Is this the first time you are travelling with your fur buddy?
It seems an overwhelming number of steps to plan and clear those papers before he/she can finally explore a new land. No worries, we are here to help break down the major planning steps to clear both customs. Taking Japan trip as an example,
[ As it is one of the strictest countries when it comes to clearing the papers. ]
*Note, not all countries have the same requirement. Look below for the common schedule I & II countries Singaporeans like to bring their fur buddies to, and the requirements to enter those countries.
Step 1
Plan more than 7 months ahead
This step requires visiting a vet at least 210 days before departure. Bring your fur buddy to a vet for rabies vaccination [ Depending on clinics, it costs around $60 plus or more], and ensure he/she has a microchip.
He/she has to have a microchip before vaccination. [If the microchip is the usual Singapore one it should be fine. Japan requires a microchip in ISO 11784 and 11785 (15-digit microchip code which consists only of numbers) (ISO: International Organisation for Standardisation)] Vaccination is allowed only for fur buddy who is 91 days old and above.
Find the right airline
Choose the right carrier
Train your fur buddy
Step 2
After 30 days or more
[Strictly has to be after 30 days], send them for the second rabies vaccination. Take the titer test for rabies on the same day of vaccine. *NOTE!! Please check the laboratory the titer testing will be done. Usually Lab approve by World health Organisation is the safest option like the lab from UK, Animal and plant health agency at Woodham Lane New Haw Addlestone Surrey UK - KT15 3 NB. Check out the list of approved lab in Japan as this list may have changes. Link to list
From the day of blood sampling, wait at least 180 days before reaching Japan. When your tiger test results is out, usually takes a month or more depends on the lab. It has to be 0.5IU/ml or higher. Or you may need to do another vaccination and test again. For most, it should be higher than 0.5.
This is one of the most important step, please ask the clinic where they send the blood for testing as every clinic sends to different labs. The testing is the highest expense of all the paperwork. The price range from $600 - $ 800 plus or more. Tips to reduce expenses, some clinic allows you to use CDC vouchers, you can use your voucher to pay the test partially.
Step 3
Now you have the titer test result and the vaccine records, apply import permit to Japan from this link
*This must be done more than 40 days in advance
For AVS side, If you are flying in less than 90 days, apply export license here Apply export license is $50.
Step 4
Less than 90 days before arriving back to Singapore, apply import license here and GST Waiver here
It is time to look for a pet agent to arrange from Singapore lost and found drop off your pet for CAPQ inspection when you arrive back to Singapore. This is a new requirement from AVS to get AVS approved pet agent to pick your pet at CAPQ (Changi animal & plant quarantine station) Find the list of approved agent here.
Step 5
It is time to countdown and fly with your pet. There are a few important steps before departure date. Book a vet appointment in advance. Less than 10 days before flight, print this form here for your vet to fill and get a fit to fly health cert. Also, apply AVS veterinary inspection here and it is $23 for application. Dates should be after vet visit and do add buffer time for AVS to process your document. More than 3 days before departure is recommended. Drop all vaccine cert, rabies titer test cert, dog license, form for Japan importation in the box at
Raffles Building Level 1 (next to elevator), Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
It is in Botanical Gardens, you can give them a call to inform them about your documents at 1800 476 1600 (24-hours AVS hotline) Ensure all the documents is back up digitally and has extra hard copy, just in case. For some who prefer to visit the government veterinary book an appointment less than 5 days before departure for inspection here
Remember to check your airline requirement for pet travel document, usually there is a form to fill and present to the counter when you check in your luggages.