In Part Two of our Singapore Spotlight Series, we delve into one of the most critical aspects of relocating pets to Singapore: pet quarantine. Understanding the quarantine process, duration, and conditions is key to successful pet relocation.
Whether you're curious about quarantine duration, facility conditions, or special considerations, we've got you covered. Read on for our expert advice, and if you're ready to plan your pet's move, contact us for a personalized consultation.
As we discussed in our Singapore pet travel FAQs, the length of your pet's quarantine upon arrival depends on where you're departing from. Singapore divides departure countries into different categories:
Category A and B countries (rabies-free or low rabies) may not require quarantine, while pets from Category C and D countries may need to undergo a 10 to a 30-day quarantine.
This can be a little confusing to figure out, but your Pet Relocation Consultant will clarify the situation and oversee the right plan for you.
Gabo in Singapore quarantine
So what is the actual facility like? Better than most people imagine! Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) is considered one of the best quarantine stations in the world (which makes sense considering how modern and well-kept Singapore itself is). Many of our client's pets have stayed here and described the experience as nice and easy.
Here are a few helpful facts about Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station:
After landing in Singapore, pets are transferred to Sembawang by AVA (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore) staff and vehicles. Only one transfer occurs daily in the morning, so if a pet's flight lands in the afternoon, they may stay one night in the airport quarantine station. Our agents will ensure that pets are given exercise, food, and water during this time.
Pet owners are allowed to visit during their pets' stay. Visiting hours are 4 - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday and 2 - 6 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed Sundays and holidays.
Accommodations include kennels for dogs (each has an indoor room and an outdoor run), catteries for cats, air-conditioned rooms or non-air-conditioned rooms (these have fans), exercise fields, and grooming rooms. (Note: when you work with PetRelocation, we only arrange air-conditioned rooms for pets in quarantine.)
The SAQS staff comprises trained animal handlers, and veterinarians check pets daily.
Pets are fed quality food, and dogs are walked each morning.
Owners may also book a reservation to walk their dogs during visiting hours -- reservations can be made up to 48 hours in advance by phone or at the registration counter.
Diesel & Dash recently moved to Singapore from Houston, TX
If a pet follows a special diet, notify your Pet Relocation Consultant well before your pet's arrival. Singapore has many commercial and premium pet foods, but we must ensure your preferred brand can be acquired. Alternatively, pet owners can personally supply a particular kind of food to the quarantine station for the duration of the pet's stay.
If a pet requires medication, the owner must supply this to the quarantine station. Additional fees may be incurred if a pet requires veterinary attention (to administer medication or for another reason).
Many pet owners want to supply their pillows, toys, or bedding. This is okay, but know that all items might not be returned at the end of the pet's stay.
If the pet owner wants anyone else to visit their pet in their place (a friend, etc.), that person must provide the pet's quarantine ID.
Before applying for quarantine, several things are needed, including the primary rabies vaccination certificate, original FAVN-Rabies Titer Test results, secondary rabies vaccination certificate, your address in Singapore, and a local contact number.
There is often a waitlist for quarantine, so we advise contacting us as soon as you know you're moving so that we can start putting quarantine arrangements in order and apply for a spot at the proper time.
SAQS will confirm your quarantine reservation no more than 30 days before the arrival date.
Pets are discharged daily from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (including holidays).
PetRelocation advises that pet owners administer flea/tick prevention before, during, and after their pets' quarantine stay.
For those importing a dog to Singapore, you must acquire a Singapore AVA dog license to live lawfully here. Your Pet Relocation Consultant will help you with this, too.
Still wondering what the experience is really like? Here are a few more pictures and stories about pet experiences in Singapore quarantine.
Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station
10 Lorong Chencharu Singapore 769197
Phone: (65) 64822724
Banner Photo: Mattharvey1/Flickr