Bringing a dog or cat to Singapore from the United States is entirely doable, but it requires a minimum of 5 to 6 months of preparation. The USA is classified as Schedule II under Singapore's import system, which means a mandatory rabies titre test, a 90-day waiting period after blood is drawn, and careful lab selection before you start.
Miss any one of these steps or do them in the wrong order, and your pet's travel date moves back significantly.
All requirements on this page are based on official AVS/NParks conditions. Verify current guidelines at avs.nparks.gov.sg and aphis.usda.gov before proceeding.
Why the USA Is Schedule II
Singapore classifies countries by rabies risk. The USA is in Schedule II alongside Canada, Japan, most of Western Europe, and Hong Kong SAR. The defining requirement for Schedule II is the rabies titre test: a blood test confirming your pet has sufficient rabies antibodies. Until your pet has a passing titre test result and has waited 90 days from the date blood was drawn, they cannot enter Singapore.
| Requirement | Schedule I (Australia, UK) | Schedule II (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies titre test | Not required | Required (≥0.5 IU/mL) |
| 90-day wait after blood draw | Not required | Required |
| Rabies vaccination | Not required for AVS | Required (before titre test) |
| Minimum timeline | 1 to 2 months | 5 to 6 months minimum |
Before You Begin: Check Your Breed and Microchip
Prohibited breeds: Singapore does not permit import of Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, or any crossbreed of these. No exceptions apply.
Microchip: Your pet needs an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip (134.2 kHz). Many older US pets have a 10-digit chip. If your pet has a non-standard chip, carry a compatible reader or have a compliant chip implanted. The microchip number must appear on all documents throughout the process.
Brachycephalic breeds: French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and Persian cats can enter Singapore, but airlines impose separate restrictions. Most US carriers require a vet fitness certificate for snub-nosed breeds and some prohibit them on certain routes. Confirm this with your airline well before committing to a travel date.
The Full Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Microchip (if not already done)
When: As early as possible. Ideally 6 to 12 months before your move.
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. Singapore's requirements specify that all vaccination records must show the microchip was already present at the time of vaccination. If you vaccinate first, the vaccination certificate may not be accepted and you would need to revaccinate.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
When: After microchip. Allow at least 28 days before blood sampling for the titre test.
A licensed US vet administers the rabies vaccination. The certificate must include:
- Your pet's 15-digit microchip number
- Vaccine brand, batch number, and expiry date
- Date of administration and vet's signature
If your pet already has a current rabies vaccination with the microchip number on the certificate, you may be able to proceed to the titre test directly, provided 28 days have elapsed since vaccination. Confirm this with your AVS-recognised agent.
Step 3: Rabies Titre Test
When: At least 28 days after rabies vaccination. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for lab results.
The titre test measures your pet's rabies antibody level. Singapore requires a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. The test must be conducted at a laboratory approved by AVS for the US import route.
The lab choice matters more than most people realise.
The AVS approved lab list is route-specific. A lab approved for another country's imports may not be accepted for US-origin animals. Using the wrong lab means the result will not be accepted, and you will need to restart from the titre test stage, adding months to your timeline.
For pets travelling from the USA, the commonly referenced approved laboratory is Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSU-VDL). However, confirm the current approved lab list with AVS or your agent before sending any blood samples, as the list can be updated.
The 90-day waiting period starts from the date blood was drawn, not when you receive the results. Blood must also be drawn within 12 months of your pet's export date. If your move is delayed significantly, you may need to re-test.
Step 4: 90-Day Waiting Period
When: Begins on the blood sampling date. Non-negotiable.
Your pet cannot travel to Singapore until at least 90 days have passed from the blood draw date, regardless of when you receive the titre test results. Plan backwards from your intended arrival date:
- 90-day wait after blood draw
- 28 days minimum between vaccination and blood draw
- Total: at least 118 days from vaccination to earliest possible travel
That is roughly 4 months just for the titre test sequence, before accounting for permit processing, health certificate timing, and flight booking.
Step 5: Appoint an AVS-Recognised CAPQ Agent
When: 8 to 10 weeks before travel.
From 1 April 2026, all CAPQ clearances must go through an AVS-recognised pet agent. Pet owners cannot handle clearance themselves at Changi Airfreight Centre.
Your agent will:
- Apply for the AVS import licence via PALS
- Review your documentation before travel
- Handle CAPQ clearance on arrival day
- Arrange transport from Changi to your home
The official list of agents is at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Step 6: AVS Import Licence
When: Your agent applies well before travel. The licence is valid for 90 days from issue.
Your agent submits the application via the PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg).
- Normal processing: S$50, 2 working days
- Express processing: S$100, 1 working day
The licence is valid for 90 days from issue. Time the application so it remains valid on your arrival date.
Step 7: USDA APHIS Endorsement (if required)
Some destination countries require a government-endorsed health certificate. Singapore may require an APHIS-endorsed health certificate for animals originating from the USA. Confirm the exact requirements with your AVS agent. If endorsement is needed, factor in the additional time for APHIS to endorse your vet's certificate, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days and requires booking an appointment.
Step 8: Veterinary Health Certificate
When: No more than 7 days before departure from the USA.
A USDA-accredited veterinarian issues the official health certificate. The certificate must show:
- Your pet's microchip number
- Current vaccination status
- Fitness for air travel
- Compliance with Singapore's Schedule II import conditions
If APHIS endorsement is required, the certificate must then be taken to or mailed to a USDA APHIS Veterinary Export office. Book this within the 7-day window only once your flight date is confirmed. If your flight is delayed past 7 days after the certificate is issued, you need a new one.
Step 9: Singapore Customs GST Permit
Your agent obtains this via the TradeNet system before your pet's arrival. Confirm this is included in your agent's service.
Step 10: CAPQ Clearance at Changi
On arrival day: Your agent meets your pet at Changi.
CAPQ operating hours from 1 April 2026:
- Monday and Tuesday: 9:00am to 5:00pm (closed 1:00pm to 2:00pm)
- Wednesday to Friday: 9:00am to 8:00pm (closed 1:00pm to 2:00pm)
- Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: closed
Schedule your arrival flight so that CAPQ clearance is possible the same day. A red-eye landing at 6am on a Monday works. A flight arriving 4pm on a Friday cuts it very close. Discuss flight options with your agent before booking.
Will Your Pet Need to Quarantine?
Most Schedule II imports from the USA do not require quarantine, but two situations trigger a mandatory 10-day home quarantine:
- Your pet arrives in Singapore more than 5 days after you entered Singapore
- Your pet has been in your direct care for less than 6 months
If home quarantine applies, you must apply for approval at least 4 weeks before arrival. AVS monitors compliance with a smart collar tag at S$29 per animal per day (S$290 for 10 days), paid upfront.
This is a common trigger for Americans moving ahead for work and having a family member bring the pet later. If your timeline puts you and your pet more than 5 days apart on arrival in Singapore, start the home quarantine application process early.
USA to Singapore: Realistic Timeline
| Step | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip confirmed | Month 1 | ISO 15-digit, before any vax |
| Rabies vaccination | Month 1 | After microchip |
| Titre test blood draw | Month 2 (28+ days after vax) | Confirm lab approval first |
| 90-day wait begins | Month 2 | Starts from blood draw date |
| Agent appointed | Month 4 to 5 | Allow time for licence application |
| Import licence applied | Month 4 to 5 | Valid 90 days from issue |
| Health certificate | Within 7 days of departure | Book only when flight is confirmed |
| CAPQ clearance | Arrival day | Agent only |
Minimum realistic timeline: 5 to 6 months from starting the process to arrival.
Cost Summary
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Rabies titre test (lab fee + vet blood draw) | US$200 to US$600 |
| USDA APHIS health certificate endorsement | US$38 per certificate |
| AVS import licence | S$50 |
| CAPQ agent fee | From S$999 |
| Airline pet transport | S$100 to S$500 |
| Home quarantine monitoring (if triggered) | S$290 for 10 days |
For a complete breakdown by scenario, see our Singapore pet import cost guide.
Common Mistakes US Pet Owners Make
Using an unapproved titre test lab. The approved lab list is route-specific. A lab that worked for a colleague coming from France may not be approved for US-origin pets. Confirm the lab with AVS or your agent before drawing blood.
Vaccinating before microchipping. If the rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, the certificate may not be accepted. The microchip number must be present on all vaccination records.
Not counting the 90 days correctly. The 90-day wait starts from the blood draw date. It does not start when results arrive, and it does not start from the vaccination date. Calculate your earliest possible travel date from the day blood was drawn.
Starting too late. Five to six months is the minimum. People who start 3 months out when they get their Singapore job offer are already behind. Start the microchip and vaccination sequence as soon as a move to Singapore is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the titre test in Singapore after I arrive and then fly my pet over? No. The titre test must be conducted before your pet travels to Singapore, and the 90-day waiting period must be completed in the country of origin.
What if my titre test result is below 0.5 IU/mL? You will need to revaccinate and retest. The 90-day wait starts fresh from the new blood draw date. Some owners run an early titre test (before committing to a travel date) to check their pet's antibody levels and avoid last-minute surprises.
Is there a specific form Singapore needs for the health certificate? Yes. Singapore specifies the content required on veterinary health certificates. Your CAPQ agent can provide the template or confirm whether your vet's standard certificate meets the requirements. APHIS endorsement requirements vary and should be confirmed with your agent.
Bringing your dog or cat to Singapore from the USA? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent.
Sources: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), USDA APHIS. Confirm current requirements before proceeding.