Moving to Singapore with a pet
If you're moving to Singapore and don't want to leave your pet behind, you'll need to follow some clear steps ahead of your move. Be sure to plan ahead of time, since the procedures can be lengthy and vary depending on where you're moving from.
Plan ahead of time
The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) of Singapore is the regulatory body in charge of establishing the requirements and procedures in place should you wish to import your pet into Singapore. There are two key definitions: importing or transshipping. If you're bringing a pet from outside Singapore and intend to then stay in the country, you need to follow procedures for the importation of a pet. If you are traveling between different countries and are in Singapore for less than 24 hours, you will be transshipping your pet, in which case the procedures differ.
Before making plans to take your cherished pet to Singapore, you need to consider the expected quarantine duration, as well as the levels of stress that your pet will experience. The procedures differ depending on the age and species of your pet, and you can check ahead of time by using the Pet Import Requirement Calculator that the AVS provides on its website to see if your pet is allowed in Singapore and in the residence at which you intend to stay. As an example, pit bulls and tosas aren't allowed in Singapore.
The next step involves checking your country's rabies risk level and ensuring that your pet fulfills the requirements set out by the AVS. Finally, you need to obtain a dog license, as well as a veterinary health certificate before applying for clearance at customs. The certificate should match the model provided by the AVS. An ISO standard microchip is also compulsory for all pets, regardless of their country of origin. Note that depending on the species, you might need to make a reservation for quarantine. If your pet doesn't require quarantine, it'll be released immediately after inspection. However, if quarantine is required, the AVS will transport it to the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station, where it'll be held until it finishes its quarantine period.
Once you've cleared the hurdles of paperwork and bureaucracy, you need to purchase a container and book arrangements with the airline with which you'll be traveling. It's highly recommended that you book a direct flight to avoid unnecessary hassle and additional paperwork in your country of transit. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides guidelines and standards on suitable containers that you can use to carry your pet during your trip. Once your travel details are finalized, you need to inform the border station of the AVS of your arrival date at least five days in advance.
Vaccination and further treatment
Vaccination is a crucial step, and it's imperative that you make sure that your pet is properly vaccinated. Your pet should be first vaccinated against rabies at least four months before the date of departure, then the rabies titer blood test (FAVN) at least one month after that, before then booster, and within six months of departure, and the second (booster) at least one month before the date of departure. Dogs will require vaccination against diseases such as canine hepatitis and canine parvovirus, while cats should be vaccinated against feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, felis chlamydophila, and feline panleukopenia. Your pet must receive treatment against external parasites such as fleas and ticks, as well as internal parasites 2 to 7 days before your departure.
