Woof! Everything You Need to Know About Importing Dogs to Singapore

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering a move to Singapore with your furry friend in tow.

Whether you’re a native Singaporean returning home or an expat relocating for work, there’s no reason why your dog can’t come along for the ride.

However, there are a few things you need to know before importing dogs to Singapore, such as the necessary documents, the quarantine process, and how to choose the right pet import company.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about importing dogs to Singapore!

Requirements for Importing Dogs into Singapore

There are some requirements that you’ll need to take care of before you can import dogs to Singapore. For instance, certain documents need to be made available before you can be granted permission to import your dog. These documents are:

A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of arrival in Singapore is required.

A rabies vaccination certificate dated within 12 months of arrival in Singapore (if your dog is more than 3 months old).

An export health certificate issued by the exporting country’s authorities.

If you’re coming from the UK, US, Australia, or New Zealand, you’ll also need an import permit from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).

Processing and Procedures for Importing Dogs into Singapore

The first thing that you’ll need is to comply with the NParks’ AVS’ import license and pet quarantine requirements and obtain approval before importing the pets from overseas.

You’ll also need to get a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, and it has to be done within 10 days of export.

This document should state that the dog is free from any infectious diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies.

The third requirement is an Animal Health Certificate, which should be endorsed by the veterinarian in the country of origin and authorized by the Government Veterinary Service.

This has to be done within 14 days of export and should state that the dog is free from any infectious diseases, has been vaccinated against rabies, and has been treated for internal and external parasites.

If you’re coming from a country where rabies is not endemic, then your dog will need to be quarantined for 30 days upon arrival in Singapore.

However, if your dog is coming from a country where rabies is endemic, then he or she will need to be quarantined for 180 days upon arrival in Singapore.

As soon as you arrive in Singapore with your dog, you’ll need to go through customs and declare your pet to an inspector. You’ll also need to present all of the required documents at this time.

After that, you’ll be given an import permit, which will state the requirements for post-arrival quarantine.

Post-arrival quarantine for dogs

After arriving in Singapore, your dog will need to be quarantined at an AVA-licensed facility.

The length of quarantine will depend on which country you’re coming from as well as whether or not rabies is endemic in that country.

During quarantine, your dog will be examined by a veterinarian and monitored for any signs of illness. If your dog shows any signs of illness during quarantine, he or she will be treated by a veterinarian at the facility.

You are allowed to visit your dog during quarantine, but there are restrictions on how often you can do so as well as how long you can stay each time.

You’ll also need to make sure that you follow all of the rules and regulations during visits to minimize the risk of spreading the disease.

Your dog will only be released from quarantine after he or she has met all of the requirements set forth by AVA. Once released, you’ll need to bring your dog up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite control measures.

Choosing a Pet Import Company

Once all of your paperwork is in order, it’s time to choose a pet import/relocation company. This is an important decision, as it will be up to the import company to ensure that your dog meets all of the requirements and arrives safe and sound in Singapore. When choosing these moving company, be sure to consider the following factors:

Reputation: Be sure to read online reviews and testimonials before entrusting your furry friend to an import company. You want to make sure that other pet owners have had positive experiences with the company you’re considering.

Experience: It’s always best to go with a company that has extensive experience in animal relocation and transportation. They’ll know exactly what needs to be done for your move to go off without a hitch.

Costs: Of course, you’ll want to compare rates before making a final decision. However, it’s important not to expect too much when it comes to price. After all, you are dealing with live animals—it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a reputable company, even if it costs a bit more.

Services Offered: Find out what services are included in the price quote. Does the company offer door-to-door service? Will they handle all of the paperwork for you? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options.

Ask friends or family members for recommendations if possible. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, get in touch with each company and ask questions about their services, fees, and policies. Make sure that you understand everything completely before making a decision!

Conclusion:

Moving to Singapore with your furry friend doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re well-prepared.

Just make sure that you take care of all of the paperwork and requirements beforehand so that everything goes smoothly when it’s time for relocation.

By following these tips, you can make sure that importing dogs into Singapore is a hassle-free experience for both you and your four-legged friend! Bon voyage!