If your dog or cat is travelling to Singapore from a Schedule III country (which includes Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and most other countries not listed under Schedules I or II), a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) applies on arrival.
This is not optional and cannot be waived. But it is not as alarming as it sounds. The AQC is a purpose-built facility with veterinary oversight, visiting hours, and structured daily care for animals in quarantine.
This guide covers what the AQC experience actually looks like, so you know what to expect before your pet arrives.
All requirements on this page are based on official AVS/NParks information. Verify current details at avs.nparks.gov.sg/about-us/our-centres/animal-quarantine-centre/ before proceeding.
Who Goes to the AQC
The AQC applies to pets arriving from Schedule III countries. Schedule III covers all countries and regions not listed in Schedule I or Schedule II.
Examples of Schedule III countries relevant to Singapore:
- Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar
- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan
- South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria
- Most of Latin America, the Middle East, and Central Asia
If you are moving to Singapore from any of these countries with your pet, the 30-day AQC quarantine is part of your timeline and budget regardless of how clean your documentation is.
For Schedule I (Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland) and most Schedule II imports, the AQC does not apply. See our home quarantine guide for the limited cases where those pets face a 10-day home quarantine.
The Facility: What It Looks Like
The AQC is operated by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and is designed to house dogs and cats in individual kennels and rooms throughout the quarantine period.
Dog accommodation:
Dog kennels measure 4.3 metres by 1.8 metres by 2.14 metres and include an indoor room connected to an outdoor run. Each kennel is individual. Your dog will not share a kennel with another animal. Both fan-fitted and air-conditioned kennel types are available.
Cat accommodation:
Cat rooms measure 1.7 metres by 1.2 metres by 2 metres. Individual rooms. Fan-fitted and air-conditioned options.
Daily fees (effective 1 December 2025):
- Fan-fitted accommodation: S$26 per animal per day
- Air-conditioned accommodation: S$35 per animal per day
For a 30-day quarantine, that works out to S$780 (fan) or S$1,050 (air-con) per animal. A family with two dogs in air-conditioned kennels would pay S$2,100 for the quarantine period, plus transport.
Transport from CAPQ to AQC
Your pet does not go directly from the aircraft to the AQC. They first go through CAPQ clearance at Changi Airport (handled by your AVS-recognised agent), and then are transported to the AQC.
Transport from CAPQ to AQC costs S$75 per dog or cat per trip.
Your agent arranges this transport as part of the CAPQ clearance process. Confirm this is included in their service scope.
What Happens During Quarantine
Daily veterinary checks: AQC staff carry out daily checks. Pets receive a rabies vaccination on arrival at the AQC if they have not previously been vaccinated or if their vaccination records do not meet the required standard.
Exercise for dogs: Dogs receive morning walks from AQC staff. During visiting hours, owners can also use the exercise field. Slots are first-come, first-served, so arriving at the start of visiting hours gives you a better chance of getting field time.
Grooming: The AQC does not provide grooming or bathing services. If your pet has specific grooming needs, plan for this after release.
Food: The AQC provides standard food. If your pet has a specific diet or medical dietary requirement, discuss this with AQC staff. You may be able to bring food during visits, but confirm the policy directly with the AQC.
Visiting Hours
| Day | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3:00pm to 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 3:00pm to 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 2:00pm to 5:00pm |
| Other days | Closed to visitors |
Visits are 15 minutes per session. The exercise field is available on a first-come, first-served basis during visiting hours. The AQC is closed to visitors on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Plan your schedule around Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday if you want to visit your pet regularly during the quarantine period.
Booking Quarantine Space
Quarantine space must be reserved in advance through AVS's Quarantine Management System (QMS) before your pet travels. This is not something you arrange on arrival day.
Your AVS-recognised CAPQ agent typically handles the QMS booking as part of their service for Schedule III imports. Confirm this when appointing your agent. Failing to pre-book quarantine space can cause significant complications on arrival day.
Release Day
Your pet is released from quarantine between 10:00am and 12:00pm on the specified quarantine release date.
The release date is fixed from the day of admission. You cannot request an extension and you cannot release your pet early. Collection on the exact release date is mandatory. If you are unable to collect your pet on release day for any reason, contact AVS in advance to discuss the situation.
Arrange your schedule and transport in advance. Your CAPQ agent can help coordinate the release and transport your pet from the AQC to your home if needed.
Full Cost Summary for Schedule III Imports
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| AQC quarantine: fan-fitted (30 days) | S$780 |
| AQC quarantine: air-conditioned (30 days) | S$1,050 |
| Transport: CAPQ to AQC | S$75 per animal |
| AVS import licence | S$50 |
| CAPQ agent fee | From S$999 |
| Veterinary health certificate | S$50 to S$200 |
| Titre test (if required for your schedule) | S$200 to S$600 |
| Airline pet transport | S$100 to S$500 |
For a full breakdown including all Schedule III-specific costs, see our Singapore pet import cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit my pet every day? No. Visiting hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday only. Other days are not open to visitors.
What if my pet gets sick during quarantine? The AQC has veterinary oversight. If your pet falls ill during the quarantine period, they will receive veterinary care from AQC staff. Veterinary costs incurred during quarantine are typically charged to the owner. Your CAPQ agent can advise on how these charges are handled.
Can I bring my pet's own food or toys? Contact the AQC directly to confirm what you can bring during visits. Policies on personal items can vary. The AQC number is available on the AVS website.
My pet is coming from Malaysia by car. Do they still go to the AQC? Yes. The 30-day AQC quarantine applies to all Schedule III imports regardless of how your pet enters Singapore. Whether by air through Changi or by land through the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints, Schedule III pets go to the AQC. For more on the land crossing process, see our guide to bringing pets from Malaysia to Singapore by car.
How far in advance do I need to book the quarantine space? Book as early as possible once you have a confirmed travel date. Space is limited. Your CAPQ agent can advise on typical lead times and will handle the QMS booking on your behalf.
Importing a pet to Singapore from a Schedule III country? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent with experience handling AQC quarantine placements.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Confirm current requirements and fees before proceeding.