Every dog and cat entering Singapore must go through the country's official quarantine facility before settling into their new home. The facility, long known as the Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station or SAQS, is now officially called the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). It is operated by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and is the only government-run quarantine facility in Singapore for imported pets. For full import requirements including vaccinations, documentation, and country-specific quarantine durations, see our Singapore pet import guide.
Here is what you need to know about how quarantine works, what the facility provides, and how to prepare your pet for the stay.
The length of your pet's quarantine depends on their country of origin. Singapore classifies countries into risk categories and the quarantine period varies accordingly. Pets from countries with higher rabies risk are subject to longer stays. Your pet's specific quarantine duration will be confirmed when you apply for quarantine space through AVS. For current category assignments and quarantine periods, refer to the AVS import requirements page.
Quarantine space must be reserved in advance through the AVS Quarantine Management System (QMS). Demand is consistently high and slots fill up well ahead of peak travel periods. Book as early as possible once your travel date is confirmed. AVS will confirm the reservation approximately 30 days before your pet's arrival date.
Your pet must arrive within the confirmed quarantine window. Missing the arrival date by more than a couple of days will result in the spot being forfeited and require starting the reservation process over. If you are working with PetRelocation, we handle the reservation process on your behalf and coordinate arrival timing to avoid this.
All pets arriving at Changi International Airport are first inspected at the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ), where microchips are checked and import documentation is reviewed. After clearing inspection, pets requiring quarantine are transported to AQC by AVS staff. Transport runs once daily, typically in the morning. Pets arriving on afternoon flights may spend a night at the airport holding facility before the morning transfer. The transport fee from CAPQ or the Tuas checkpoint to AQC is SGD $75 per pet.
Pets arriving from countries classified under Schedule III will receive a rabies vaccination on arrival at AQC. This is required regardless of prior vaccination status and the fee is SGD $68 per pet.
The Animal Quarantine Centre is a well-maintained facility with dedicated accommodation for both dogs and cats. Dog kennels measure 4.3m by 1.8m by 2.14m and include an indoor room and an outdoor run. Cat rooms measure 1.7m by 1.2m by 2m. Both air-conditioned and fan-fitted rooms are available, with daily fees varying accordingly.
Current daily accommodation fees effective December 2025 are SGD $26 for fan-fitted rooms and SGD $35 for air-conditioned rooms. These fees are scheduled to increase to $36 and $44 respectively from December 2026. Fees are set by AVS and subject to change.
The facility includes exercise fields and grooming rooms. Dogs receive morning walks in the exercise fields as part of daily care. All pets receive daily health checks from on-site veterinary staff and are fed quality commercial dry or canned food twice daily.
Visiting hours at AQC are limited. Current hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed to visitors on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, and public holidays. Confirm current hours with AVS before planning a visit, as these are subject to change.
During visiting hours, owners can book use of the exercise field in 15-minute slots available on a first come, first served basis, booked at the reception desk on the day of the visit. Grooming rooms are available in 30-minute slots, booked at reception at least two days in advance. Both are free of charge.
If you need someone else to visit your pet on your behalf, they will need written authorization from you as the registered owner.
Pets are released daily between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. Collection must happen on the specified release date. Extensions are not permitted. For dogs, a valid Singapore AVS dog license must be presented before release. Obtaining a dog license now requires completion of a 30-minute online course for pet owners before applying.
Bringing familiar bedding or a worn item of clothing can reduce stress during an unfamiliar stay. You can also bring toys, though AQC does not take responsibility for any personal items left at the facility and items may need to be discarded at the end of quarantine.
If your pet takes regular medication, indicate this when submitting your QMS application. AQC staff will administer medication with a valid prescription and written instructions from your veterinarian. Bring enough supply to cover the full quarantine period. If your pet has specific dietary needs, you can bring food or arrange for a special diet. Notify AVS in advance so arrangements can be made before arrival.
If your pet requires veterinary treatment during quarantine, you will need to engage a private veterinarian. AQC staff will contact you if an issue arises, but the cost of private veterinary care is the owner's responsibility.
Animal Quarantine Centre
2 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698919
Tel: 1800 476 1600
If you want guidance on the full Singapore import process including documentation, timing, and quarantine booking, our team can walk you through it.