Bringing a pet to Singapore

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Singapore has one of the strictest pet import regimes in Asia, with requirements that vary sharply depending on where your pet is travelling from. Expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a rabies serology test for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, plus a 30-day quarantine for pets from higher-risk countries. The process is heavily paperwork-driven and can take months to complete, so start planning at least six months before travel.

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 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day stay at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS). Owner pays all costs; no home quarantine allowed.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Breed restrictions

Singapore bans the import of all dogs of the following breeds and their crosses: Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and any dog with a history of aggression. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are not banned by the country but may be restricted by individual airlines due to health risks.

Documents checklist

  • Valid ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered after microchip, at least 21 days before travel)
  • Import permit (AVS) issued by Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Vaccination records (DHPP, leptospirosis)
  • Airline booking confirmation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, import permit fee ~$100-200, health certificate ~$100-250, quarantine fees ~$500-1,000 for 30 days — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service.

Category A countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand) still require import permit and 30-day quarantine. No titer test required.

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
30 days
Mandatory 30-day stay at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS). Owner pays all costs; no home quarantine allowed.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Breed restrictions

Singapore bans the import of all dogs of the following breeds and their crosses: Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and any dog with a history of aggression. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are not banned by the country but may be restricted by individual airlines due to health risks.

Documents checklist

  • Valid ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered after microchip, at least 21 days before travel)
  • Import permit (AVS) issued by Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Vaccination records (DHPP, leptospirosis)
  • Airline booking confirmation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, import permit fee ~$100-200, health certificate ~$100-250, quarantine fees ~$500-1,000 for 30 days — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service.

Category B countries (e.g., US, UK, Japan) still require import permit and 30-day quarantine. No titer test needed.

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 stay at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS). Owner pays all costs; no home quarantine allowed.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Breed restrictions

Singapore bans the import of all dogs of the following breeds and their crosses: Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier), American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and any dog with a history of aggression. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are not banned by the country but may be restricted by individual airlines due to health risks.

Documents checklist

  • Valid ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered after microchip, at least 21 days before travel)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days before travel)
  • Import permit (AVS) issued by Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Vaccination records (DHPP, leptospirosis)
  • Airline booking confirmation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$100-200, health certificate ~$100-250, quarantine fees ~$500-1,000 for 30 days — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service.

Category C countries require a FAVN titer test with a 90-day waiting period before travel. Import permit and 30-day quarantine still apply.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Frequently asked questions

For a dog from a high-risk country, allow at least 4 months: 1 month for microchip and rabies vaccine, 3 months for the FAVN titer test waiting period, plus 30 days quarantine. For low-risk or free countries, allow at least 2 months: 1 month for vaccine and permit, plus 30 days quarantine.
No. All dogs entering Singapore, regardless of origin, must serve a 30-day quarantine at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station. There are no exceptions.
Singapore allows up to 3 dogs per household per import permit for non-commercial purposes. More than 3 requires a commercial import permit and additional requirements.
No. Emotional support and service dogs must follow the same microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test (if applicable), import permit, and 30-day quarantine rules as all other dogs.
Your dog will be refused entry and may be quarantined at your expense or returned to the origin country. Obtain the import permit from the Singapore Animal & Veterinary Service before travel.
No. Owners are not allowed to visit their dogs during the 30-day quarantine at Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station. Updates are available by phone or email.
Singapore requires proof of vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus (DHPP/L). These must be administered at least 14 days before travel and recorded on the health certificate.

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
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., AVA-endorsed in origin country) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Veterinary certificate of good health (original, signed by official vet)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Cats from rabies-free countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Japan) do not require a rabies titer test or import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

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
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Veterinary certificate of good health (original, signed by official vet)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, EU, Canada) do not require a rabies titer test or import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

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 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
10 days
Mandatory 10-day quarantine at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS). Owner pays all costs (approx. SGD $200-400 per day). Pet must be in good health upon arrival.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Veterinary certificate of good health (original, signed by official vet)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine ~$200-400 per day for 10 days. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, India, China, Russia) require a FAVN titer test, an import permit, and a mandatory 10-day quarantine. The import permit must be obtained before travel (apply at least 30 days in advance).

AVS/NParks Singapore

Frequently asked questions

Singapore allows up to 5 cats per non-commercial import without a commercial permit. If you bring more than 5, you must apply for a commercial import permit and comply with additional requirements.
No. Only cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, India, China) need a FAVN titer test. Cats from free or low-risk countries (e.g., Australia, UK, USA) do not require it.
Cats from high-risk countries must undergo a 10-day quarantine at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station. Cats from free or low-risk countries have no quarantine if all documents are in order.
No. Singapore does not recognise emotional support animals as exempt from import requirements. Your cat must meet all standard import rules (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, etc.) regardless of its role.
If your cat is from a high-risk country, apply for the import permit at least 30 days before departure. The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure. If it expires before arrival, your cat may be refused entry or placed in quarantine. Ensure the certificate covers the entire travel period.
No, Singapore does not have breed-specific restrictions for cats. However, some airlines may have their own policies for brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persians, Exotic Shorthairs) — check with your carrier.

Showing requirements for a ferret 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
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure, signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implantation date)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Ferrets from rabies-free origins (e.g., Australia, New Zealand) qualify for this tier. No quarantine required. Ferret must be at least 3 months old.

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
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure, signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implantation date)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Singapore's AVS.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g., UK, USA, Japan) do not require quarantine or a FAVN titer test. No import permit needed. Ferret must be at least 3 months old.

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 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
10 days
Mandatory 10-day quarantine at Singapore's Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) at owner's expense. Fees approximately SGD 200-300 per day.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit (apply to AVS at least 30 days before travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, and date of vaccination)
  • FAVN titer test result (showing ≥0.5 IU/mL, with date of blood draw)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure, signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian)
  • Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implantation date)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine ~$2,000-3,000 for 10 days. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Singapore's AVS.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, India, China) require an import permit, FAVN test with 180-day waiting period, and 10-day quarantine. No exceptions for service animals.

AVS/NParks Singapore

Frequently asked questions

Only if arriving from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, India, China). For free and low-risk origins (e.g., UK, USA, Japan), no titer test is required. If required, the FAVN test must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine and the result must show ≥0.5 IU/mL. The ferret must then wait 180 days from the blood draw date before entering Singapore.
Zero days for ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk countries. For high-risk countries, a mandatory 10-day quarantine at the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) applies. Quarantine fees are roughly SGD 200-300 per day, payable by the owner.
Singapore does not impose a strict numeric cap for non-commercial pet imports, but each ferret must meet all entry requirements individually. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, authorities may treat it as a commercial shipment, requiring additional permits and customs clearance. Check with AVS before travel.
No. Singapore does not recognize emotional support animals under its pet import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of role, must follow the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine rules. Service animals (e.g., guide dogs) have separate procedures but still require permits and health checks.
The ferret must be at least 3 months old to enter Singapore. This is implied by the rabies vaccination requirement (minimum 12 weeks old) plus the 21-day waiting period after the vaccine. For high-risk origins, the 180-day wait after FAVN test means the ferret will be at least 8-9 months old upon arrival.
Only if the ferret comes from a high-risk rabies country. For free and low-risk origins, no import permit is needed. If required, apply to the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) at least 30 days before travel. The permit fee is approximately SGD 50-100.
Singapore Airlines and most carriers allow ferrets in the cabin only if they meet size/weight limits (typically under 8 kg including carrier) and are in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Check with your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Ferrets must be at least 8 weeks old for air travel.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip before rabies vaccination. The chip must be scanned and verified at every veterinary visit and at the border. Failure to match chip numbers on any document will result in rejection or quarantine delays.

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.