Singapore’s 2026 Pet Agent Mandate: DIY Clearance Is No Longer Permitted

TLDR: As of April 1 2026, DIY pet clearance at Singapore's CAPQ is banned. Every dog and cat arriving in Singapore must have an AVS-recognised pet agent appointed to handle CAPQ clearance before arrival. This is a permanent change that applies to all owners regardless of experience or prior moves. All other import requirements remain unchanged.

As of April 1 2026, pet owners cannot handle their own CAPQ clearance in Singapore. Every dog and cat arriving in Singapore on or after this date must have an AVS-recognised pet agent appointed to manage the clearance process at Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station. There are no exceptions. This applies to all owners regardless of experience, previous moves, or familiarity with the Singapore import process.

What the Mandate Requires

Every pet arriving in Singapore must have an AVS-recognised pet agent appointed before arrival. The agent handles CAPQ clearance on the owner's behalf. Owners cannot present their own pet for inspection, manage their own clearance documentation at CAPQ, or complete the process independently in any form.

This is a permanent change to how Singapore pet imports are processed. It is not a temporary measure. It applies to every move, first-time movers and repeat expats alike.

What AVS-Recognised Means

Not every pet transport company or relocation service qualifies. The agent must be specifically recognised by AVS to handle CAPQ clearance. If you are working with a company, confirm their AVS recognition status before appointing them. An agent without AVS recognition cannot legally handle your pet's CAPQ clearance under the mandate.

Why the Mandate Was Introduced

Singapore's CAPQ clearance process involves multiple documentation checks, import licence verification, health certificate review, and physical inspection of the animal. The mandate consolidates this process through trained, AVS-accountable agents to reduce errors, documentation deficiencies, and processing delays at CAPQ.

For owners, this means the clearance process is handled by someone who is accountable to AVS standards, not self-managed under time pressure at an unfamiliar facility.

What This Means for Your Move Timeline

Appointing an AVS-recognised agent is now a required step in the Singapore import process, not an optional service. Factor agent appointment into your move timeline from the start. Your agent coordinates CAPQ inspection booking, confirms documentation compliance, and manages clearance on arrival day.

The CAPQ inspection appointment must still be booked at least 5 working days before your pet arrives via AVS eServices. Your agent handles this booking. Arriving without a confirmed appointment results in an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof, regardless of whether you have an agent or not.

CAPQ Operating Hours from April 1 2026

CAPQ operating hours were also adjusted from April 1 2026. Current hours are Monday to Tuesday 9AM to 5PM, and Wednesday to Friday 9AM to 8PM. CAPQ is closed daily for lunch from 1PM to 2PM. There are no evening or Saturday clearances under the new hours. Confirm current hours directly with AVS before travel as operational details can change.

What Has Not Changed

The agent mandate changes who handles CAPQ clearance. It does not change the underlying import requirements. All of the following still apply in full:

• ISO-compliant microchip required; number must appear on all records
• Minimum age of 12 weeks at time of export
• Rabies vaccination and RNATT serology for Schedule II countries including the US
• Core vaccinations: DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats
• Import licence obtained via GoBusiness within 90 days of arrival
• Pet licence obtained via PALS before import licence application
• 2 to 7 day final prep window for parasite treatments and health certificate
• Physical ink-endorsed USDA health certificate: digital VEHCS not accepted
• Captain's Declaration endorsed by airline at check-in
• Customs GST permit before arrival
• Smart collar home quarantine if applicable

Every step that existed before April 1 2026 still applies. The agent mandate adds one non-negotiable layer on top: a qualified AVS-recognised agent must be in place to handle the clearance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I handle my own CAPQ clearance if I have done it before?

No. The mandate applies to all arrivals on or after April 1 2026 regardless of prior experience. DIY clearance is no longer permitted under any circumstances.

Does the mandate apply to cats as well as dogs?

Yes. The mandate applies to all pets arriving in Singapore, dogs and cats alike.

What happens if my pet arrives without an AVS-recognised agent appointed?

Your pet's clearance cannot be processed at CAPQ without an AVS-recognised agent. Do not arrive without one confirmed in advance.

How do I confirm whether a company is AVS-recognised?

Contact AVS directly via the AVS eServices portal or the AVS feedback form to verify the recognition status of any agent before appointing them.

Does the mandate affect the other import requirements?

No. All existing import requirements remain in full. The agent mandate adds a clearance requirement on top of the existing process. It does not replace or waive any other step.