Most Schedule I and Schedule II pet imports to Singapore do not require quarantine, but there are two specific situations where a 10-day home quarantine becomes mandatory. Missing this requirement can result in fines or forced AQC quarantine.
This guide explains exactly when home quarantine applies, how to apply for approval in time, and what the monitoring process involves.
All requirements on this page are based on official AVS/NParks conditions. Verify current guidelines at avs.nparks.gov.sg before proceeding.
When Home Quarantine Is Required
Home quarantine is not the default. It is triggered only when one of the following conditions applies:
Trigger 1: Your pet arrives more than 5 days after you enter Singapore.
If you fly to Singapore to start your new role, and your pet follows a week later, home quarantine applies. The 5-day window is counted from your date of entry into Singapore. Many expats hit this trigger because their pet travels as a separate shipment or because logistics push the pet's arrival date back.
Trigger 2: Your pet has been in your direct care for less than 6 months.
This applies if you adopted a pet recently before your move, or if the pet was cared for by someone else (a boarding kennel, family member, or previous owner) for most of the prior 6 months. AVS requires evidence that the pet has been under your continuous care.
Home quarantine applies to Schedule II imports. Schedule III countries (most of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and other regions) require a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre regardless of timing, not home quarantine.
How to Apply for Home Quarantine Approval
Apply at least 4 weeks before your pet's arrival in Singapore.
You cannot simply have your pet arrive and declare home quarantine informally. AVS requires advance approval. Your AVS-recognised CAPQ agent typically handles this application as part of their service. Confirm this when appointing your agent.
What the application involves:
- Confirmation of your Singapore residential address (must be a home address, not a hotel or serviced apartment)
- Proof that the home quarantine triggers apply to your situation
- Confirmation of your pet's arrival date and flight details
If approval is not in place before your pet arrives, your pet may be held at CAPQ until the situation is resolved or may be sent to the Animal Quarantine Centre instead.
What Home Quarantine Involves
Duration: 10 days from the day your pet arrives in Singapore.
Monitoring: AVS uses a smart collar tag to verify your pet remains within the approved home quarantine address throughout the 10-day period. The smart collar tracks location and must be worn at all times during quarantine.
Cost: S$29 per animal per day, totalling S$290 for the full 10-day period. Payment is required upfront before the quarantine begins. If you have two pets, that is S$580 upfront.
Restrictions during home quarantine:
Your pet must stay within the registered quarantine address for the full 10 days. No trips to the groomer, vet (for non-emergencies), or anywhere else. If your pet needs emergency veterinary care during quarantine, notify AVS immediately and follow their guidance on how to handle the visit.
Home Quarantine vs AQC Quarantine
If you are coming from a Schedule III country (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and most other countries not on the Schedule I or II lists), home quarantine is not an option. The mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre applies automatically.
| Quarantine Type | Who It Applies to | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home quarantine | Schedule I or II, with trigger condition | 10 days | S$29/day (S$290 total) |
| AQC quarantine | Schedule III (all cases) | 30 days minimum | S$26 to S$35/day |
For more on what the AQC experience involves, see our Singapore Animal Quarantine Centre guide.
Planning Around the Home Quarantine Triggers
If you are moving from a Schedule II country:
The simplest way to avoid home quarantine is to arrive in Singapore on the same day as your pet, or within 5 days of your pet's arrival. Many expats arrange their relocation so their pet travels on the same flight or on a flight arriving just before them.
If your work situation requires you to arrive significantly earlier than your pet, plan for home quarantine from the start. Apply for approval as soon as your pet's arrival date is set and factor the S$290 per pet into your relocation budget.
Adoption scenario:
If you adopted a pet in the last 6 months and are now relocating to Singapore, home quarantine will apply. Make sure you have documentation of when you acquired the pet, as AVS may ask for evidence during the approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for home quarantine myself, or does my agent handle it? Your AVS-recognised CAPQ agent typically handles the home quarantine application as part of their service. Confirm this when discussing their service scope. The application must go through the official process before your pet arrives.
What happens if my pet tests positive for something during home quarantine? If AVS veterinary staff identify any concerns during the home quarantine period, they will advise on the appropriate next steps. Notify AVS immediately if your pet falls ill during quarantine.
Can my pet sleep in my bedroom during home quarantine? The quarantine is at your home address, not confined to one room. Your pet just cannot leave the registered address for the 10-day period. Normal household routines within your home are fine.
What if I live in a serviced apartment or hotel temporarily? Home quarantine requires a permanent home address. If your accommodation situation is not settled at the time of your pet's arrival, you should either delay your pet's travel until you have a permanent address, or discuss the situation with your agent and AVS in advance.
My pet arrived more than 5 days after me and I did not know about the quarantine requirement. What do I do? Contact your AVS-recognised agent immediately. Do not attempt to handle the situation informally. Your agent can advise on how to regularise the position with AVS.
Importing a pet to Singapore and need guidance on the home quarantine process? Contact our team for a fixed-price quote from an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Confirm current requirements before proceeding.