If you’re heading to Singapore for a pet holiday, or you’re relocating to Singapore with your cat or dog, read everything you need to know about taking a pet to Singapore. Cats and dogs can be imported to Singapore under strict conditions designed​ to manage biosecurity risks, therefore the requirements for entering Singapore with pets depend on your country of origin. A Pet Import License is needed to enter Singapore rather than the Pet Passport Scheme used in the EU. If you’re relocating to Singapore to live with your dog, you’ll also have to obtain a Dog License prior to arrival. You may already be aware that quarantine is mandatory for all cats and dogs arriving in Singapore from many countries. The need for cat or dog quarantine in Singapore depends on the classification of your country of origin. Singapore splits countries into Category A to Category D. Those arriving with pets from categories A or B don’t have to undergo cat and dog quarantine, which includes the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Also, be aware that Singapore restricts the import of certain cat and dog breeds, which are classed as dangerous. You can fly into Singapore with a small cat or dog in the cabin with some pet friendly airlines, so we’ve included airlines that allow pets in cabin in Singapore. Read on for everything you need to know about taking a cat or dog to Singapore, including pet travel rules and public transport access for pets.

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Banned Cat & Dog Breeds in Singapore

Firstly, it’s important to be aware that some breeds of dogs, classed as dangerous, as well as certain cat breeds aren’t allowed to enter Singapore.

Singapore Banned Dog Breeds	Singapore Banned Cat Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier American Bulldog Pit Bull Akita Boerboel Dogo Argentino Fila Brasileiro Neapolitan Mastiff Tosa Perro De Presa Canario Crosses of any of the above breeds	First to Fourth Generation Bengal or Savannah crosses

If you’re taking a Bengal or Savannah cat cross to Singapore, you must provide evidence that:

• The Bengal cat cross you are importing is at least a fifth generation cross from the ancestral stock of Prionailurus bengalensis
• The Savannah cat cross you are importing is at least a fifth generation cross from the ancestral stock of Leptailurus serval

Mandatory Cat & Dog Quarantine in Singapore

Before travelling to Singapore with your cat or dog, you need to be aware of the Rabies Risk Category in your country of residence. For pet travel, Singapore classifies the risk of rabies into four categories:

Singapore Rabies Category	Pet’s Country of Residence
Category A	Australia, Ireland, New Zealand & United Kingdom (UK)
Category B	Approved Rabies Free Countries
Category C	Controlled or No Rabies Countries
Category D	All other Countries

Mandatory cat and dog quarantine in Singapore applies to pet’s arriving from Category C or Category D countries.

Upon arrival in Singapore from a Category C or D country, your cat or dog will be transported directly to the new quarantine facility, Jalan Lekar. If you’re taking a cat or dog to Singapore from a Category C or D country, your pet will be inspected by a veterinarian at the beginning and end of quarantine.

• From Category C countries, your cat or dog will be quarantined for either 10 (Category C1) or 30 days (Category C2) upon arrival in Singapore.
• Dogs and cats arriving in Singapore from a Category D country will spend at least 30 days in quarantine.

Once your cat or dog meets all the pet import requirements for Singapore, they’ll be cleared to leave the pet quarantine facility in Singapore. Note that if your pet is unwell during quarantine they may have to stay in there longer. If, for example, your dog or cat is found to have fleas or ticks, this may extend the period of quarantine in Singapore.

Category A: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand & United Kingdom

In order for your cat or dog to enter Singapore from a Category A country, you need an Import Licence to enter New Zealand, and a pet inspection will be carried out upon arrival.

Dogs and cats arriving in Singapore from Category A countries; Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland), don’t require quarantine, provided that all entry requirements are met.

In addition to an Singapore Pet Import License, you’ll also need the following documentation to prove the good health of your pet, as well as their country of residence:

• Veterinary Certificate as detailed by the Singapore National Parks Board Animal Veterinary Service
• Original Vaccination Record for your pet which states their Microchip Number
• Declaration from the Captain of your arrival ship/aircraft, confirming where your cat or dog embarked

If you’re relocating with a dog to Singapore, you’ll also need to obtain a Dog License before you arrive too. The approved Dog License should be attached to the Pet Import License.

In addition, you must book an arrival inspection for your cat or dog at least five days before you travel to Singapore. This can be reserved through the Approval and Safety Tracking System.

Pet Import License	✅
Mandatory Quarantine	❌
Inspection on Arrival	✅

Note that if your cat or dog fails the inspection upon arrival in Singapore, they will likely have to spend 10 days in quarantine.

Category B: Taking a Cat or Dog to Singapore from Approved Rabies Free Countries

When taking a cat or dog from a Category B country to Singapore, your pet doesn’t need to be quarantined if they meet all the import requirements.

In Singapore, Category B countries are classified as Approved Rabies Free Countries. Cats and dogs from the following Category B countries must have an Import Permit to enter Singapore:

• Bermuda
• Cayman Islands
• Denmark
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Japan
• Jersey
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• New Caledonia
• Norway
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• USA (Hawaii and Guam only)

In addition to a Singapore Pet Import License, you’ll also need the following documentation to prove the good health of your pet, as well as their country of residence:

• Veterinary Certificate as detailed by the Singapore National Parks Board Animal Veterinary Service
• Original Vaccination Record for your pet which states their Microchip Number
• Declaration from the Captain of your arrival ship/aircraft, confirming where your cat or dog embarked

If you’re relocating with a dog to Singapore, you’ll also need to obtain a Dog License before you arrive too. The approved Dog License should be attached to the Pet Import License.

In addition, you must book an arrival inspection for your cat or dog at least 5 days before you travel to Singapore. This can be reserved through the Approval and Safety Tracking System.

Pet Import Certificate	✅
Mandatory Quarantine	❌
Inspection on Arrival	✅

Category C: Taking a Pet to Singapore from Controlled or No Rabies Countries

Mandatory quarantine applies to cats and dogs arriving in Singapore from Category C countries, at a minimum period of 10 days.

For pets travelling to Singapore, Category C countries are split between Category C1 and Category C2. The length of stay depends on whether your cat or dog is classified as C1 or C2.

An Import Permit is also required to be eligible to enter Singapore with a cat or dog from Category C countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Cyprus
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Italy
• Latvia
• Netherlands
• Republic of Korea
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Taiwan
• USA (except Guam and Hawaii)

You’ll also need:

• Veterinary Certificate as detailed by the Singapore National Parks Board Animal Veterinary Service
• Original Vaccination Record for your pet which states their Microchip Number

Pet Import Certificate	✅
Mandatory 10 Day Quarantine (C1)	✅
Mandatory 30 Day Quarantine (C2)	✅
Inspection on Arrival	✅

Category D – Taking a Pet to Singapore from All Other Countries

Pets arriving from all other countries not listed under Categories A-C must undergo a minimum of 30 days in quarantine. Therefore, if you travel to Singapore with your cat or dog from any other country, they’ll spend at least 30 days in pet quarantine.

To take a cat or dog to Singapore from a Category D country, you’ll also need the following:

• Pet Import License
• Veterinary Certificate as detailed by the Singapore National Parks Board Animal Veterinary Service
• Original Vaccination Record for your pet which states their Microchip Number
• A Dog License if you’re relocating to Singapore with your pooch

Pet Import Certificate	✅
Mandatory 30 Day Quarantine (Minimum)	✅
Inspection on Arrival	✅

Flying a Pet to Singapore from the UK, Europe, USA & Canada

When flying a cat or dog to Singapore, it depends on the pet import rules in Singapore, as well as the pet friendly airline travel policies.

Pet friendly airlines across the globe allow pets to travel in one or more of the following three ways:

• In the Passenger Cabin
• In the Hold as Checked Baggage
• In the Hold as Cargo

However, even if the airline allows pets to fly in the cabin, this isn’t possible when the destination country only accepts pet arrivals in the aircraft hold.

Airlines that Allow Cats & Dogs to Fly to Singapore in the Cabin

Unlike with some countries and territories, you can fly your pet in the cabin to Singapore. Great news for owners of small cats and dogs, as there are a few places that don’t allow your pet to enter in the cabin of a commercial plane.

Unfortunately, the flagship airline in Singapore, Singapore Airlines, doesn’t allow pets to fly in the cabin. In fact, Singapore Airlines only allows pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo in the hold. Most pet friendly airlines in Asia don’t allow cats and dogs in the cabin, they’re usually only allowed in the hold as checked baggage or cargo.

Don’t worry though, there are other options available to fly your furry friend to Singapore in the plane cabin!

For example, from Europe and the USA, airlines that allow cats and dogs to fly in the cabin to Singapore, include:

Airlines that Fly Cats & Dogs in Cabin to Singapore
Aegean Airlines Air France Brussels Airlines Delta Airlines Iberia KLM Lufthansa Swiss Airlines Tap Air Portugal Turkish Airlines

Remember that when flying your cat or dog in the airline cabin to Singapore, your pet’s travel carrier has to meet the specifications of your chosen airline, and the International Air Transport Association Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR). This means that your cat or dog’s in cabin pet carrier has to comply with the IATA LAR calculation for minimum inner space.

Check out 8 Purr-fect IATA Complaint Pet in Cabin Carriers for your next pet flight.

Airlines that Allow Pets in the Hold to Singapore

If you’re cat or dog is larger than the size and weight allowed in the cabin by most airlines, they’ll have to fly as checked baggage or cargo in the hold.

When your pet flies as checked baggage in the hold, you will fly on the same plane and check them in with the airline at the same check in desk. Whereas if your pet flies as cargo, the check in and all travel arrangements are handled either by the airline’s cargo arm, or an independent pet cargo courier. Your cat or dog can usually still be transported in the hold on the same flight as you, although sometimes this isn’t possible.

Sometimes, an airline only offers the option to fly pets as cargo rather than checked baggage. On other occasions, cats, dogs and other animals must fly as cargo if the destination country sets this requirement. This is the case in the United Kingdom, where all pets arriving in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be transported as cargo.

Airlines that Fly Cats & Dogs in Hold to Singapore	Checked Baggage	Cargo
Aegean Airlines	✅	✅
Aer Lingus	❌	✅
Air France	✅	✅
British Airways	❌	✅
Brussels Airlines	✅	✅
Delta Airlines	❌	✅
KLM	✅	✅
Lufthansa	✅	✅
Singapore Airlines	✅	✅
Swiss Airlines	✅	✅
Tap Air Portugal	✅	✅
Thai Airways	✅	✅
Turkish Airlines	✅	✅
United Airlines	❌	✅
Qantas	✅	✅

The pet friendly airlines based in the UK and Ireland use either Pet Air UK or IAG Cargo to handle all aspects of your pet’s reservation in the hold. Whereas, other airlines have their own cargo arm that manages your cat or dog flying in the hold as cargo.

If you’re flying with a snub nosed breed of cat or dog, you’ll be aware that ethical airlines don’t allow snub nosed breeds to fly as checked baggage in the hold. However, they may be permitted to fly as cargo, although this is something you should discuss with your veterinarian.

For more information, read about where pets go on planes, which includes the differences between cats and dogs flying as checked baggage or cargo.

Taking Multiple Pets to Singapore

If you’re travelling to Singapore with more than one cat or dog, it’s likely that they will have to travel as cargo in the hold. However, with some pet friendly airlines, you may be allowed to take more than one pet in the hold as checked baggage.

Be aware that there are restrictions in Singapore on the number of cats and dogs allowed in each household.

Is Singapore Cat & Dog Friendly?

If you’re moving to Singapore permanently with your pet, there’s a few extra things you must do. This includes a Dog License, as well as adhering to the number of pets permitted in each home. The following sections cover moving to Singapore with cats and dogs, but some areas may be of interest if you’re going on an extended holiday with your pet. For example, we’ll cover whether Singapore is dog friendly, and if you can access public transport, beaches, cafes and restaurants.

Singapore Pet Numbers Per Household

In Singapore, there are restrictions in place on the number of cats and dogs allowed in different types of residence. If you’re relocating to Singapore with your cat or dog, you must make sure that you comply with the government rules for the number of pets permitted in each type of housing. See our section on potentially dangerous dog breeds living in Singapore, which are referred to in Singapore as Scheduled Dogs.

Cat or Dog Type	Number of dogs or cats allowed per Housing Development Board (HDB) residential flat	Number of dogs or cats allowed per unit of non-HDB residential premises
Approved small breed dogs	One	Up to three.
Scheduled dogs	None	One. Out of the three dogs above, only one Scheduled dog is allowed.
Cats	None	Check with your building management for specific rules on keeping cats.

Mandatory Dog Licenses in Singapore

If you’re relocating to Singapore with a dog, note that under the Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing and Control) Rules, all dogs residing in Singapore must be licensed. This is for traceability in the event of an outbreak in disease, such as rabies. In such instances, you will be expected to take the dog for examination, if required.

Purchasing a Dog License

In order to obtain a Dog License in Singapore, you can apply online using the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). If you’re relocating your dog to Singapore, you must apply for the Dog License before applying for the Import Permit.

There are some additional rules applicable in Singapore when you have a canine companion, so be aware that you’re responsible for:

• Renewing your dog’s licence before it expires 
• Informing the Singapore Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) of any change of pet ownership by initiating the transfer via PALS
• Updating any change of address for your dog using PALS
• Advising AVS if your dog is missing, permanently exported, or has passed away by cancelling the dog licence via PALS
• Ensuring that all other licensing conditions are met, which can be found here
• Keeping your dog on a leash and under control in public spaces

Be aware that you must make sure that your dog is allowed in your residence by either HDB or your estate management. A Singapore Dog License is not approval to keep your dog at the stated premises.

Dog License Fees in Singapore

Category	1 Year License	2 Year License	3 year License	One Time License
Dogs under five months of age	S$15 per dog	n/a	n/a	n/a
First three dogs	Sterilised S$15 per dog Not Sterilised S$90 per dog	Sterilised S$25 per dog Not Sterilised S$165 per dog	S$230 per non-sterilised dog	S$35 per sterilised dog
Fourth & subsequent dog	S$180 per dog or reduced fee of S$15 for the 4th dog	S$325 per dog or reduced fee of S$25 for the 4th dog	S$460 per non-sterilised dog	S$460 per sterilised dog or reduced fee of S$35 for the 4th dog

Living in Singapore with a Potentially Dangerous Dog Breed

Dogs classed as potentially dangerous must adhere to additional laws in Singapore. Certain dog breeds are listed in the Second Schedule of the Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing & Control) Rules. These breeds are known as scheduled dogs. As stated previously, you can’t import these dog breeds to Singapore.

These regulations are in place as the following dogs have the necessary strength and anatomy to cause serious harm to other beings. The law in Singapore splits these dog breeds into two sections:

Part 1 Scheduled Dog Breeds

• Akita
• Boerboel
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Neopolitan Mastiff
• Perro de Presa Canario
• Pit Bull (all types)
• Tosa

Any crosses of these dog breeds in Singapore are also classed as Part 1 Scheduled Dogs.

Laws for Part 1 Scheduled Dogs

• Dogs must be leashed and securely muzzled when in a public place
• Dogs must be microchipped
• Dogs must be sterilised if over six months of age
• You must arrange an insurance policy with at least S$100,000 coverage against
  injury to persons and damage to property
• You must take up a banker’s guarantee of S$5,000
• Any existing banker’s guarantee would be forfeited for non-compliance and you must take up a fresh banker’s guarantee of S$5,000
• Newly licensed dogs must undergo obedience training

Part 2 Scheduled Dog Breeds in Singapore

• Bull Terrier
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd Dog and related breeds, such as the Belgian Shepherd
  and the East European Shepherd
• Mastiffs, including the Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso and Dogue De Bordeaux
• Rottweiler

Any crosses of these dog breeds in Singapore are also classed as Part 2 Scheduled Dogs.

Laws for Part 2 Scheduled Dogs

• Dogs must be leashed and securely muzzled when in a public place
• Dogs must be microchipped
• You must take up an insurance policy for at least S$100,000 coverage against
  injury to persons and damage to property
• You must take up a banker’s guarantee of S$2,000
• Any existing banker’s guarantee would be forfeited for non-compliance and the owner
  must take up a fresh banker’s guarantee of S$2,000
• Newly licensed dogs must undergo obedience training

Are Pet Microchips Compulsory in Singapore?

In Singapore, only dogs have to be microchipped. The Animal Veterinary Service (AVS) requires that your dog is microchipped prior to obtaining a dog license. Your dog must be microchipped in Singapore for traceability purposes and rabies control.

However, at present, owners of species other than dogs don’t have to microchip their pet. Unfortunately, this has led to a large number of cats being abandoned in Singapore.

Instead, owners of other pets can register their particulars with AVA, SPCA or Pet Call on a voluntary basis. Of course, if you’re relocating to Singapore with a cat or dog, they must have an ISO Compliant Pet Microchip in order to enter the country. The microchip number will be recorded on your pet’s Import Permit and Rabies Vaccination card.

Public Transport Rules for Cats & Dogs in Singapore

Unfortunately, in Singapore, public transport such as buses and trains aren’t pet friendly. By law, pets aren’t accepted on public transport in Singapore for hygiene and religious reasons.

Of course, you can take your registered Assistance or Service Dog on buses and trains in Singapore. But, for other pet owners, you won’t be able to use public transport when travelling with your cat, dog or other species.

Therefore, pet owners without vehicles face a conundrum in Singapore, which has resulted in the appearance of numerous pet taxi services.

Pet Taxis in Singapore

If you don’t drive and need to travel somewhere in Singapore with your pet, then a pet taxi service may be your only option. There are plenty of pet taxi companies in Singapore, with many owned by pet owners and animal lovers. So, while this is a more expensive option than if pets were permitted on buses and trains, you can be sure that your furry friend will be in safe hands.

Some of the popular pet taxi services in Singapore include:

• Comfort Maxi Cab Singapore
• Lucky Pet Style Transport
• Pampered Pets Relocating & Lodging
• Pet Taxi Singapore Uncle Loo
• SG Pet Taxi By Bambi & Co

A pet taxi for non-drivers is therefore your best option when travelling around Singapore with your dog.

Remember to always protect your pet against biting insects when in a foreign country, in addition to the pet travel rules for your destination.

Always check the government website for up to date information on travelling to Singapore. And remember to leave a review if you’ve travelled to Singapore with your pet!

Related Pages

• Airline Pet Travel Policies
• Year Long Travel Ban on Import of Dogs to USA
• EU Pet Travel Scheme
• 8 Essential Pet Travel Accessories
• 5 Items to Safeguard your Cat or Dog’s Wellbeing