Importing to Singapore

Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Singapore from South Africa: AVS Schedule III Guide

South Africa is Schedule III for Singapore pet imports. The process involves a titre test, mandatory AQC quarantine, and health certificate endorsement from South African authorities. Here is what to expect.

Pawsport Express

South Africa is classified as Schedule III by Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service. Dogs and cats imported from South Africa — including those coming from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or anywhere else in the country — must complete a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) on arrival in Singapore.

All requirements on this page are sourced from official AVS/NParks information at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify current guidelines before proceeding.


Schedule III Requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipISO 11784/11785 (15-digit chip)
Rabies vaccinationAfter microchip; required
Rabies titre test≥0.5 IU/mL at WOAH-approved lab
90-day waitFrom blood draw date
AQC quarantine30 days mandatory
AQC pre-bookingVia AVS QMS before travel
CAPQ agentMandatory from April 2026

Minimum timeline from start to AQC release: 6–8 months.


Step-by-Step Process

StepActionTiming
1Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)First
2Rabies vaccinationAfter microchip
3Blood draw for titre test28+ days post-vaccination
4Submit to OVR or WOAH-approved SA labImmediately
590-day waitStarts on draw date
6Book AQC via QMSAs early as possible
7Engage CAPQ agent8–10 weeks before arrival
8AVS import licenceAgent applies; S$50 normal, S$100 express
9Health certificateWithin 7 days of departure
10DALRRD endorsementWithin health certificate window
11Singapore Customs GST permitAgent handles prior to arrival
12CAPQ clearanceAgent handles on arrival day
1330-day AQC quarantineAfter CAPQ clearance

Health Certificate and DALRRD Endorsement

The health certificate must be completed by a South African-registered vet and endorsed by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) — the competent authority for animal export certification from South Africa.

The DALRRD endorsement involves a state vet reviewing and signing the certificate. Allow time for state vet appointment scheduling within the 7-day health certificate validity window.


Titre Test Laboratory in South Africa

Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (OVR) at the University of Pretoria is a WOAH-accredited facility and can conduct rabies serology testing. Verify the current status on the AVS approved lab list at avs.nparks.gov.sg.


AQC Key Facts

ItemDetail
Duration30 days
Dog kennel4.3m x 1.8m x 2.14m
Cat room1.7m x 1.2m x 2m
Fan-fitted rateS$26/day
Air-conditioned rateS$35/day
CAPQ to AQC transportS$75 per animal
Visiting hoursTuesday and Thursday 3pm–5pm; Saturday 2pm–5pm
Release10am–12pm on day 30

Airlines from South Africa to Singapore

Singapore Airlines operates Johannesburg-Singapore routes (via SIA Cargo for live animals). Confirm live animal booking availability with the cargo desk well before your travel date. South Africa to Singapore is a long-haul route; confirm all conditions apply.


Frequently Asked Questions

My dog is a Boerboel (South African Mastiff). Can I bring them to Singapore? No. The Boerboel is on Singapore's prohibited breed list and cannot be imported, sold, or kept as a pet in Singapore. This is a firm prohibition with no exemptions. See prohibited dog breeds in Singapore for the complete list.

The journey from South Africa to Singapore is very long. Is that safe for my pet? Long-haul travel in temperature-controlled cargo is generally well-tolerated by healthy dogs and cats. Your CAPQ agent and vet can advise on preparation. For brachycephalic breeds, consult your vet and confirm airline acceptance before booking.


Moving from South Africa to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote.

Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).

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