Singapore pet relocation checklist

Singapore has some of the most straightforward pet import rules in South-East Asia, but the paperwork must be precise. Work through this checklist well in advance — the AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service) requires documentation to be submitted online before your pet travels.

6+ months before travel

• Confirm your pet is microchipped to ISO 15-digit standard (15-digit, 134.2 kHz). If the microchip is older and non-ISO, implant a new compliant chip alongside it.
• Ensure rabies vaccination is current. Singapore requires vaccination within 12 months of travel and at least 30 days before departure.
• Check whether your pet qualifies as a Category A (UK/Ireland) country of origin — this determines the import pathway.
• Register with the AVS GoBusiness portal and begin the online import licence application.

3–6 months before travel

• Obtain AVS import licence approval. Licence must be valid for the travel date.
• Book your pet’s place with a certified pet freight handler (Singapore does not allow pets as excess baggage on most airlines — cargo or dedicated pet travel service required for many breeds).
• Confirm your airline: Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates all accept pets in cargo on this route.
• Arrange an IATA-compliant travel crate: minimum height — pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie naturally. Label the crate with your pet’s name, destination contact details, and “LIVE ANIMALS” stickers.

4–6 weeks before travel

• Book a pre-export veterinary appointment with an Official Veterinarian (OV) for the health certificate.
• Ensure all vaccinations are up to date and documented in an ISO-compliant vaccination booklet.
• Complete any required treatment records (e.g. tapeworm treatment if applicable for your pet’s history).

2 weeks before travel

• Obtain the endorsed export health certificate from your OV. This must be issued no more than 7 days before travel and endorsed by APHA.
• Double-check your AVS import licence is still valid and matches the travel date exactly.
• Print three copies of all documentation: import licence, health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip record.

Travel day

• Arrive at the cargo terminal at least 4 hours before departure. Your pet freight handler will advise the exact check-in window.
• Ensure the crate is labelled correctly and securely fastened.
• Provide 12–24 hours’ worth of food (if feeding is required en route) in a sealed bag attached to the crate.
• Attach water to the crate door (drip bottles are preferred by most cargo handlers).

On arrival in Singapore

• Your pet will be presented to AVS at the point of entry. Keep all original documentation accessible.
• After clearance, collect your pet from the Singapore Airlines Cargo terminal (or the relevant freight facility).
• Register your pet with AVS within 3 days of arrival using the GoBusiness portal.
• Book a local vet check-up within the first week to confirm your pet has travelled well.