As anyone with pets will tell you, they are more than just animals – they are members of the family. And as such, the prospect of parting from a four-legged friend when emigrating to a country like Singapore simply does not bear thinking about.
However, you might not need to leave your pet behind. That is, as long as you are willing to spend a few months making the appropriate preparations to bring your pet with you if you are moving to Singapore from the UK. Here’s a guide to moving to Singapore with pets.

Restrictions

Unfortunately, not every breed or species will be accepted for travel on flights to Singapore. The following are restricted from travel:

• All household dogs and cats less than six months old.
• All birds.
• Some breeds of dogs – all snub nose dogs, Terriers, Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs, Spaniels, Mastiffs, Brussels Griffin, Chow Chow, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, Pitbull, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Tosa, Akita, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. This also includes any cross breeds with any on the prohibited list.
• Bengal cats less than a 5th generation cross. Savannah cats less than 5th generation cross.

Paperwork

When you are moving to Singapore with pets you will need to obtain:

• A certificate from a government-approved veterinarian that will certify the pet’s details, that it has been a continuous resident in the UK for at least six months, bears a microchip and is considered healthy.
• An Import Permit from the Singapore Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), which will be valid from 30 days of issue.
• Official Export Health Certificate from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (find more details here).
• An Airline Declaration completed by the pilot of the airline you are taking to Singapore.
• Valid health and rabies vaccination certificates.
• Contact must be made with the Singapore Quarantine Office at least five working days before arrival of the animal.

Requirements & Vaccinations

A pet leaving from the UK is classed as Category A/1, and is subject to a fairly daunting list of conditions from the AVA. In addition:

• Your pet must have a 15 digit ISO pet microchip. This microchip will contain information about the pet’s age, breed, name, colour and details about its owner.
• All pets must be de-wormed, be given flea and tick treatments, as well as the appropriate canine distemper, canine hepatitis, canine parvoviral infection, cat flu or cat enteritis treatments at least two weeks prior to export. All animals are required to have a rabies vaccination on arrival.

Travel Requirements for moving to Singapore with pets

A long flight is likely to cause animals a lot of stress, so it is important they travel as comfortably as possible. All animals must travel in a container that conforms to IATA Live Animal Regulations. The container must meet the following requirements:

• Enough space for your pet to turn about normally while standing.
• Enough space for your pet to stand and sit erect and lie in a natural position.
• Adequate ventilation on at least three sides.
• Food and water troughs accessible for replenishment from outside the container.

Quarantine

At the time of writing, there is currently no quarantine period for cats and dogs moving to Singapore from the UK, as long as all the paperwork is completed correctly.

Singapore Dog Licence

Once in Singapore, you will need to apply for a new dog licence from the AVA. This licence will need to be renewed annually. Owners can keep a total of three licensed dogs in a private property and one dog in a Housing And Development Board (HBD) premises.
If you are considering moving to Singapore with pets, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry  to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you. For more details about Cadogan Tate’s specialist international removals services from London, give us a call.
‘Moving to Singapore with pets’ – Information correct at time of publication.