Importing to Singapore

Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Singapore from the UAE: Schedule III 30-Day Quarantine Guide

The UAE is Schedule III for Singapore pet imports. Professionals rotating from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Singapore face a mandatory 30-day quarantine — understanding the process and timeline is essential before committing to a travel date.

Pawsport Express

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

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 CVRL Dubai or other WOAH-approved 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
10MOCCAE 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 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

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

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).

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