Understanding Singapore pet import requirements is the first step to a successful relocation. Importing a dog or cat to Singapore involves a strict, step-by-step process managed by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), part of the National Parks Board (NParks). From 1 April 2026, the requirements tightened further: all pet imports now require an AVS-recognised pet agent to handle Changi Airport clearance at the Centre for Animal & Pharmaceutical Quality (CAPQ).
This guide covers exactly what the Singapore dog and cat import rules are in 2025/2026, what changed in April 2026, and what happens if you miss a step.
All information is based on official AVS/NParks guidelines. Confirm current requirements at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
What Changed in April 2026
From 1 April 2026, AVS made two significant changes:
1. All CAPQ clearance must go through an AVS-recognised pet agent. Pet owners can no longer enter the Changi Airfreight Centre where CAPQ is located. Only appointed, AVS-recognised agents may handle the clearance process on your behalf. An agent not on the AVS-recognised list cannot clear your pet, regardless of how complete your documentation is.
2. Revised CAPQ operating hours.
- Monday–Tuesday: 9:00am–5:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm)
- Wednesday–Friday: 9:00am–8:00pm (closed 1:00pm–2:00pm)
- Evening and Saturday clearances are no longer available
These hours affect which flight arrival times work for same-day clearance. Your agent will help you choose a compatible arrival slot.
3. Rigid IATA-compliant crates are mandatory at CAPQ. If your pet travelled in a soft cabin carrier, your agent will transfer them to a rigid crate for the inspection process.
Which Animals Are Covered
The requirements below apply to dogs and cats. Not all breeds are permitted entry into Singapore.
Breeds Prohibited from Import
Singapore maintains a list of breeds that cannot be imported as pets under any circumstances:
- Pit Bull types: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and crossbreeds of these
- Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel, Perro de Presa Canario
- Any crossbreed of the above
These are classified as "Specified Dogs" under AVS regulations. Violations carry fines of up to S$5,000.
Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Persian cat, etc.) are permitted but face separate airline restrictions. Most carriers require a specific fitness certificate before accepting them on board.
Before starting the import process, verify your breed at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Singapore's Three Import Schedules
Singapore classifies all origin countries into three schedules based on their rabies risk and animal health status. Your schedule is determined by where your pet is currently living (the country of export), not your nationality or your pet's country of origin.
| Schedule | Countries | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom | Microchip + health certificate + AVS import licence. No rabies vaccination required. No titre test. No quarantine in most cases. |
| Schedule II | USA, Canada, Japan, most of Western Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, etc.), Hong Kong SAR, Cyprus, and others | All above + rabies vaccination + titre test at an AVS-approved lab + 90-day waiting period from blood sampling date |
| Schedule III | All countries not in Schedule I or II (including most of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and others) | Mandatory minimum 30-day quarantine at Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) on arrival |
Note on Japan: Japan is classified as Schedule II, not Schedule I, under current AVS requirements. If you're importing from Japan, the titre test and 90-day waiting period apply.
Check your country's current classification at avs.nparks.gov.sg.
Step-by-Step Singapore Pet Import Requirements
Step 1: Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is recorded. Singapore requires an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip (134.2 kHz). If you use a non-ISO chip, you may need to carry a compatible reader.
The microchip number must appear on all subsequent documentation: vaccination records, titre test certificates, and the health certificate.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination (Schedule II and III)
After microchipping, your pet needs a valid rabies vaccination with the microchip number recorded on the certificate. For Schedule I, no rabies vaccination is required for the import itself (though your vet may recommend it for general health).
Step 3: Rabies Titre Test (Schedule II and III)
The titre test measures your pet's rabies antibody level. Requirements:
- Conducted at a WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies or a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority in a Schedule I or II country
- Blood must be sampled at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination
- The titre result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/mL
- The 90-day waiting period starts from the date of blood sampling (not when results arrive)
- Blood sampling must occur no more than 12 months before the date of export
The lab mistake: Using a lab that isn't on AVS's approved list for your route means the result won't be accepted. The AVS approved lab list is route-specific. Confirm directly with AVS or your CAPQ agent before booking the test.
Commonly cited approved labs include Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (USA) and ANSES Nancy (France). Verify against the official AVS veterinary conditions PDF for your schedule before use.
Step 4: 90-Day Waiting Period (Schedule II and III)
After blood is sampled for the titre test, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before your pet can be exported to Singapore. This cannot be shortened or waived.
Blood sampling must also occur no more than 12 months before your travel date. If your move is significantly delayed, you may need to re-test.
Step 5: Apply for the AVS Import Licence
Apply through the PALS portal (pals.avs.gov.sg) via your AVS-recognised agent at least 21 business days before your intended arrival date. The permit is valid for a 30-day travel window.
Personal import licence fee: S$50 per consignment.
Missing this window means rescheduling your flight. From April 2026, this application must go through a recognised agent.
Step 6: Veterinary Health Certificate
A government-approved veterinarian must issue an official Veterinary Health Certificate no more than 7 days before export. The certificate must confirm your pet's identity (microchip), vaccination status, and compliance with Singapore's import conditions.
This is the tightest timing constraint in the process. Book this appointment only once your travel date is confirmed.
Step 7: Singapore Customs In-Payment (GST) Permit
Before arriving, apply for a Singapore Customs In-Payment (GST) permit via the TradeNet system. Your agent can handle this.
Step 8: CAPQ Clearance at Changi Airport
On arrival, your CAPQ-registered agent meets your pet at Changi and handles the physical inspection and document verification. From April 2026, you cannot be present for this process. Only your agent can access CAPQ.
Schedule II: When Home Quarantine Applies
Most Schedule II imports don't require quarantine, but two conditions trigger a 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 (e.g. recently adopted or purchased)
If home quarantine is required, you must apply for home quarantine approval at least 4 weeks before arrival via form.gov.sg. AVS monitors compliance using a smart collar tag. Cost: S$29 per animal per day, payable upfront.
Schedule III: Quarantine at AQC
Pets from Schedule III countries go to Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) for a minimum 30-day quarantine on arrival.
| AQC Accommodation | Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Fan-cooled | S$26 per animal |
| Air-conditioned | S$35 per animal |
| Transport CAPQ → AQC | S$75 per pet |
The quarantine period also involves vaccination administered at AQC.
What Happens If You Miss a Step
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Wrong titre test lab | Result not accepted; restart from titre test stage (90+ more days) |
| Titre test window lapses (12-month rule) | Re-test required |
| Miss AVS permit application window | Flight rescheduled minimum 21 business days |
| Health certificate expires (>7 days before travel) | New certificate required |
| Unrecognised agent for CAPQ clearance | Import refused at Changi Airport |
| Prohibited breed | Refused entry; re-exported at owner's cost |
Official Singapore Pet Import Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Import licence (personal) | S$50 per consignment |
| Import licence (commercial) | S$87 per consignment |
| AQC quarantine (fan-cooled) | S$26 per animal/day |
| AQC quarantine (air-conditioned) | S$35 per animal/day |
| Transport CAPQ to AQC | S$75 per pet |
| Home quarantine smart collar | S$29 per animal/day |
Agent service fees are separate and not set by AVS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an AVS-recognised agent to import my pet from April 2026? Yes. All CAPQ clearance must go through an AVS-recognised agent. Pet owners are not permitted to enter the Changi Airfreight Centre.
How long does the Singapore pet import process take? Schedule I: around 1–2 months (mainly permit processing). Schedule II: minimum 4–6 months due to titre test and 90-day wait from blood sampling. Schedule III: 6+ months plus 30-day facility quarantine.
Is Japan Schedule I or Schedule II? Japan is Schedule II under current AVS requirements. The titre test and 90-day waiting period apply for pets imported from Japan.
What does the CAPQ clearance process involve? CAPQ (Centre for Animal & Pharmaceutical Quality) at Changi Airport is where all pets enter Singapore. Your agent handles document verification, microchip scanning, and physical inspection of the animal. From April 2026, agents handle this without owner access to the facility.
What is an AVS-approved titre test lab? A laboratory that AVS has approved for your specific origin country. The approved list is route-dependent and appears in the AVS Schedule veterinary conditions PDFs. Always confirm the lab with AVS or your agent before booking.
For help with your Singapore pet import, get a free checklist or contact our CAPQ-recognised team for a fixed-price quote.
Source: Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS): Importing dogs and cats. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify at avs.nparks.gov.sg.