PetTravelPass

Bringing a dog or cat from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore

Under Singapore's rules, pets from the United Arab Emirates are in the group “Schedule III (all other countries)”. A dog from the United Arab Emirates needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, a rabies titer test, an import permit and an official health certificate. Expect at least 30 days of quarantine on arrival. Plan for about 4 months (119 days) from the first vaccine to arrival.

About Singapore: Singapore now sorts countries into three Schedules (the old Categories A–D are gone). Pets from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK need no rabies vaccine and skip quarantine. Pets from the listed Schedule II countries (US, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, much of the EU) need a vaccine and titer test but usually no quarantine. Everyone else does at least 30 days at the government quarantine centre. You need a cat/dog licence and an import licence before arrival.

Schedule III (all other countries) Quarantine

Titer test
Required
Wait after blood test
3 months
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
30+ days

Minimum preparation: about 4 months (119 days) from the first rabies vaccine to arrival.

Step by step

  1. Microchip, then vaccinate against rabies

    Implant an ISO chip, then give an inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine. Keep it valid.

  2. Rabies titer test

    Draw blood at least 28 days after vaccination and 90 days to 12 months before export. Use a WOAH reference lab or an approved lab in a Schedule I/II country. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

  3. Book AQC quarantine

    Reserve a space at the Animal Quarantine Centre through the Quarantine Management System (QMS), with the vaccination records.

  4. Get licences

    Apply for the cat/dog licence and then the import licence (valid 90 days).

  5. Book the inspection, treat, certify

    Book the CAPQ inspection at least 5 working days ahead. Give parasite treatments 2–7 days before export and get the government-endorsed certificate within 7 days of export.

  6. Serve 30 days' quarantine

    The pet goes from the airport to the AQC for at least 30 days and gets a rabies booster there.

At least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). The pet is also given a rabies vaccine on arrival.

Good to know

Cats
Same pathway as dogs. Cats need FVRCP (calicivirus, herpesvirus, panleukopenia) instead of the dog core vaccines. First- to fourth-generation Bengal or Savannah crosses are banned. Cats also need a licence; cat licensing fees match dogs' from 1 September 2026.
Banned breeds
Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog) and crosses, Akita and crosses, Boerboel and crosses, Dogo Argentino and crosses, Fila Brasileiro and crosses, Neapolitan Mastiff and crosses, Tosa and crosses, Perro de Presa Canario and crosses, Cats: F1–F4 Bengal or Savannah crosses
How many pets
Limited by residence and licensing rules, not by import. HDB flats allow 1 dog of an HDB-approved breed and no 'specified' (large/guard) dogs. Private homes allow up to 3 dogs, of which only 1 may be a specified breed.
Parasite treatment
External (fleas/ticks) and internal (nematodes/cestodes) treatment 2–7 days before export, with the product and date recorded on the certificate
Arrival
Changi Airport. Pets go to the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) at Changi Airfreight Centre for inspection, as manifested cargo or as accompanied pets surrendered at Lost & Found. Book the inspection 5+ working days ahead; unbooked inspections cost extra.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to bring a dog from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore?

The United Arab Emirates counts as "Schedule III (all other countries)" for Singapore. Starting from a pet with no rabies vaccine, the minimum is about 4 months (119 days): rabies vaccine, a blood test at least 28 days later, then the waiting period before arrival.

Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore?

Yes. The blood sample must be taken at least 28 days after the rabies vaccine, and the pet can arrive 3 months after the sample.

Will my pet be quarantined in Singapore?

Yes. Pets from the United Arab Emirates spend at least 30 days in quarantine on arrival.

Do I need an import permit?

Yes. Singapore requires an import permit, and you need to apply or notify at least 5 days before arrival.

Are the rules the same for cats?

Same pathway as dogs. Cats need FVRCP (calicivirus, herpesvirus, panleukopenia) instead of the dog core vaccines. First- to fourth-generation Bengal or Savannah crosses are banned. Cats also need a licence; cat licensing fees match dogs' from 1 September 2026.

Sources

Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: Singapore pet import rules.

More destinations from the United Arab Emirates

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