Bringing a pet to Singapore

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Singapore operates one of the strictest pet import regimes in the world, administered by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) under the National Parks Board. Rules vary significantly by the rabies-risk status of the origin country, and owners should expect a months-long preparation timeline, a mandatory import licence, and advance booking of quarantine space.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Singapore.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
10 days
10 days at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CPQ) if all vaccination, microchip, and health certification requirements are met. Quarantine space must be booked in advance.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the exporting country's competent authority · valid 7 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Singapore bans the import of several dog breeds under the Animals and Birds (Prohibition of Importation) Order. The banned breeds include: Pit Bull (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Akita, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, and their crosses. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) are not banned but may face airline-specific restrictions and increased health risks during transport; check with the airline.

Documents checklist

  • AVS import licence
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before export)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure
  • Microchip certificate or documentation
  • Quarantine booking confirmation
  • Air waybill / cargo manifest

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~SGD 50-100, rabies vaccination ~SGD 30-80, health certificate ~SGD 100-200, import licence ~SGD 50-100, quarantine ~SGD 500-1,000 for 10 days, cargo handling ~SGD 300-600. No titer test is required in this tier. Confirm current fees with AVS and a local vet.

Even from a 'free' rabies-status origin, Singapore still requires 10 days quarantine. There is no zero-quarantine pathway for dogs. The dog must be at least 3 months old at vaccination and at least 3 months old at import.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
10 days
10 days at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CPQ) if all vaccination, microchip, and health certification requirements are met. Quarantine space must be booked in advance.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the exporting country's competent authority · valid 7 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Singapore bans the import of several dog breeds under the Animals and Birds (Prohibition of Importation) Order. The banned breeds include: Pit Bull (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Akita, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, and their crosses. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) are not banned but may face airline-specific restrictions and increased health risks during transport; check with the airline.

Documents checklist

  • AVS import licence
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before export)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure
  • Microchip certificate or documentation
  • Quarantine booking confirmation
  • Air waybill / cargo manifest

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~SGD 50-100, rabies vaccination ~SGD 30-80, health certificate ~SGD 100-200, import licence ~SGD 50-100, quarantine ~SGD 500-1,000 for 10 days, cargo handling ~SGD 300-600. No titer test is required in this tier. Confirm current fees with AVS and a local vet.

Low-risk (Schedule I) countries do not require a rabies titer test, but 10 days quarantine still applies. The dog must be at least 3 months old at vaccination and at least 3 months old at import.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
30 days at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CPQ) if all vaccination, microchip, titer test, and health certification requirements are met. Quarantine space must be booked in advance.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the exporting country's competent authority · valid 7 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Singapore bans the import of several dog breeds under the Animals and Birds (Prohibition of Importation) Order. The banned breeds include: Pit Bull (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Akita, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, and their crosses. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) are not banned but may face airline-specific restrictions and increased health risks during transport; check with the airline.

Documents checklist

  • AVS import licence
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before export)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 90 days before arrival)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure
  • Microchip certificate or documentation
  • Quarantine booking confirmation
  • Air waybill / cargo manifest

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~SGD 50-100, rabies vaccination ~SGD 30-80, FAVN titer test ~SGD 200-400, health certificate ~SGD 100-200, import licence ~SGD 50-100, quarantine ~SGD 1,500-3,000 for 30 days, cargo handling ~SGD 300-600. Confirm current fees with AVS and a local vet.

High-risk (non-Schedule I) countries require a FAVN titer test and 30 days quarantine. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival. The dog must be at least 3 months old at vaccination and at least 3 months old at import.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Frequently asked questions

Singapore does not set a specific numeric cap for non-commercial pet imports in the same way some countries do. However, each dog requires its own import licence, quarantine booking, and health certificate. If you are bringing more than a small number (typically more than 3-5 dogs), AVS may treat the movement as commercial and require additional licensing. Contact AVS directly if you plan to bring multiple dogs.
No. Singapore does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have an import licence, rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and undergo quarantine. There is no waiver for quarantine or titer testing based on the animal's role.
Plan for at least 6-9 months. The timeline includes: microchip and rabies vaccination (day 0), FAVN titer test at least 30 days later, then a 90-day waiting period after the titer test before arrival, plus import licence application (allow 2-4 weeks), quarantine booking (often 3-6 months ahead), and health certificate issued within 7 days of departure. Total: roughly 6-9 months minimum.
No. Singapore does not offer a zero-quarantine option for dogs. Even from the lowest-risk countries, a minimum of 10 days quarantine at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station is mandatory. Dogs from high-risk countries face 30 days. Quarantine space is limited and must be booked well in advance.
For dogs from high-risk (non-Schedule I) countries, a FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) test is required. It must be performed at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival in Singapore. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at an AVS-approved laboratory. Dogs from Schedule I (low-risk) countries do not need a titer test.
No. All dogs entering Singapore must arrive as manifested cargo on an approved route. They cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage. You will need to arrange cargo transport through an airline that handles live animals to Singapore Changi Airport, and the dog will be collected at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station.
If any required document is missing or invalid (e.g. no import licence, expired health certificate, failed titer test), AVS may refuse entry, order the animal returned to the origin country at the owner's expense, or require extended quarantine. In some cases, the animal may be euthanised. Ensure all documents are checked by AVS before travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Singapore.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
10 days
10-day quarantine at a licensed quarantine facility in Singapore (e.g., Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station). Home quarantine may be possible only if the cat qualifies under AVS's Category A scheme, which requires a rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml from an AVS-approved laboratory, a 90-day wait after the test, and prior AVS approval.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import licence from Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting government
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before export)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Air waybill / cargo manifest

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and AVS. Import licence ~SGD 50-100, health certificate ~SGD 100-200, microchip ~SGD 30-50, rabies vaccination ~SGD 20-50, quarantine fees ~SGD 500-1000 (10 days), freight/cargo fees ~SGD 500-1500.

Singapore does not recognise any country as rabies-free for pet import purposes. All cats require an import licence, microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine unless they qualify for home quarantine under AVS's Category A scheme.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
10 days
10-day quarantine at a licensed quarantine facility in Singapore (e.g., Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station). Home quarantine may be possible only if the cat qualifies under AVS's Category A scheme, which requires a rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml from an AVS-approved laboratory, a 90-day wait after the test, and prior AVS approval.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import licence from AVS
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting government
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before export)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies titer test result (if applying for home quarantine)
  • Air waybill / cargo manifest

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and AVS. Import licence ~SGD 50-100, health certificate ~SGD 100-200, microchip ~SGD 30-50, rabies vaccination ~SGD 20-50, rabies titer test ~SGD 150-300 (only if applying for home quarantine), quarantine fees ~SGD 500-1000 (10 days), freight/cargo fees ~SGD 500-1500.

The import licence must be applied for at least 2 weeks before arrival.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a licensed quarantine facility in Singapore (e.g., Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station). Home quarantine is not permitted for cats from high-risk countries.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import licence from AVS
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting government
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, at least 21 days before export)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an AVS-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 90 days before arrival)
  • Air waybill / cargo manifest

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and AVS. Import licence ~SGD 50-100, health certificate ~SGD 100-200, microchip ~SGD 30-50, rabies vaccination ~SGD 20-50, FAVN titer test ~SGD 200-400, quarantine fees ~SGD 1500-3000 (30 days), freight/cargo fees ~SGD 500-1500.

The import licence must be applied for at least 2 weeks before arrival. Quarantine space is limited and must be booked well in advance.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Frequently asked questions

Singapore's AVS allows a maximum of 3 pets (cats or dogs) per household for non-commercial import. If you bring more than 3, you must apply for a commercial import licence and comply with additional requirements, including possible inspections and fees.
No. Singapore does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import conditions: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, import licence, and quarantine (if applicable). Service animals may be allowed in cabin under certain airline rules, but they still must comply with AVS regulations.
For cats from high-risk countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is mandatory. The test must be done at an AVS-approved laboratory, and the result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be conducted at least 90 days before arrival. For cats from low-risk countries, the titer test is only required if you are applying for home quarantine under the Category A scheme. For cats from free countries, no titer test is required.
Quarantine duration depends on the origin country's rabies risk: 10 days for free and low-risk countries (unless home quarantine is approved under the Category A scheme), and 30 days for high-risk countries. Quarantine is at a licensed facility, and fees vary.
Yes, but only if your cat qualifies under AVS's Category A scheme. This requires: (1) originating from a low-risk country, (2) a valid rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved lab, (3) a 90-day waiting period after the titer test, and (4) prior approval from AVS. Home quarantine is not allowed for cats from high-risk countries.
Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies with an inactivated vaccine at least 21 days before export. The vaccine must be given when the cat is at least 12 weeks old. Other vaccinations (e.g., feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus) are not mandatory for import but are recommended for your cat's health.
You must apply for an import licence from AVS at least 2 weeks before your cat's arrival. The application is done online via the AVS website (https://www.avs.gov.sg). You will need to provide details of the cat, its microchip number, vaccination records, and the intended quarantine facility (if applicable). The licence fee is approximately SGD 50-100.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Singapore.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country, endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import licence from Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the government authority of the exporting country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Air waybill or transport document
  • AVS approval letter for import

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~SGD 50–100, rabies vaccination ~SGD 30–80, health certificate ~SGD 150–300, import licence ~SGD 100–200, freight/cargo ~SGD 500–1500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AVS.

Ferrets are not on Singapore's list of approved pets for import. AVS generally does not allow ferrets as personal pets; import is only considered for research or zoological purposes under strict conditions. This tier assumes an exceptional permit is granted. Quarantine may be imposed at AVS discretion even for 'free' origins. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before export. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Quarantine at AVS Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station or an approved facility, at owner's expense. Duration may be reduced if titer test and vaccination meet all conditions, but typically 30 days.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country, endorsed by the competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import licence from AVS
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by government authority
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from AVS-approved lab (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 90 days before travel)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Air waybill or transport document
  • AVS approval letter for import

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~SGD 50–100, rabies vaccination ~SGD 30–80, FAVN titer test ~SGD 200–400, health certificate ~SGD 150–300, import licence ~SGD 100–200, quarantine ~SGD 1000–2000, freight ~SGD 500–1500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AVS.

Ferrets are not on Singapore's approved pet list; import is generally prohibited for personal pets. This tier assumes an exceptional permit is granted for research or zoological purposes. Quarantine is mandatory for 30 days. Titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel. Health certificate within 10 days of departure.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
60 days
Quarantine at AVS Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station or an approved facility, at owner's expense. Duration may be up to 60 days or longer based on risk assessment.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country, endorsed by the competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import licence from AVS
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by government authority
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from AVS-approved lab (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 180 days before travel)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Air waybill or transport document
  • AVS approval letter for import

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~SGD 50–100, rabies vaccination ~SGD 30–80, FAVN titer test ~SGD 200–400, health certificate ~SGD 150–300, import licence ~SGD 100–200, quarantine ~SGD 2000–4000, freight ~SGD 500–1500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AVS.

Ferrets are not on Singapore's approved pet list; import is generally prohibited for personal pets. This tier assumes an exceptional permit is granted for research or zoological purposes. Quarantine is mandatory for 60 days. Titer test must be done at least 180 days before travel. Health certificate within 10 days of departure.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Frequently asked questions

No. Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) does not list ferrets as approved pets for import. Ferrets are generally prohibited from being imported as personal pets. Only under exceptional circumstances (e.g., research, zoological institutions) may an import licence be considered, and strict conditions apply. Travellers should not expect to bring a ferret as a pet.
Singapore does not have a specific non-commercial pet limit for ferrets because ferrets are not allowed as pets. For approved pets like dogs and cats, a maximum of three pets per person is generally allowed under non-commercial import, but each requires an import licence. For ferrets, any import is considered commercial or special-case and requires explicit AVS approval.
No. Singapore does not recognise emotional support animals or service ferrets as exempt from import regulations. All animals, including service animals, must comply with AVS import requirements. Ferrets are not permitted as service animals in Singapore, and no exemption exists.
If an exceptional import permit is granted, the ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. A FAVN rabies titer test must be performed at least 90 days before travel at an AVS-approved laboratory, showing a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The ferret must also be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 chip.
If an import permit is granted, a ferret from a high-risk country must undergo a minimum of 60 days quarantine at the AVS Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station or an approved facility. Quarantine may be extended based on risk assessment. The owner bears all quarantine costs.
You need an import licence from AVS, an official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government authority (issued within 10 days of departure), a rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before travel), a FAVN titer test result from an AVS-approved lab (if applicable), proof of ISO microchip, and an air waybill. All documents must be submitted to AVS for approval before travel.
No breed restrictions apply because ferrets are not permitted as pets in Singapore. The prohibition is species-wide, not breed-specific.

Good to know

Singapore requires an import licence from AVS for every dog entering the country, regardless of origin. Quarantine space at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station is limited and must be booked well in advance — often 3-6 months ahead. All dogs must arrive as manifested cargo, not in the cabin or as checked baggage, on approved routes. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before export, and the dog must be at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination. A valid rabies titer test (FAVN) is required for dogs from countries not on AVS's Schedule I (low-risk) list, and the test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival. Dogs from Schedule I countries do not need a titer test but still face quarantine. The import licence application is made through the AVS online portal (GoBusiness Licensing).

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Singapore, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Singapore's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.