Pet Import to Singapore: How to Meet Requirements and Avoid Delays

Singapore maintains a strict pet relocation policy regarding the import or export of pets. Thus, when you are relocating to Singapore with your pet, you must meet the stringent import requirements laid down by the country. Now, this can be an overwhelming experience as the process can get complex, or you might be unable to provide the documentation within the required timeframe. So, hiring a pet relocation transport service is necessary to ensure a smooth transition without any potential delay. Here, you can understand the requirements and how to meet them and avoid delays.

What are Singapore's Pet Import Categories?

Based on rabies risk, Singapore classifies different countries into three categories, and they have to follow specific import conditions. The categories are:

• Category A - Rabies-Free countries are Australia and New Zealand. So, if the pets are imported from these countries, they might not need to submit the documentation for rabies vaccination or stay in quarantine.

• Category B - Controlled-risk countries are the United States and the United Kingdom. So, a pet from these areas has to meet vaccination and testing requirements. The pets also need to stay in a mandatory 10-day quarantine upon arrival.

• Category C - High-risk countries have higher rabies incidence; pets from these regions have to undergo strict import conditions, and the quarantine period can also be extended. 

Essential Steps for Importing Pets into Singapore

These steps include:

• Microchipping

When you bring your pet into Singapore, you must ensure that it is implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip right before the vaccination. This process helps to create a permanent identification mark for the pet, and it is a mandatory rule in Singapore that every pet should be microchipped.

• Rabies Vaccination and Serology Test

After the microchipping, vaccinations must be administered before entry, and they should be current and within the stipulated time frame mentioned by the Singapore rule book. You also have to conduct a rabies antibody titer test 30 days after the vaccination, which would confirm that there are sufficient antibody levels within the pets.

• General Vaccinations

There is a list of general vaccinations mentioned by the pet import policy of Singapore, such as - canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. You must keep these vaccinations up-to-date based on whether your weight is a dog or cat. To ease your task, you can also get help from pet relocation services such as https://shilohanimalex.com/importing-dogs-cats-pets-to-singapore/.

• Import Permit and Quarantine Reservation

Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) requires you to apply for an import permit at least 30 days before the pet's arrival. You must also secure a reservation at Singapore's Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) in advance based on the country of origin so that all the spaces do not get occupied.

Final Words

When you arrive in Singapore, along with your pet, you must keep the health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian handy. It should be issued within 7 days before departure. This is to confirm that the pet is free from any infectious disease and has been fit to travel. You also have to ensure that all the original documents are with you and try to avoid the common pitfalls that can either extend the quarantine or deny entry.