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With the increase in expatriate assignments and emigration, more and more people are looking to start a new life abroad with their beloved pets. Singapore is no exception, and many people are considering moving to Singapore with their pets. However, in order for pets to enter Singapore, they must clear various procedures and conditions that differ from the Japanese system.
This guide describes how to enter pets (mainly dogs and cats) from Japan to Singapore,Fully compliant with new regulations coming into effect in January 2025We provide detailed explanations of the necessary procedures, precautions, and costs based on the latest information. We will support your smooth immigration with your pets by providing highly reliable information.
1. preparation schedule for entry into Singapore 6 months in advance: for a well-planned progression
Planning and preparation is essential for pet entry into Singapore. Especially with the new regulations starting January 2025,Stricter timing of blood collection for rabies antibody testingTherefore, you are required to manage your schedule well in advance. Please refer to the table below and proceed steadily with your preparations.
Table 1: Singapore Entry Preparation Schedule (Regulatory Compliance from January 2025)
| time | necessary procedures | special note |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months ago | Microchipping and rabies vaccination (1st) | Rabies vaccination is performed after 91 days of age. |
| 5 months ago | Rabies vaccination (2nd) | At least 30 days and not more than one year after the first vaccination |
| 4-5 months ago | Blood collection for rabies antibody test | interpoint (interword separation)Most Important: Blood collection must be completed at least 90-180 days prior to your scheduled arrival in Singapore.<br>Blood can be drawn at least 2 weeks after the second rabies vaccination. |
| 2 months ago | Import Permit Application and Airline Reservations | Contact and book an import permit online (NParks website) ・Contact and book an airline company that handles pet transportation as soon as possible. |
| 10 days ago | Health Examination and Export Inspection | Obtain a medical certificate using the designated form.<br>Received export inspection at the animal quarantine station |
2. Singapore pet import regulations from January 2025: major changes and their impact
The new regulations, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, will significantly change the requirements for importing pets into Singapore.Particularly, if you are planning to return to Japan and then re-travel, you must be very careful as you will need to complete the procedures in Japan.
Table 2: Major changes from January 2025
| change item | New Regulations | important matter |
|---|---|---|
| When to collect blood for rabies antibody testing | Completion of blood collection at least 90-180 days prior to expected arrival in Singapore | Failure to meet the blood collection timing requirements may require retesting, which could significantly affect travel plans. |
| Re-transit after returning to Japan | Must stay in Japan for at least 180 days after returning to Japan | If you plan to re-trip, you will need to stay in Japan for an extended period of time. Systematic schedule management is required. |
| Overseas Rabies Antibody Test Results | Not valid for entry into Singapore | If you wish to travel back to Singapore after returning to Japan, you will need to take another rabies antibody test in Japan. |
- Promptly receive a rabies vaccination after returning to Japan.
- Take a new rabies antibody test in Japan (test results from overseas are invalid).
- Stay in Japan for more than 180 days
- Blood collection completed at least 90-180 days prior to planned travel to Singapore
This major regulatory change will complicate procedures after returning to Japan.Be sure to check the necessary information in advance, and systematic preparation is the key to a smooth re-transit.
3. entry procedures to Singapore: explained in 5 steps
The procedures required for pets to enter Singapore are explained in detail in five steps.
3-1: Microchipping: Individual identification in accordance with international standards
| (data) item | Details |
|---|---|
| standard | Compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards |
| Mounting time | Performed before or on the same day as rabies vaccination |
| Place of implementation | veterinary institution |
| Recommended Registration Destination | Recommend registration with a microchip registry (e.g., AIPO) |
3-2: Rabies Vaccination: Importance of Two Vaccinations and Antibody Titer Testing
| (data) item | time | precautions |
|---|---|---|
| 1st inoculation | After 91 days of age | Performed after microchip installation |
| 2nd inoculation | At least 30 days and within 1 year after the first vaccination | |
| additional inoculation | Within the period of validity of rabies antibody titer | Maintain valid antibody titer until the day of arrival in Singapore |
3-3: Rabies antibody test: Strict adherence to blood collection timing and confirmation of designated testing organization (note changes effective January 2025)
| (data) item | Contents | Changes from January 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirmation of antibody titer (neutralizing antibody titer) against rabies virus | |
| Time of blood collection | At least 2 weeks after the second vaccination | Blood collection completed at least 90-180 days prior to expected arrival in Singapore |
| inspection body | Inspection agency designated by MAFF (RIAS or DVXL) | No change |
| Required antibody titer | 0.5 IU/ml or more | No change |
| required period | Approx. 4 weeks until results are known | Need to plan inspections with plenty of time to spare. |
| credentials | Published in English | Only test results taken in Japan are valid for re-travel after returning to Japan. Note that test results taken overseas will be invalid. |
3-4: Recommended vaccinations: protection against combined infections
| animal | vaccine | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| snoop (i.e. a detective, a spy, etc.) | Distemper, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus infection, canine parainfluenza virus infection, leptospirosis, etc. | Vaccination with a combination of 5 vaccines or other vaccines is recommended. Acquisition of an English vaccination certificate is recommended. |
| cat | Feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus infection, feline viral rhinotracheitis, chlamydia infection, etc. | Vaccination with a combination of four vaccines or other vaccines is recommended. Acquisition of an English vaccination certificate is recommended. |
3-5: Obtaining an Import Permit: Prior Authorization through Online Application
| (data) item | Details |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Singapore Ministry of National Development, Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Services (NParks/AVS) website |
| Application Period | 30 days prior to arrival in Singapore |
| Application Fee | Approx. 50 Singapore dollars |
| Form of documents to be submitted | Digital data only |
4. air transportation arrangements: differences in regulations by airline
Arrangements must be made with the airline company when transporting pets to Singapore. Each airline has different regulations regarding pet transportation, so it is important to check in advance.
Table 3: Major Airlines' Response Status
| airline company | Status of support | special note |
|---|---|---|
| JAL | Checked baggage/cargo | Advance reservation required. Need to confirm detailed regulations on cage size, weight restrictions, etc. |
| ANA | Checked baggage/cargo | Advance reservation required. Need to confirm detailed regulations on cage size, weight restrictions, etc. |
| SIA | Checked baggage/cargo | Advance reservation required. Need to confirm detailed regulations on cage size, weight restrictions, etc. |
Confirmation Required:
- Cage Size and Weight Limits
- Reservation Period
- necessary documents
- rate structure
Please review this information in advance and select the appropriate airline and method of transportation.
5. list of required documents: for flawless document preparation
The following documents are required for entry into Singapore. Please prepare and verify them carefully, as incomplete documents may result in denial of entry.
Table 4: List of Required Documents
| (data) item | Dossier Name | publisher | Original/Copy | Acquisition date/expiration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | rabies vaccination certificate | veterinary institution | the original | 1st: After microchipping, after 91 days of age Second dose: At least 30 days but not more than 1 year after the first dose Final validity: Must be valid until arrival in Singapore |
Written in English. It must be signed by a veterinarian, the date of vaccination, the type of vaccine (inactivated vaccine recommended), the product name, and the serial number (lot number).
The rabies vaccination certificate (dog identification tag) can be substituted for the English rabies vaccination certificate. |
| 2 | Rabies antibody test certificate | Designated inspection agency | the original | Date of blood collection: 90-180 days prior to scheduled arrival in Singapore Expiration date: 2 years from the date of blood collection (but only within the validity period of rabies vaccination) | English text. Issued by a designated laboratory (RIAS or DVXL). Must clearly indicate the dog/cat's individual identification number (microchip number), date of blood collection, test method, and antibody titer (0.5 IU/ml or higher). |
| 3 | health certificate | veterinary institution | the original | Within 10 days before export | English text. Singapore designated form (downloadable from the NParks/AVS website). Must include results of clinical examination by a veterinarian, individual identification number of the dog/cat, health condition, parasite control status, etc. |
| 4 | import license | NParks | photocopiable | Apply at least 30 days prior to arrival in Singapore | Can be obtained through online application in advance, available on the NParks (AVS) website. The application fee is approximately S$50. |
| 5 | Export Quarantine Certificate | Animal Quarantine Service in Japan | the original | Within 10 days before export | Obtain an export inspection at the animal quarantine station prior to departure. Bring required documents such as health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, rabies antibody test certificate, and import permit. |
| 6 | Documents specified by the airline | each airline company | Depends on airline | Varies by airline, so check in advance. | Required documents, such as a transportation consent form, vary by airline and must be confirmed at the time of booking. |
| 7 | Certificate of microchip installation | veterinary institution | by veterinarians. | As soon as possible after microchipping | The microchip number, date of installation, and veterinarian's signature must be clearly written in English. |
Certificate Expiration Date:. Each certificate has a set expiration date. Please make sure that it is within the expiration date upon arrival in Singapore.
Incomplete documentation:. Incomplete documents may result in denial of entry into Singapore. Before departure, please thoroughly check the contents of each document and correct or reissue them as necessary.
Copy preparation:. It is recommended that multiple copies of all required documents be made and kept separate from the originals, just in case.
Please refer to this detailed list of documents to ensure reliable document preparation and smooth entry into Singapore.
6. procedures upon arrival in Singapore: quarantine process and time required
Upon arrival in Singapore, pets must go through the following quarantine process
Table 5: Procedural flow after arrival
| process | Details | Approximate time required |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival at quarantine station | Transport to Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) | Promptly upon arrival |
| document verification | Confirmation of documents to be submitted | Approx. 30 min. |
| clinical examination | Health check by veterinarian | Approx. 1-2 hours |
| accepting | After inspection, pick up at CAPQ (quarantine facility in Changi Airport) | About 2-3 hours later |
Upon arrival, the pet will be promptly transported to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) for document verification and a clinical examination by a veterinarian. If there are no problems, the pet can be picked up at CAPQ.
Living with Pets in Singapore: Living Environment and Regulations
7.1. banned dog breeds: check applicable breeds
The following breeds of dogs are prohibited from being imported into Singapore
- Pit bulls and their crossbreds
- Akita (breed of dog)
- tosa (Japanese dog breed)
- Brazilian fila and its hybrids
- Dogo Argentino and its hybrids
Please note that these breeds are also prohibited from being bred in Singapore.
7.2. restrictions on keeping animals according to type of residence: HDB and condominium rules
In Singapore, restrictions on pet ownership vary depending on the type of residence.
| residential structure | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| HDB (public housing) | In principle, only small dogs are allowed. There are restrictions on breed and number of dogs. |
| condominium | Depends on management agreement. Prior confirmation with the management association is required. |
| single-family home | Relatively free. However, consideration for neighbors is necessary. |
HDB has restrictions on the breeds and number of dogs that can be kept. In the case of condominiums, the restrictions vary according to the management agreement, so be sure to check before moving in.
7.3. other considerations: adaptation to hot and humid environments and identification of veterinary institutions
- Adaptation to climate: Singapore has a hot and humid climate. Careful consideration must be given to your pet's health, including measures against heat stroke.
- Stress Management: Long flights and environmental changes can be major stressors for pets. Please take measures to reduce stress.
- Veterinary Clinic: It is recommended to check veterinary hospitals in Singapore in advance of your trip.
8. relevant agency contacts: for accurate information
- Ministry of National Development, Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Services (NParks/AVS), Singapore:. www.nparks.gov.sg/avs
- Animal Quarantine in Japan:. www.maff.go.jp/aqs
- CAPQ (Changi Airport Quarantine Facility):. Changi Airfreight Centre
Summary: Move to Singapore with your pets safely and securely with careful preparation.
What about moving to Singapore with your beloved pet?Careful advance preparation and accurate information gatheringThis can be achieved safely and smoothly by In particular,New regulations from January 2025Please note that the timing of blood collection for rabies antibody tests and the requirements for re-travel after returning to Japan will be significantly changed in
explained in this guide,Please refer to the preparation schedule, required documents, and estimated costs 6 months in advance to plan your preparation. For the most up-to-date information and details, be sure to check the websites of the Singapore Agriculture, Food and Animals Authority (NParks/AVS) and the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service, and contact the respective agencies if you have any questions.
In particular, the following points are important
- New rules from January 2025: Please comply with the timing of blood collection for rabies antibody testing (90-180 days prior to scheduled arrival in Singapore) and the requirements for re-travel after returning to Japan (stay in Japan for more than 180 days and antibody testing in Japan).
- Rabies antibody test: Please strictly adhere to the blood collection schedule and have your blood tested at a designated laboratory (RIAS or DVXL). In case of re-travel after returning to Japan, only the test results in Japan are valid.
- Required Documents: Please make sure that all documents are in order and check the expiration date of each document. In particular, the rabies vaccination certificate, rabies antibody test certificate, and health certificate must meet the specified requirements.
- Information Gathering: While this guide is based on the latest information, regulations are subject to change. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Please make sufficient preparations and gather information to start your life in Singapore with your beloved dog or cat in a safe and secure manner!
Safe and secure overseas travel with pets.
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