Singapore uses a 3-schedule country classification system managed by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) under NParks. The US is classified as Schedule II, requiring microchip, rabies vaccination, and a Rabies Antibody Titre Test. Schedule I countries (UK, Australia, NZ) have simpler requirements. No quarantine is needed for compliant Schedule I and II pets.
Companies Listed
10
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
AVS import license required (apply at least 5 days before arrival)
ISO microchip required before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before import (valid up to 12 months)
Rabies Antibody Titre Test (RATT) required for Schedule II and III countries
Customs In-Payment permit required before arrival
Book border control inspection appointment at least 5 days before arrival
Home quarantine (minimum 10 days) may apply for non-compliant Schedule II pets
Schedule III countries subject to mandatory quarantine at AVS facility
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Singapore vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet (ornamental) birds may be imported into Singapore if they are not from a country/region affected by Avian Influenza. You need an AVS import licence (valid 90 days, up to five birds), a veterinary health certificate, CITES permits for protected species, customs clearance, and a booked border inspection at least five days before arrival.
Apply for and obtain an AVS import licence via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal (valid 90 days, allows up to five birds per licence) plus customs clearance
Birds must not originate from or transit through a country/region/zone affected by Avian Influenza; use direct flights or transit only through non-affected zones
Veterinary health certificate and veterinary compliance documentation as required by AVS
CITES export/re-export permit from the exporting country plus a CITES import permit from NParks for protected species (e.g. most parrots, macaws, cockatoos), obtained before the shipment
Book a border control inspection appointment via NParks e-services at least 5 days before arrival (unbooked inspections incur a fee)
Requirements are drawn from the official AVS 'Importing ornamental birds' guidance. Licence fees, validity and specific veterinary conditions can change; confirm current requirements with NParks/AVS before booking travel.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Singapore with an AVS import licence (valid 90 days), a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinarian, and an equine passport with vaccination records. On arrival the horse is transported to an AVS-approved facility for a minimum 14-day quarantine.
Apply for an import licence via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal (valid 90 days from issue)
Veterinary health certificate from a licensed private vet in the exporting country, endorsed by that country's government veterinarian before shipment
Equine passport containing the horse's silhouette and updated vaccination records (including equine influenza vaccination)
Meet AVS veterinary conditions for import, including any laboratory test results required for the country of origin
Book an inspection appointment at least 5 days before arrival via AVS e-services; horse inspected on arrival
Minimum 14-day quarantine at an AVS-approved facility if found healthy and documents are in order
Specific disease tests and required documents depend on the country of origin and the applicable AVS veterinary conditions; quarantine length can be extended if issues arise. The official page refers to an 'AVS-approved facility' rather than naming a specific quarantine station. Confirm the current protocol for your origin country with AVS.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
Singapore bans nearly all reptiles as pets. AVS confirms all snakes, all lizards (including iguanas) and all tortoises are prohibited; only the red-eared slider and Malayan box turtle (plus three approved frog species) are permitted. For practical purposes, importing reptiles as pets is not possible, with very heavy penalties for illegal wildlife.
Only a short approved list may be kept: red-eared slider, Malayan box turtle, and three frogs (green tree frog, American bullfrog, crab-eating frog), per the AVS list of animals that can be kept as pets
All species of snakes, all species of lizards (including iguanas), and all species of tortoises are prohibited as pets
Red-eared sliders require a letter of authorisation from AVS for both personal and commercial import; the Malayan box turtle (a CITES-listed species) requires a CITES permit or Certificate of Origin
Approved species must be kept in a secure, escape-proof enclosure and cannot be bred, sold, transferred, publicly displayed or released
Verified against the official AVS 'Animals that can be kept as pets' and 'Importing amphibians and reptiles' pages: amphibians and reptiles generally cannot be imported as pets, with only the listed turtle and frog species permitted. Because only a handful of species are legal, reptile relocation is effectively impractical for most pet owners. Confirm current rules and any penalties with NParks/AVS.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Singapore?
A full-service move to Singapore typically costs $2,870–$8,110 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, rabies titer test, import permit, customs clearance, and mandatory quarantine boarding. Typical process time: 10–14 days + possible quarantine.
Pet size
Estimated full-service cost
Small pet / cat
$2,370–$7,130
Medium dog
$2,870–$8,110
Large dog
$3,660–$9,220
Singapore requires government quarantine on arrival, which is the single biggest cost driver for this destination.
