The UAE is classified as Schedule III by Singapore's Animal and Veterinary Service. Professionals relocating from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Singapore with a dog or cat face a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) on arrival. No exceptions apply based on the pet's health or vaccination history.
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 Requires
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit chip) |
| Rabies vaccination | After microchip; required |
| Rabies titre test | ≥0.5 IU/mL at WOAH-approved lab |
| 90-day wait | From blood draw date |
| AQC quarantine | 30 days mandatory |
| AQC pre-booking | Via AVS QMS before travel |
| CAPQ agent | Mandatory from April 2026 |
Minimum timeline from start to AQC release: 6–8 months.
Step-by-Step Process
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) | First |
| 2 | Rabies vaccination | After microchip |
| 3 | Blood draw for titre test | 28+ days post-vaccination |
| 4 | Submit to CVRL Dubai or other WOAH-approved lab | Immediately |
| 5 | 90-day wait | Starts on draw date |
| 6 | Book AQC via QMS | As early as possible |
| 7 | Engage CAPQ agent | 8–10 weeks before arrival |
| 8 | AVS import licence | Agent applies; S$50 normal, S$100 express |
| 9 | Health certificate | Within 7 days of departure |
| 10 | MOCCAE endorsement | Within health certificate window |
| 11 | Singapore Customs GST permit | Agent handles prior to arrival |
| 12 | CAPQ clearance | Agent handles on arrival day |
| 13 | 30-day AQC quarantine | After CAPQ clearance |
Health Certificate and MOCCAE Endorsement
The health certificate must be issued by a UAE-licensed vet and endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), which is the competent authority for animal exports from the UAE. The MOCCAE endorsement requires scheduling and may involve inspection of the animal.
Allow time for MOCCAE processing within the 7-day validity window of the health certificate.
Titre Test Laboratory in the UAE
The Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) in Dubai is a WOAH-accredited facility capable of conducting rabies serology testing. Verify its current status on the AVS approved lab list at avs.nparks.gov.sg before submitting the blood sample.
AQC Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 days |
| Dog kennel | 4.3m x 1.8m x 2.14m |
| Cat room | 1.7m x 1.2m x 2m |
| Fan-fitted rate | S$26/day |
| Air-conditioned rate | S$35/day |
| CAPQ to AQC transport | S$75 per animal |
| Visiting hours | Tuesday and Thursday 3pm–5pm; Saturday 2pm–5pm |
| Release | 10am–12pm on day 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
My pet was imported to the UAE from Europe. Does their European history help? No. The schedule classification is based on the country of export to Singapore, which is the UAE. Regardless of your pet's prior travel history, UAE is Schedule III and the 30-day quarantine applies.
Emirates SkyCargo operates the Dubai-Singapore route. Can I use them? Emirates SkyCargo does handle live animal cargo. Contact their cargo desk directly to confirm acceptance on your specific route, brachycephalic breed restrictions if applicable, and documentation requirements.
Moving from the UAE to Singapore with your dog or cat? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised agent.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).