Everything You Need to Know About Moving Cats and Dogs to Singapore

Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when it involves relocating your furry companions. If you are a pet owner planning to move to Singapore with your cats or dogs, you may have many questions and concerns about the process. From the necessary paperwork and vaccinations to the quarantine period and pet-friendly accommodations, there are many things to consider when importing pets to Singapore.

But don’t worry, with the right preparation and guidance, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move for you and your beloved pets. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about moving cats and dogs to Singapore, so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your new life in this vibrant and pet-friendly city-state.

Pet Travel Documents Needed for Travel to Singapore

Before you can move your cats or dogs to Singapore, you must ensure that you have all the necessary pet travel documents. These documents are required by the Singapore government to ensure that your pets are healthy and do not pose a risk to public health or safety. The following are the main pet travel documents you will need:

Import Permit

An import permit is a document issued by the Singapore Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) that authorizes the importation of your pets into Singapore. You can apply for the import permit online through the AVA website. Make sure to provide accurate information about your pets, including their breed, age, and health status, as well as your personal details and travel itinerary.

Rabies Vaccination Certificate

All cats and dogs entering Singapore must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before the date of travel and no more than one year before the date of arrival in Singapore. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the government veterinary authority in your home country.

Microchip

All cats and dogs must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip, a small electronic device about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the skin. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned with a special reader. This number must match the number on the pet’s health certificate and other travel documents.

Blood Test

If you are travelling with a dog, you must also provide a blood test report showing that your dog is free from heartworm disease. The test must be conducted within 30 days before the date of travel and must be carried out at a government-approved laboratory.

Other Vaccinations

In addition to the rabies vaccination, your pets may require other vaccinations depending on their age and health status. For example, cats may need to be vaccinated against feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), while dogs may need to be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. It is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian before travelling to ensure that your pets are up-to-date on all their vaccinations.

Required Treatments

Apart from vaccinations, your pets may need to undergo other treatments before they can travel to Singapore. The following are the main treatments required by the AVA:

Deworming

All cats and dogs must undergo deworming treatment within 30 days before the date of travel. The treatment must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded in the pet’s health certificate.

Tick and Flea Treatment

All cats and dogs must be treated for ticks and fleas within 30 days before the date of travel. The treatment must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded in the pet’s health certificate.

Heartworm Treatment

If you are travelling with a dog, you must provide proof

of heartworm treatment. The treatment must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded in the pet’s health certificate.

Health Certificates

Before your pets can travel to Singapore, they must be examined by a licensed veterinarian and issued a health certificate. The health certificate must be issued within

7 days before the date of travel and must include the following information:

Name and address of the owner
Description of the pet, including breed, sex, age, and colour
Microchip number
Date of rabies vaccination and expiration date
Dates of other vaccinations and treatments
Certification that the pet is free from infectious or contagious diseases
Certification that the pet is fit to travel

The health certificate must be endorsed by the government veterinary authority in your home country.

Pet Restrictions for Singapore

Singapore has strict regulations regarding pet ownership. Before you move your pets to Singapore, you should be aware of the following restrictions:

Breeds

Certain dog breeds are not allowed in Singapore, including pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas , and fila Brasileiros . If you own one of these breeds, you will not be able to bring them with you to Singapore.

Housing Restrictions

If you are planning to rent a home in Singapore, you should check with your landlord or property management company to ensure that pets are allowed. Some housing developments have restrictions on pet ownership, so it is important to clarify this before you sign a lease.

Leash Laws

All dogs in Singapore must be kept on a leash in public areas. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in fines or other penalties.

Pet Waste

Pet owners in Singapore are required to pick up after their pets and dispose of the waste properly. Failure to do so can result in fines or other penalties.

Complying with the Singapore Government Rules

To ensure a smooth and stress-free move for you and your pets, it is important to comply with the rules and regulations set by the Singapore government. The following are some tips to help you comply with these rules:

Plan Ahead

Start planning your move well in advance to ensure that you have enough time to obtain all the necessary documents and vaccinations for your pets. This will also give you time to research pet-friendly accommodations and other resources in Singapore.

Hire a Pet Relocation Service

Consider hiring a pet relocation service to help you navigate the complex process of moving your pets to Singapore. These services can assist with obtaining the necessary documents and vaccinations, arranging transportation, and providing advice on pet-friendly accommodations and other resources.

Prepare Your Pets for Travel

Before travelling to Singapore, make sure your pets are comfortable with their travel carriers and have plenty of food, water, and toys for the journey. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian about giving your pets a sedative or other medication to help them relax during the flight.

Follow Quarantine Regulations

All pets entering Singapore are subject to a quarantine period of at least 10 days. During this time, your pets will be housed in a government-approved quarantine facility and monitored for signs of illness or disease. It is important to follow all the rules and regulations set by the quarantine facility to ensure that your pets are healthy and safe.

Importing pets to Singapore can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the rules and regulations set by the Singapore government and taking the necessary precautions to ensure your pets’ health and safety, you can enjoy a stress-free move and a happy life with your furry companions in this vibrant and pet-friendly city-state.