Moving a Pet to Singapore
Rules and Regulations for International Pet Shipping
What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Singapore?
Singapore has some strict requirements when it comes to importing cats and dogs. As long as you are well-prepared and your pet follows all the rules, then your move to Singapore should be smooth sailing.
We've outlined the basic requirements on this page but you can also find the requirements directly from Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service.
Like many countries, Singapore has varying requirements depending on your pet's country of origin. The requirements we have outlined below are for pets traveling from mainland USA to Singapore.
Microchip
All pets are required to have an ISO-compatible microchip before rabies vaccinations and blood testing. The chip number must be readable at every vet visit and must be reported accurately on all of your pet's paperwork. If your pet has more than one microchip, then all readable chip numbers should be listed on your pet's paperwork.
Rabies Vaccinations & Rabies Titer Blood Test
Singapore has two category options regarding the timing of the rabies vaccinations and the rabies titer test. Category 1, requires 10 days in quarantine upon arrival, and Category 2 requires 30 days in quarantine upon arrival.
Category 1:
This requires two rabies vaccinations for cats or dogs.
- The first rabies vaccination must be given at least four months prior to export. The dog or cat must have a blood sample taken for the rabies titer test at least one month after the above vaccination and within
six months prior to export. - The second rabies vaccination must be given after the rabies titer test and at least one month prior to export.
Category 2:
This option requires one rabies vaccination and a rabies titer test, but with a longer quarantine period.
Cats and dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination at least three months prior to export.
The dog or cat must have a rabies titer blood sample taken at least one month after the above vaccination and within six months prior to
export.
The rabies titer test result must be >/= 0.50 IU/mL in order to be considered passing. All rabies titer tests must be completed at an approved laboratory (in the US, the KSU Rabies Lab is approved).
*Do note that the ORIGINAL rabies titer test results must travel with your pet into Singapore. The results take several weeks for the lab to process and the original document will be mailed to the submitting veterinary clinic.
Other Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are required for cats and dogs entering Singapore.
Cats
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) - Must be vaccinated according to the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations at least two weeks prior to export
- Other recommended vaccines:
- Feline Leukemia
Dogs
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) - Must be vaccinated according to the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations at least two weeks prior to export.
- Other recommended vaccines:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Leptospirosis
- CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
Import Permit
Dogs and cats entering Singapore must have an import permit (license). The import permit is valid for 30 days once issued. If you hire Starwood to assist with your pet's travels, we can handle this on your behalf.
**Dogs are required to obtain a dog license prior to applying for the import license.
Other Required Treatments
Cats and dogs must be treated with an external parasite (fleas and ticks) treatment and an internal parasites(nematodes and cestodes) treatment between 2 and 7 days prior to export. The active ingredients and the date of the treatments must be reported on the health certificate.
Health Certificates
The Singapore Health Certificate must be completed and signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 7 days prior to travel and must be endorsed by the USDA. You cannot use the standard USDA APHIS 7001 Form. You must use the Singapore-specific health certificate available on the USDA-APHIS website.
If you hire Starwood to assist with your pet's relocation, we will take care of the final exam, paperwork, and USDA endorsement on your behalf.
Photo of Pet
While Singapore does not require you to submit a photo of your pet along with their other documentation, if your dog or cat is mixed with a banned breed, we will ask you for photos and additional documentation to ensure it will not be a problem to import your pet to Singapore.
What Are the Pet Restrictions for Singapore?
Banned Breeds
The following dog breeds are not allowed in Singapore:
- Pit Bull, including:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Crosses of these and other breeds
- Akita
- Boerboel
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tosa
- Perro De Presa Canario
- Crosses of any of the above breeds
The following cat breeds are not allowed in Singapore:
- First to fourth generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses
- If you have a Bengal or Savannah cat, you will be required to produce documentation of the following:
- The Bengal cat is at least a fifth-generation cross from the ancestral stock of Prionailurus bengalensis.
- The Savannah cat is at least a fifth-generation cross from the ancestral stock of Leptailurus serval.
Age Restrictions
Dogs and cats must be at least 3 months old before they can receive their first rabies vaccination.
Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Singapore?
All pets must have a microchip that is ISO-compatible (Avid, Trovan, Destron, etc.) If your dog or cat already has a non-ISO microchip (or a number that starts with 999) your vet can implant a second one. Microchips must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is done because the number must appear on all of your pet’s health and import documentation.
What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to Singapore?
Cats and dogs entering Singapore from the USA, can spend either 10 days or 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre.
Dogs and cats from Category A or B countries are not required to go into quarantine as long as they meet all veterinary import conditions, and the animals are clinically healthy upon arrival.
Quarantine reservations are required and are at a first come, first serve basis. If you are not working with an agent, you can make the quarantine reservation through the Quarantine Management System (QMS).
You will need to provide proof of your pet's microchip, vaccinations, and blood test results in order to reserve a space.
Are There Any Area Specific Pet Requirements in Singapore?
Some residential areas in Singapore have regulations regarding pet ownership. You will need to check with your intended residence regarding how many cats or dogs you can have as well as what breeds will be accepted.
In general, a Housing Development Board (HDB) residential flat will only allow 1 non-restricted dog, but no cats. Non-HDB residential premises may allow up to 3 non-restricted dogs or 1 restricted breed of dog. The rules for cats may vary, so you'll need to check with your building management.
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Our Singapore pet shipping services include:
- Door-to-door transport
- Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to Singapore (outlined above)
- USDA endorsement of all relevant documents where required
- IATA-compliant flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification ,
and emergency notification instructions - Customs clearance and delivery to your home
- Quarantine arrangements
- Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer
- Travel consultation and flight reservations
We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to Singapore.