relevant provincial veterinary authority
The MARA endorsement process takes time and may require advance scheduling. Factor this into your timing. The health certificate itself has a validity window of approximately 7 days from the date of government endorsement. Coordinate carefully so the endorsement date and your pet's departure date align.
Confirm the exact format and endorsement process with your CAPQ agent and your vet in China well in advance. Requirements for government endorsement can vary by province and may require an appointment with the local animal and plant inspection and quarantine bureau (动植物检疫局).
Approved Laboratories in China
Singapore accepts titre test results from WOAH-approved laboratories. For China, approved facilities include those accredited by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Verify the current approved laboratory list at avs.nparks.gov.sg before submitting the blood sample.
Your result must clearly show:
- Pet's microchip number
- Date blood was drawn
- Laboratory name and accreditation
- Titre level in IU/mL (must be ≥0.5 IU/mL)
If the result is below 0.5 IU/mL: The vaccination must be repeated and the blood draw repeated. The 90-day wait restarts from the new draw date, adding at least 3 additional months to your timeline.
AQC Quarantine: What to Expect
All Schedule III imports must complete 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) upon arrival.
AQC fees (effective 1 December 2025):
| Accommodation | Daily rate |
|---|---|
| Fan-fitted kennel/room | S$26 |
| Air-conditioned kennel/room | S$35 |
Other costs:
- Transport from CAPQ to AQC: S$75 per animal
- 30-day stay at air-conditioned rate: approximately S$1,050
Facility dimensions:
- Dog kennels: 4.3m x 1.8m x 2.14m (indoor room and outdoor run)
- Cat rooms: 1.7m x 1.2m x 2m
Visiting hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday: 3pm to 5pm
- Saturday: 2pm to 5pm
Release: Between 10am and 12pm on the 30th day. No extensions permitted.
Book the AQC space as soon as your arrival date is set. The QMS booking system requires advance notice, and spaces are limited.
CAPQ Clearance from April 2026
From 1 April 2026, all pet imports to Singapore require an AVS-recognised agent for CAPQ clearance. Pet owners cannot attend CAPQ directly.
Your agent:
- Collects your pet from the airline cargo hold at Changi Airfreight Centre
- Presents all documents at CAPQ (import licence, health certificate, titre test result, GST permit)
- Manages microchip verification and physical inspection
- Transfers your pet to the AQC
CAPQ operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
- Saturday, Sunday, public holidays: closed
- Lunch break: 1pm to 2pm daily
Book your pet's flight to arrive on a weekday. Weekend arrivals cannot clear CAPQ until Monday.
Microchip Note for China
Many dogs and cats in China are registered under the Chinese animal identification system. Confirm that your pet's chip complies with ISO standard 11784/11785 (15-digit chip). If your pet has a non-standard chip, consult your CAPQ agent before starting the process. Re-chipping before vaccination may be required.
Timeline at a Glance
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Microchip verified, rabies vaccination given |
| Month 1–2 | Blood draw (28+ days post-vaccination), lab submission |
| Month 2–5 | 90-day wait; book AQC; engage agent |
| Month 4–5 | AVS import licence applied; AQC confirmed |
| Month 5–6 | Health certificate issued, MARA endorsement obtained |
| Arrival day | Agent handles CAPQ; pet transferred to AQC |
| Days 1–30 | AQC quarantine |
| Day 30 | Release between 10am and 12pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
My cat has lived in China for years and has been vaccinated annually. Does the quarantine still apply? Yes. The 30-day quarantine applies to all Schedule III imports regardless of vaccination history, country of birth, or how long you have owned the pet.
Can the health certificate be written in Chinese? The health certificate should be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Singapore's CAPQ officers work with English-language documents. Confirm the language requirements with your agent before the vet visit.
Can I accompany my pet on the flight and be at CAPQ when they clear? From April 2026, only the AVS-recognised agent may present your pet at CAPQ. You can meet your agent at the AQC once your pet is transferred there, within the scheduled visiting hours.
My move is in 2 months. Is it too late? For the China route, 2 months is not enough time. The minimum timeline from microchip to AQC release is 6–8 months. If your move is imminent, your pet will need to travel separately after you, once the full process is complete.
Relocating from China to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote. We handle Schedule III imports from China and can advise on MARA endorsement timing and lab selection.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Always verify current requirements before starting the process.