Pet Shipping to Singapore from the USA — 2026 AVS Requirements
Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953, and its import system reflects that. The genuinely good news for 2026: under an updated framework, pets from the U.S. no longer face automatic quarantine — it now only applies in specific situations. The titer test timing is still what drives your whole schedule.
Relocating to Singapore for work? We handle AVS import licensing, titer test lab timing, and USDA endorsement from start to finish.
Bringing your dog or cat from the U.S. to Singapore is overseen by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), part of the National Parks Board (NParks). AVS sorts every country of origin into one of three rabies-risk Schedules, and the U.S. falls under Schedule II — the middle tier. Under AVS's updated framework, Schedule II pets are no longer automatically quarantined on arrival; that's a real improvement over the older system. This guide covers the current 2026 requirements, the titer test timing that drives your whole timeline, and Singapore's banned and restricted breed lists. For broader relocation help, see our international pet shipping services.
Quarantine Is No Longer Automatic for U.S. PetsUnder AVS's current guidance, post-arrival quarantine is not required by default for Schedule II pets, including those from the U.S. A mandatory 10-day home quarantine only applies if your pet arrives more than 5 days after you do, or if your pet has been in your (or your immediate family's) direct care for less than 6 months at the time of import — for example, a recently adopted or purchased pet. Time your own travel and your pet's arrival together, and this can often be avoided entirely.
Your Singapore Pet Relocation Timeline
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Before Anything Else
Verify Breed Eligibility
Check your dog's breed against AVS's banned and restricted lists before starting titer testing or any other step — this needs to be settled first, not discovered partway through.
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Day 1
Microchip First
Implant an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip before the rabies vaccination.
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Minimum Age 3 Months
Rabies Vaccination
Administered after the microchip, with your pet at least 3 months old. For Schedule II countries like the U.S., the titer blood draw must follow this vaccination by at least 28 days.
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At Least 90 Days Before Export
Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)
Blood is drawn at least 90 days before your export date (and no more than 12 months prior), at least 28 days after the rabies vaccination. A result of at least 0.5 IU/mL is required; lab processing takes 2–3 weeks. This 90-day floor is what determines your earliest possible travel date, so plan backward from it.
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Before the Import License
Complete the Pet Ownership Course & Dog License
All dogs imported to Singapore must be licensed through AVS. Before a license is issued, owners must complete AVS's online Pet Ownership Course (about 20–30 minutes). This license must be secured before you can apply for the import license, so don't leave it for later.
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At Least 30 Days Before Arrival
Apply for the AVS Import License
Apply online (via NParks e-services or GoBusiness), attaching your approved dog license, titer results, and vaccination records. As of April 1, 2026, using an AVS-recognized agent is required — confirm your agent is on AVS's official approved list before booking any travel.
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2–7 Days Before Export
Final Vet Visit & Health Certificate
Complete the AVS Veterinary Certificate, dated no more than 7 days before export, along with internal and external parasite treatment within this same window. The certificate needs USDA endorsement.
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Arrival in Singapore
CAPQ Processing
Pets arriving as excess baggage or in-cabin are transferred directly from the aircraft to the Centre for Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) by ground handlers for document and health checks. If your specific situation doesn't trigger the conditional 10-day home quarantine described above, your pet is released from there.
Requirements Checklist (Schedule II / USA)
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ISO 11784/11785 MicrochipImplanted before the rabies vaccine.
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Rabies Vaccination (minimum age 3 months)Followed by the titer blood draw at least 28 days later.
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Rabies Titer Test (RNATT, ≥0.5 IU/mL)Drawn at least 90 days before export, no more than 12 months prior. This is your timeline's key driver.
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Pet Ownership Course & Dog LicenseRequired before the import license application (dogs only).
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AVS Import License (via Approved Agent)Applied at least 30 days before arrival; an AVS-recognized agent is required as of April 1, 2026.
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AVS Veterinary CertificateDated no more than 7 days before export, with parasite treatment in the same window, endorsed by USDA.
Banned Breeds — No ExceptionsThe following breeds and their crosses are prohibited from entering Singapore under AVS's Banned Breeds List: Pit Bull Terrier, Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Large breeds including German Shepherds and Rottweilers aren't banned but are conditional — they require owner endorsement and a mandatory muzzle. Bengal cats are permitted only from the 5th generation removed from wild ancestry.
Moving Into an HDB Flat With a Cat?Since September 2024, cats are officially permitted in HDB flats under the Cat Management Framework — up to two cats per flat, alongside one dog of an approved breed. Cat owners must microchip and license their cats; the transition period for licensing runs until August 31, 2026.
Climate Considerations
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, close to the equator. Keep your pet cool, hydrated, and well-ventilated throughout travel and while acclimatizing, and be mindful of heat stress risk for brachycephalic breeds especially.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pet be quarantined when entering Singapore?
Not automatically. Under AVS's current framework, Schedule II pets like those from the U.S. aren't quarantined by default. A mandatory 10-day home quarantine only applies if your pet arrives more than 5 days after you do, or has been in your direct care for less than 6 months.
How does the titer test timing work?
Blood must be drawn at least 90 days before your export date (and no more than 12 months prior), at least 28 days after the rabies vaccination. This 90-day floor is what typically drives the whole 4-to-6-month timeline.
Are certain dog breeds banned from Singapore?
Yes. Pit Bull Terriers, Akitas, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros (and their crosses) are banned outright. German Shepherds and Rottweilers are conditional, requiring owner endorsement and a mandatory muzzle.
Do I need an agent to import my pet?
As of April 1, 2026, yes — you must use an AVS-recognized agent for the import process. Confirm your agent is on AVS's official approved list before booking travel.
Can I keep a cat in my HDB flat?
Yes. Since September 2024, up to two cats are permitted per HDB flat under the Cat Management Framework, alongside one dog of an approved breed. Cats must be microchipped and licensed.
Ready to Move to Singapore with Your Pet?
Quarantine is no longer automatic, but the titer test timing and AVS licensing steps need real lead time. Contact us and we’ll build your complete timeline.
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