Moving to Singapore with Your Pet: Complete Guide [2026]

Singapore is one of the world's most popular destinations for international professionals — and every year, thousands of families relocate there with dogs and cats. The process is manageable and, crucially, there is no mandatory quarantine if all requirements are met on arrival. What makes Singapore unique — and what catches people off guard — is its approved breed list system: unlike any other country, Singapore does not publish a list of banned breeds. It publishes a list of permitted breeds. Your dog must be on that list, or it cannot come. This guide covers everything you need to know for 2026, including the two major rule changes that took effect in April 2026.

Step Zero: Check Your Breed Before Anything Else

Singapore's breed system is unique in the world. Most countries ban specific dangerous breeds and permit everything else. Singapore does the opposite — it publishes a list of approved breeds, and only those breeds may enter. Any breed not on the AVS list is prohibited by default, regardless of temperament or behaviour.

This is not a minor detail. It must be the first question you answer — before vaccinations, before the RNATT, before permits. If your dog is not on the approved list, nothing else matters.

* Brachycephalic breed — on the approved list but subject to airline restrictions for cargo. Verify current airline policies before booking.

Step-by-Step: Singapore Pet Entry Requirements

1. 1
   Verify breed on the current AVS approved list

   Before any other step. If your dog is not on the approved list, the move cannot proceed as planned. Check the current list at nparks.gov.sg/avs.

   Do this first — before vaccinations, before permits
2. 2
   ISO Microchip — before vaccination

   A 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. If vaccination was given first, it does not count and must be repeated after microchipping.

3. 3
   Vaccinations

   Rabies vaccination required — must be administered after microchip implantation. Dogs also require Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis. Cats require Feline Panleukopenia and ideally the full core feline protocol. All vaccines must be within validity period on travel date.

4. 4
   RNATT blood test at an AVS-approved laboratory

   Blood must be drawn after the vaccination protocol is complete. Minimum result: ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be performed at a laboratory approved by Singapore's AVS — not any accredited lab. Verify the approved lab list before booking the test.

   90-day clock starts from the date of blood sampling
5. 5
   90-day waiting period

   After a passing RNATT result (≥ 0.5 IU/ml), the pet must wait 90 days from the date of blood sampling before entering Singapore. This cannot be shortened or waived.

   90 days — mandatory, no exceptions
6. 6
   AVS import licence

   An import licence from AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service / NParks) must be obtained before travel. From 1 April 2026, this must be processed through an AVS-approved pet agent — self-clearance is no longer permitted. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing. Your certified pet relocation specialist handles this.

   Apply during the 90-day wait period; allow 2–4 weeks
7. 7
   Official health certificate + export endorsement

   An official health certificate in AVS format must be issued by a licensed vet and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (Official Veterinarian). Valid for a maximum of 10 days before travel. Allow 5–10 working days for the official endorsement.

   Within 10 days before departure

After Arrival: Dog Licensing in Singapore

Once your dog arrives in Singapore, it must be licensed locally within 30 days of arrival. The Singapore dog licence is a separate requirement from the import licence and is obtained locally through AVS. This must be factored into your settling-in plan — it is a legal requirement, not optional.

From 1 September 2024, all new licensees must also complete an online course before the licence can be issued. Your AVS-approved pet agent or certified relocation specialist will advise on the current course requirements.

Dogs vs. Cats: Requirements Compared

Airlines: Flying Your Pet to Singapore

Singapore (Changi Airport, SIN) is a major international hub with good cargo connections from most origins. All pets travel as cargo — no cabin option exists on flights to Singapore from most origins.

Planning Your Timeline

The minimum preparation time is 16–20 weeks, driven by the mandatory 90-day RNATT wait. Start both the breed check and RNATT planning on the same day.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking the breed list first. The single most impactful mistake. Starting vaccinations, RNATT, and permits for a breed that is not on Singapore's approved list wastes months and significant cost.
• Using a non-AVS-approved laboratory for the RNATT. The test must be performed at a laboratory specifically approved by Singapore's AVS. Using a WOAH-approved lab that is not on Singapore's own list will result in a rejected result.
• Attempting self-clearance after April 2026. Self-clearance is no longer permitted. All import clearance must be handled by an AVS-approved agent. Pet owners who attempt to manage the clearance themselves will find their pet unable to clear customs on arrival.
• Not booking cargo space before flights. Pet cargo space is separate from passenger booking. Confirm availability and book your pet's space first, then book your own ticket.
• Forgetting the dog licence after arrival. The Singapore dog licence must be obtained locally within 30 days of arrival. It is a legal requirement — not a formality.
• Assuming the AVS list is the same as last year. The approved breed list is updated periodically. Always verify against the current live list, not a cached or printed version.