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Moving to Singapore with pets?  Get a free quote and download our Singapore Pet Travel Guide here!

Attention:  This information is to be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements.  Before you travel, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

SINGAPORE IMPORT RULES AND REQUIREMENT

There are new rules for pet import to Singapore effective July 1st, 2009.  These pertain to exports from: USA, Canada, Netherlands, Spain and Belgium.  All other countries please click here.

Step 1:  Six Months Continuous Residence in Country of Export (or since birth)

Your issuing veterinarian (i.e. local veterinarian) will need to state on the health certificate that your pet has resided continuously in the country of export for the six months prior to departure.

Your government veterinarian (for example, the USDA) will also need to be willing to endorse paperwork stating that your pet has resided continuously in the country of export. 

Step 2:  Microchip

Each Pet shall be identified by means of a microchip.  No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785- otherwise the pet will need to be sent with it's own scanner attached to the top of the crate.

Step 3:  First Rabies Vaccination & Certificate & All Other Vaccinations

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain - some are good for two years, others are only good for one.  This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine.   For import into Singapore, the rabies vaccine must be OLDER than 4 months.

Other Vaccinations (List on Separate Certificate)

Dogs

Distemper*

Hepatitis*

Parvovirus*

Cats

Cat Flu (Feline calcivirus, Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia psittaci)*

Cat Enteritis (Feline Panieukopaenia / Feline parvovirus)*

*At least 2 weeks prior to but within 1 year from date of import.

*Wait 30 Days*

Step 5: Rabies Serology (FAVN) Test

Your vet will need to perform a rabies blood test on your pet at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, but within 6 months prior to export.  The results need to show your pet has a rabies titre test of =/> .5 IU/mL.

Step 6:  Second Rabies Vaccination & Certificate

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain - some are good for two years, others are only good for one.  This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine.   For import into Singapore, the rabies vaccine must be OLDER than 30 days.

Step 7: Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001)

This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your USDA accredited Veterinarian.   Must be issued within 10 days of the flight.  Must state the pet was treated for external parasites within 2-10 days prior to the flight, and internal parasites within 4 days of the flight.

Step 8: Import Permit 

You must obtain an import permit prior to arrival in Singapore.

Step 8: USDA Endorsement

The above referenced forms:

• Microchip Implantation Record
• Rabies Certificate
• Vaccination Certificate
• Vet Health Certificate

Must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval.  Please contact your PetRelocation representative on the best way of handling this.

Step 9: Quarantine

There is now a 10-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Singapore for pets coming from the US, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.  This cannot be avoided.  Reservations must be made with the Singapore Animal Quarantine Station prior to arrival.

Helpful Information About Sembawang Quarantine Station

 For photos of the quarantine facility, visit our blog entry on SAQS by clicking here.

Location:

Sembawang Animal Quarantine
Station10 Lorong Chencharu Singapore 769197
Tel: (65) 64822724
Fax: (65) 64822726

Field for Dog-Walking:

Fields are available for owners to walk their pets while in SAQS. 15-minute slots are available on a first come, first serve basis and by booking only.

Exercise Hours:

Monday through Saturday:  4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Sundays & Holidays:  Closed.Visiting Hours: 

Monday through Friday: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Saturdays:  2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sundays & Holidays:  Closed.

Quarantine Discharge Hours:

Monday through Sunday, including public holidays:  10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.  How long is the quarantine period & when does the time start?

A. Cats and dogs are required to undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine. The quarantine period is regarded to have started after the Rabies vaccination is given. Extensions, though rare, are at the sole discretion of the government.

Q. Does my pet have to have a Rabies vaccination, especially if he just received one?

A. Yes, the Rabies vaccination is compulsory irrespective of current vaccination status.

Q. What about other vaccinations or treatments?

A. Dogs must have current routine vaccinations (more than 2 weeks, less than 1 year) for distemper, hepatitis, rabies and parvovirus. Puppies under 4 months of age must have received 2 vaccinations, one month apart, the latter at least two weeks prior to entry into Singapore. Cats must be vaccinated against Cat Flu( Feline calcivirus, Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia psittaci ) & Cat Enteritis( Feline Panieukopaenia / Feline parvovirus ) at least 2 weeks but within 1 year from its date of import.

All imported dogs and cats must be certified treated against external parasites (ticks & fleas) between 2 to 10days prior to export & internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes) within 4 days prior to export to SIN.

Q. As I travel frequently, can I have a friend visit my pet?

A. It is important that any visitor - other than the owner(s) as stipulated on the importation permits and quarantine application forms - have a written letter of authorization from the owner(s) to permit access to the quarantine station.

Q. Is there a veterinarian on duty, and if so, when?

A. No, other than SAQS staff, a private Veterinarian will be called for when SAQS or Owner requests treatment.

Q. What type of food is given to the animals at the quarantine station, & how often are they fed?

A. Animals are fed once or twice daily, depending on owner's request on dry pet food. The current brand is “Sportsmix”. Owner can get us to supply any other brand of food of their choice.

Q. My pets require a special diet &/or medication - will someone give these?

A. Arrangement for specialty diets if notified in advance of the pet's arrival into the quarantine station. While Singapore has many commercial and premium pet foods available, if your pet has distinct or non-typical requirements, it is vital to ensure that stocks are available there, or alternatively, personally supply a particular diet to the quarantine station for the duration of the confinement period.

If your pet requires medication for any existing condition it is very important that this is supplied by the owner(s) in sufficient quantity to last through the entire quarantine, and that PetRelocation is informed in advance of these requirements. Should any existing condition require veterinary attention, the owner(s) will incur veterinary fees.

Q. Can I bring my own food, toys, pillows, bedding etc. for my pet?

A. Yes, authorized persons may provide such items to pets in the station, but at the owner's risk. Any such items may have to be destroyed at the end of the quarantine period.

Q. What preventative health measures should be taken during the quarantine period?

A. Animals may be exposed to a variety of potentially serious diseases whilst in quarantine. Many can be prevented with the appropriate prophylactic measures. All routine vaccinations should be current, for dogs (& cats) heartworm prophylaxis should continue throughout the quarantine period (if not currently taking heartworm preventatives, these should be started within 4 - 6 weeks of arrival in Singapore), dogs should be kept free of ticks (tick-borne diseases are common here) and cats free of fleas. Due to the hot and humid environment it is recommended that dogs be bathed weekly (with "deticking" on arrival and discharge) to minimize dermatological complaints and heat stress.

Q. When are pets discharged after their quarantine is finished?

A. Pets that have completed their quarantine period are discharged Monday to Sunday between 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., include public holidays. For dogs, the regulations of the Animal Control Centre (AVA) require the presentation of the mandatory dog license prior to release.

Local Pet Resources

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Pet import to Singapore is relatively easy but costly and requires a quarantine of 4 weeks. Dogs and cats from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Ireland are exempt from quarantine. From September 2004, all imported dogs and cats must be identified with an ISO-compatible microchip. Dogs/cats without or with unreadable microchips may be deported or detained for any necessary action. Check this website for information on vaccinations.

Veterinarians

Allpets & Aqualife Clinic: Veterinary surgeon and aquatic vet, Dr. Frederic Chua will look after anything with feet and fins. By appointment. 219 Jalan Kayu #01-01, Singapore 799442

Animal Medical Centre: Veterinary clinic for domestic animals. 105 Clementi St 12 #01-18, Singapore

Groomers and Pet Supplies

The Pet Safari: This is the largest pet store in Singapore and the first of its kind in Asia. It has 12 independent companies grouped together under one roof with 10 000 sq ft of space. You can find dogs, cats, birds, fish, small mammals and accessories here. They welcome you to bring along your pet during your shopping spree there.  Eastpoint Mall No 3 Simei Street 6 #01-06 Unit 1, 2, 3 Tel: (65) 6788 1016

Cathay Cats Services: 212 Joo Chiat Place Singapore  Tel: (65) 6345 0345

Joy Doggy: 197 Upper Thomson Road Singapore  Tel: (65) 6252 2889 Fax: (65) 6252 2162,  E-mail: joydoggy@singnet.com.sg

Geography

The name Singapore was derived from the Malay words singa (lion) and pura (city) and is an Island city. It is also the smallest country in South East Asia and located at the Southern tip of Malay Peninsula.

Capital: Singapore City

Currency: Singapore Dollars (SGD)

Language: English, Standard Mandarin (Chinese), Malay, Tamil

Climate

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons.

Geography:

Singapore consists of 63 islands, including the main island itself. There are two connections to Johor — the man-made Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north and Tuas Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest point of Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill 166m or 538 ft. About 23% of Singapore's land area consists of forest and nature reserves.

Enter Singapore Information is a guide to Singapore for expatriates.

Expat Singaporeprovides resources for travelers and expatriates in Singapore.

EXP Singapore is a web portal for expatriates in Singapore, with information on arts, culture, housing, etc.

Singapore Expats is a Singapore guide on expat relocation, living and housing, with property classified search.