How do you bring pets to Singapore in 2026?

First-time dog or cat owners complete the online Pet Ownership Course, then apply for a pet licence on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg with the microchip number and supporting papers. Imported pets need the import permit among those papers. Cat sterilisation evidence and specified-breed dog insurance rules appear on the AVS licensing checklist, including transition options under the Cat Management Framework.

Only after the pet licence exists do you apply for the AVS import licence on the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. That import licence is valid for 90 days from issue. Singpass holders can apply as individuals; foreigners without a FIN use the foreign-user registration path GoBusiness lists. Build the upload pack from the live schedule for your origin country: microchip, rabies vaccination timing, any rabies titre test, treatments, and the veterinary health certificate AVS requires for that schedule.

Country schedules decide quarantine. Schedule I personal imports often avoid facility quarantine when rules are met. Qualifying personal imports may apply for home quarantine through the AVS FormSG route; officers aim to respond within about five working days, and approved homes use smart collar tags with a daily fee currently listed at S$29 per animal per day or part thereof. Commercial import licences generally need at least 10 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). Higher-risk schedules can require about 30 days at AQC, booked through the Quarantine Management System before you apply for the import licence.

Book the AVS arrival inspection at least five working days before the flight. Bringing a dog or cat for inspection without that appointment can trigger a S$133 fee. Put the import licence number, flight details and contact number in the booking. Keep a local number ready for courier and officer calls: Get a mobile phone.

Housing must allow pets before you lock a lease in Queenstown, Punggol or a condo with committee rules: How to rent a home and Rent in Singapore. Pass issuance and Singpass still sit on the human paperwork track: Get a work pass card, Set up Singpass, and the full paperwork sequence.

Other species (small mammals, reptiles, birds, fish) have separate AVS import pages. Do not reuse the dog and cat checklist for them.