Importing pets and live animals into Singapore: what is required?
Yes — a licence, vaccination and testing schedule, and usually quarantine on arrival.
The short answer
| Short answer | Yes — a licence, vaccination and testing schedule, and usually quarantine on arrival. |
|---|---|
| Competent Authority | Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), under NParks |
| Type of requirement | Import licence, veterinary certification, quarantine, and species restrictions |
Importing pets and live animals into Singapore
Bringing a pet into Singapore is a months-long process rather than a shipping decision. Requirements depend heavily on the country of origin, which is grouped by rabies risk, and typically involve microchipping, a vaccination schedule, blood testing with a waiting period, an import licence, and quarantine on arrival. Species restrictions also apply — not every animal that is an ordinary pet elsewhere may be kept here.
What is typically involved
Requirements depend on the specific product, so treat this as the shape of the process rather than a checklist for your particular case. Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), under NParks is the authority on the detail.
- An import licence obtained in advance.
- Microchip identification.
- Rabies vaccination and, depending on origin, a blood titre test with a mandatory waiting period.
- A veterinary health certificate issued close to departure.
- Quarantine on arrival, with duration depending on the country of origin.
- Compliance with species and breed restrictions.
What catches importers out
These are the recurring surprises in this category — the points where an assumption carried over from another market causes a problem here.
- The blood test waiting period alone can be several months — this dictates the whole timeline.
- Some dog breeds are prohibited or restricted; check before committing to a relocation.
- Quarantine space is finite and needs booking, sometimes well ahead.
- Requirements differ substantially by country group; guidance for one origin does not transfer.
- Exotic pets legal elsewhere are frequently not permitted here.
Official sources
Control status depends on the specific product, and requirements change. These are the authorities that decide — confirm your particular goods with them before shipping.
Last reviewed August 2026. This page describes the general framework for this category of goods. It does not determine whether your specific product is controlled — only the relevant Competent Authority can do that.
Questions we get asked about this
How long does it take to bring a pet to Singapore?
Plan on months, not weeks. Where a rabies blood titre test and waiting period apply, that alone sets a long lead time before the animal can travel. Start as soon as a move is likely rather than when it is confirmed.
Does my pet have to go into quarantine?
Usually, with the duration depending on the country of origin and its rabies risk category. Quarantine facilities need booking, so this is a step to arrange early rather than on arrival.
Are any breeds not allowed?
Some dog breeds are prohibited and others are restricted with additional conditions. Check the current position with AVS before making relocation plans around a particular animal.
More in Do you need an import permit?
Food & Beverages
Yes — the importer generally needs an SFA licence, and product requirements vary sharply by category.
Meat & Seafood
Yes — and additionally, the overseas producing establishment usually has to be accredited.
Plants & Seeds
Yes — plant material generally needs an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate from origin.
Animal Feed & Pet Food
Yes — feed and pet food are regulated, with requirements varying by ingredient origin.
Rice
Yes — rice is a controlled item under a stockpile scheme, with its own licence.
Telecom & Radio Equipment
Often yes — equipment that transmits generally falls under IMDA requirements.
Related pages
CITES & Wildlife Products
Yes — CITES permits are required, and the rules apply to finished goods containing listed material.
Animal Feed & Pet Food
Yes — feed and pet food are regulated, with requirements varying by ingredient origin.
Customs and import coordination
Help understanding what a shipment needs before it clears — permits, declarations, and the information a Declaring Agent will ask for.
TradeNet permit guidance
Plain-language guidance on the TradeNet permit process — what a UEN and Customs Account are for, and how a Declaring Agent fits in.
Have a shipment that fits this?
Start the guided enquiry and describe it in plain terms. We will tell you what is involved — including if the answer is that you do not need us.