The AVS import licence is one of the first documents your agent applies for when arranging your pet's move to Singapore. Every dog and cat entering Singapore needs one. Without it, CAPQ clearance cannot proceed.
From April 2026, AVS-recognised agents are the ones who apply for this licence on your behalf. You are no longer able to handle the CAPQ clearance process independently. But understanding how the licence works — what it costs, how long it takes, and what information it requires — helps you confirm your agent is on track and avoid last-minute surprises.
All requirements on this page are sourced from official AVS/NParks information at avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify current requirements before proceeding.
What the Import Licence Is
The full licence name is: Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs, and Biologics (personal).
It is issued by AVS through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal or the PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg). From April 2026, AVS-recognised agents apply for this licence on behalf of pet owners as part of their CAPQ clearance service.
The licence authorises the specific animal (identified by microchip number) to enter Singapore on or around the specified arrival date.
Fees
| Processing type | Fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal service | S$50 | 2 working days from complete submission |
| Express service | S$100 | 1 working day from complete submission |
Fees are per animal. If you are importing two pets, two licences are required at S$50 or S$100 each.
Validity
The licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Your pet must arrive within this 90-day window.
Do not apply too early. If your pet's travel is delayed and the licence expires before arrival, a new licence must be applied for (with another fee). Do not apply so late that processing time pushes the issue date close to your arrival date.
Rule of thumb: Apply 4–6 weeks before your pet's intended arrival date. This gives you a licence with substantial remaining validity and time to handle corrections if AVS requests additional information.
What Information Is Needed
Your agent will need the following from you to prepare the licence application:
| Information | Source |
|---|---|
| Your pet's microchip number | From vet records |
| Origin country | Determines import schedule requirements |
| Pet's species, breed, age, sex | From vet records or registration |
| Titre test result details | For Schedule II and III imports |
| Intended arrival date | From airline booking |
| Airline and flight number | From airline booking |
| Your Singapore address | Where pet will reside |
Your agent submits these details through GoBusiness or PALS and manages any follow-up queries from AVS.
The 90-Day Timing Rule in Practice
The 90-day validity window creates a timing constraint that requires coordination between the licence application and the travel date.
| Scenario | Result |
|---|---|
| Apply 6 weeks before travel | Licence valid for 84 remaining days when pet arrives; plenty of buffer |
| Apply 2 months before travel, travel delayed by 3 months | Licence may expire; reapplication needed (additional S$50 fee) |
| Apply express 1 day before travel | Licence issued in 1 day; valid for 90 days; agent must still have all documents ready before submitting |
What Happens After the Licence Is Issued
Your agent receives the licence confirmation. They hold it alongside your other documents (health certificate, titre test result, GST permit) to present at CAPQ on your pet's arrival day.
The microchip number on the import licence must exactly match the chip number that CAPQ officers scan from your pet. If there is any discrepancy, clearance is delayed.
If the Licence Is Rejected or Needs Correction
AVS may request additional information or decline a licence application if:
- Documentation is incomplete (missing titre test result for Schedule II/III)
- The animal is a prohibited breed
- The origin country is not recognised in the format submitted
- Information conflicts between documents (e.g., different chip numbers)
If the application is rejected, your agent works with AVS to resolve the issue and resubmit. Processing starts again from submission. This is another reason to apply well before your travel date — late applications leave no time to fix problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the import licence myself? From April 2026, the mandatory agent requirement means that the entire CAPQ clearance process — including the import licence application — must be handled by an AVS-recognised agent. You cannot apply directly.
My agent quoted me but hasn't applied for the licence yet. When should they? Engage your agent at least 8–10 weeks before your pet's arrival. The licence should be applied for 4–6 weeks before arrival. If it is less than 4 weeks to your pet's travel date and your agent has not yet submitted the licence, ask for an update.
Can the import licence be used for a different travel date if I change my pet's flight? Yes, within the 90-day validity window. If the new travel date falls within the licence's 90-day period, the same licence can be used. Notify your agent of the change so they can update any other time-sensitive documents.
My pet's microchip cannot be read clearly. Will the licence still be accepted? The licence is tied to the microchip number provided at application. If the CAPQ scanner cannot read the chip on arrival day, there is a mismatch between the licence and the animal it is presented for. This halts clearance. Ensure the chip is fully readable before submitting the licence application.
Importing a dog or cat to Singapore? Your AVS-recognised agent handles the import licence application as part of the service. Contact our team for a fixed-price quote.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Fees and processing times subject to change.