Singapore AQC: The Non-Refundable Deposit and 3-Day Hold Rule

TLDR: Booking space at Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre requires a non-refundable deposit equal to 10 days of quarantine fees plus transport charges. If the booking is cancelled for any reason the deposit is forfeited. AQC holds reserved space for only 3 days after the scheduled arrival date. A flight delay beyond 3 days means the space is forfeited and must be rebooked, potentially at the higher fee rates taking effect December 1 2026.

Singapore's Animal Quarantine Centre operates on a reserved-space model. When you book a quarantine slot for your pet, a non-refundable deposit is required upfront to secure the space. The deposit is fixed at 10 days of quarantine fees plus transport charges, regardless of the actual length of quarantine required. Understanding the deposit structure and the 3-day hold rule before booking is essential. Both have direct financial consequences if a move is delayed or cancelled.

The Non-Refundable Deposit

When reserving AQC quarantine space through the Quarantine Management System, the client pays a non-refundable deposit equal to 10 days of quarantine fees at the applicable daily rate, plus transport charges. This deposit is paid at the time of booking and is not refundable under any circumstances, including flight cancellations, travel date changes, health issues, or any other reason.

At current rates, the deposit calculation is as follows:

The total non-refundable deposit at current rates is S$335 for fan-cooled or S$425 for air-conditioned, inclusive of transport. These rates apply through November 30 2026. From December 1 2026, the daily rates increase. See the AQC fee increase article for the new rates.

The 3-Day Hold Rule

AQC holds reserved quarantine space for 3 days after the scheduled arrival date. If your pet does not arrive within 3 days of the booked date, due to a flight delay, cancellation, rebooking, or any other reason, the reserved space is forfeited. The deposit is not returned. A new booking must be made and a new deposit paid.

If the rebooking falls on or after December 1 2026, the new deposit will be calculated at the higher December 2026 rates. A delay that crosses the December 1 2026 threshold increases the total cost of the move.

Practical Implications for Move Planning

The combination of the non-refundable deposit and the 3-day hold rule means that AQC bookings carry direct financial risk for any move where the travel date is uncertain. A flight that is delayed by more than 3 days results in a forfeited deposit and a new booking fee. A move that is cancelled after booking results in a full forfeiture of the deposit.

If your travel date shifts before the forfeiture window triggers, an amendment to the booking may be possible through the Quarantine Management System. Amendment fees and conditions apply depending on how close the change is made to the arrival date. Confirm the current amendment policy directly with AVS before making any booking change.

Before confirming an AQC booking, confirm the following:

• The travel date is firm and unlikely to shift by more than 3 days
• The airline and routing selected have a reliable on-time record for the specific route
• If traveling close to December 1 2026, the potential for a rate increase on rebooking has been factored into the budget

If the travel date is genuinely uncertain, delay the AQC booking until the date is confirmed. The 3-day hold window is narrow and the deposit is non-recoverable.

Who AQC Applies To

AQC quarantine applies to pets arriving from Schedule III countries, which require a minimum 30-day post-arrival quarantine at the facility. Pets arriving from the US, which is a Schedule II country, are not required to undergo AQC quarantine as a standard requirement. US-origin pets may undergo home quarantine instead if quarantine is required at all.

If you are moving a pet from a Schedule III country or have a specific situation that requires AQC rather than home quarantine, confirm the current applicable requirements with AVS before booking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AQC deposit ever refundable?

No. The deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances. Cancellations, flight delays, health issues, and travel date changes do not qualify for a refund.

What happens if my flight is delayed by 4 days?

The reserved AQC space is forfeited after 3 days. A new booking must be made and a new non-refundable deposit paid. If the new arrival date falls on or after December 1 2026, the deposit will be calculated at the higher December 2026 rates.

Does the deposit count toward the total quarantine cost?

The deposit represents 10 days of quarantine fees. If the actual quarantine period is longer than 10 days, additional charges apply for the days beyond the deposit period. If the quarantine period is shorter than 10 days, the deposit is not partially refunded.

Does AQC apply to pets arriving from the US?

Pets from the US, a Schedule II country, are not required to undergo AQC quarantine as a standard requirement. Home quarantine applies in certain situations for US-origin pets. Confirm your specific requirements with AVS before making any AQC booking.

How do I book AQC space?

AQC space is reserved through the Quarantine Management System. Vaccination records for both rabies and general vaccinations must be provided when reserving space.