Bringing a dog from the USA to Singapore: rules 2026
Relocating a dog from the USA to Singapore is manageable but requires early planning. Singapore applies Category C rules to the USA, which means an import licence and 30 days of served residency (SRD) at your home after arrival — no quarantine facility needed.
Destination requirements
- Requirements depend on the country category: Schedule I (Australia, NZ, Ireland, UK) — simplest; Schedule II (incl. USA, Canada, Netherlands, Japan, most of the EU); Schedule III — strictest.
- ISO 11784/11785 microchip (number on all documents).
- Age ≥12 weeks at export.
- Rabies vaccination — not needed for Schedule I; mandatory for II and III.
- Titer test — not needed for Schedule I; for II and III: blood ≥28 days after vaccination, ≥90 days and within 12 months before export (IU/ml threshold — verify in the PDF).
- Other vaccines: dogs — distemper, adenovirus-1, parvovirus; cats — calicivirus, herpes-1, panleukopenia.
- Pet licence (PALS) + import licence (via GoBusiness, S$50/100, valid 90 days) + GST permit.
- Quarantine: Schedule I — none; II — none if conditions met, otherwise min. 10 days (home/AQC); III — min. 30 days at AQC + vaccination on arrival.
- Breed ban: Pit Bull group, Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Presa Canario and crosses. Cats: Bengal/Savannah before the 5th generation are banned.
- Cabin / cargo: even in the cabin, a hard IATA crate is needed for handover to CAPQ.
Official sources
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FAQ
What is the SRD requirement for dogs from the USA entering Singapore?
SRD (Served Residency) is 30 days at the owner's home or approved premises. The dog must be kept indoors and reported to AVS. It replaces facility quarantine for Category C dogs.
Are there breed restrictions in Singapore?
Yes. Singapore bans 5 specific breeds and their mixes: Pit Bull Terrier, Akita Inu, Neapolitan Mastiff, Japanese Tosa and Presa Canario. No import is allowed for these breeds.
How far in advance should I apply for the AVS import licence?
At least 30 days before travel, ideally 2–3 months. Processing can take several weeks and must be approved before your dog travels.
Can my dog fly in cabin to Singapore?
Policies vary by airline. Most carriers require dogs to fly in the hold on long-haul flights.