Moving Pets to Singapore: A Complete Guide | PetRelocation

Welcome to Our Comprehensive Guide on Moving Pets to Singapore

Are you planning to move your pets to Singapore? Navigating the import process for cats and dogs can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can ensure a safe and successful relocation. This guide will walk you through the key steps and requirements for moving pets to Singapore, including quarantine, import permits, veterinary requirements, and more.

Because the import process is long and detailed, we want to provide insight into steps that can be challenging to manage without help. Learn more about quarantine, import permits, and other essential items to create a safe move plan for your pet.

Table of Contents

1. Pet Import Requirements for Singapore
2. Veterinary Requirements
3. Pet Quarantine in Singapore
4. Obtaining an Import Permit
5. Health Certificates and USDA Endorsements
6. Crate Training and Traveling as Manifest Cargo
7. Breakdown of Costs
8. Timeline for Organizing Pet Relocation to Singapore
9. Additional Resources

Adobo moved to Singapore with PetRelocation.

Pet Import Requirements for Singapore

Singapore is a designated rabies-free country, which means the rules for importing pets are more complex than in countries like the United States. However, with careful preparation, bringing your pets to Singapore is possible.

• Quarantine Requirements:
  • No Quarantine Required If:
    • Your pet arrives within 5 days of your arrival in Singapore (proof via e-ticket required).
    • You have owned your pet for at least 6 months prior to import (documented).
    • All veterinary requirements are met, including the Rabies FAVN Titer Test.
  • 10-Day Quarantine:
    • Required if the above conditions are not met.
    • Can be completed at home (for eligible pets) or at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station.
  • 30-Day Quarantine:
    • Applies to pets from high-risk rabies countries.

• Visit the Singapore Government's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) for up-to-date veterinary requirements by country category.

Veterinary Requirements 

To ensure your pet meets the entry requirements for Singapore, you must closely follow vaccination and blood test regulations. Cats and dogs will need the following:

1. Microchip:

   • Must be ISO-compliant.
   • Implant before rabies vaccination and the Rabies FAVN test.

2. Rabies Vaccinations:

   • Rabies Vaccination #1:
     • Must be recombinant or inactivated/killed.
     • Administered by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
     • Given at least 31 days before the Rabies FAVN Titer Test blood draw.
     • Pet must be at least 4 months old at the time of export.
   • Rabies Vaccination #2:
     • Required only if Rabies Vaccination #1 expires before arrival in Singapore.
     • Administered after the Rabies FAVN Titer Test blood draw.
     • Must be at least 30 days old at the time of export.
     • Original ink-signed rabies certificates must accompany your pet.

3. Rabies FAVN Titer Test:

   • Blood sample drawn by a USDA-accredited vet at least 29 days after Rabies Vaccination #1.
   • The test must be at least 90 days old at the time of export.
   • Owner's passport name must be on the FAVN paperwork.
   • Test results must travel with your pet.

4. General Vaccinations:

   • Dogs: DHPP vaccination.
   • Cats: FVRCP vaccination.
   • Vaccinations must be at least 14 days old before departure.
   • Original ink-signed certificates must accompany your pet.

5. Internal and External Parasite Treatments:

   • Must be performed within 7 days of departure.
   • Use products from the Australian list of acceptable parasite treatment products.
   • Separate certificates may be required if treatment dates aren’t listed on the health certificate.

Pet Quarantine in Singapore 

Pets entering Singapore can now complete quarantine either at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) or, for eligible pets, at home.

At-Home Quarantine Requirements:

• Eligibility: Pets from the USA and Canada are eligible.
• Residence Details:
  • Provide the full address of your residence in Singapore.
  • Confirm if the address is a personal residence or temporary accommodation.
  • Submit a video of the room designated for at-home quarantine.
  • Ensure your housing accepts pets (confirm with landlords or housing management).

Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS):

• Limited Availability:

  • Spots fill up quickly, especially during the summer months and winter holidays.
  • Reserve your pet's space in quarantine as soon as possible within the six-month window.

• Reservation Changes:

  • If your travel dates change, you can amend your quarantine reservation.
  • Fees ranging from $15-$85 SGD ($12-$65 USD) may apply to alter an existing booking.

Obtaining an Import Permit

Once your pet's quarantine is approved, you may apply for an import permit and dog license (no license is needed for domestic cats).

Process:

• Import Permit:

  • Valid for 30 days upon issuance.
  • Required for USDA endorsement.
  • Apply approximately one month before your planned departure date.

• Dog License:

  • Required for all dog imports.
  • Owners must complete a 30-minute online course for pet owners before applying.
  • We can guide you through this process.

Estimated Cost:

• Import Permit: $50 SGD (about $40 USD)
• Dog License: $15 SGD (about $12 USD)

Health Certificates and USDA Endorsements 

Your pet must have a country-specific health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before being exported from the United States to any foreign country.

Requirements:

• Health Certificate:

  • Issued within 7 days of travel.
  • Must include all vaccinations and treatments.
  • Ensure your vet has the proper USDA accreditation.

• USDA Endorsement:

  • Health certificates must be sent to your state's USDA office for endorsement.
  • Cost: $121 USD plus $7 USD per additional pet.

Important Note: Failure to obtain the correct endorsements can result in extra time and expenses associated with additional appointments and testing.

Crate Training and Traveling as Manifest Cargo  

Unlike many rabies-free countries, pets traveling to Singapore can arrive in-cabin, as checked luggage, or as manifest cargo.

Why Choose Manifest Cargo:

• Safety and Comfort:
  • Pets travel in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment.
  • Handled by trained professionals.
• Customs Clearance:
  • Streamlines the process upon arrival.
  • Pets traveling as cargo can be cleared more smoothly.

Crate Training:

• Start Early:
  • Acclimate your pet to their travel crate well in advance.
• Practice Often:
  • Regular crate training reduces stress on travel day.
• Resources:
  • Check out our crate training tips.

Breakdown of Costs for Moving Dogs and Cats to Singapore

While this is not an extensive list of the possible costs you could incur when relocating your pet to Singapore, this chart should help you understand what you should be prepared for when budgeting for a pet’s move. 

How Long Does it Take to Organize Pet Travel or Relocation to Singapore? 

The Singapore import process requires several steps in the correct order. Plan to accommodate all requirements.

General Timeline:

• 4-6 Months Before Departure:

  • Begin the import process.
  • Schedule initial veterinary appointments.
  • Start crate training your pet.
  • Reserve quarantine space at SAQS or at home.

• 3-4 Months Before Departure:

  • If your pet already has a microchip and the first rabies vaccine, you may need this time to complete the remaining requirements.

• 1 Month Before Departure:

  • Apply for the import permit and dog license.
  • Confirm all veterinary requirements are on track.

• 1 Week Before Departure:

  • Obtain the health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
  • Send the health certificate for USDA endorsement.

Important Considerations:

• Unexpected Delays:

  • Always allow extra time for potential delays.
  • Quarantine reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Travel Dates:

  • If your travel dates are non-negotiable, arrange for someone to care for your pet in case of delays.
  • PetRelocation can manage the process, including pick-up, vet coordination, and travel arrangements.

More Singapore Pet Relocation Resources

• Singapore Pet Travel FAQ 
• Singapore: When Is My Pet's Move Date Confirmed?
• Singapore Pet Quarantine Rules & Advice
• Summer & Holiday Pet Travel to Singapore 
• Five Myths About Moving Pets to Singapore
• Living in Singapore With Pets

We’re here if you need us! Feel free to contact us or arrange a move anytime.