Foreign nationals seeking to import their pets can do so under certain circumstances. With the exception of pets imported from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, all dogs or cats must be kept in quarantine at the owner's expense for at least 30 days upon arrival. All cats or dogs imported must be accompanied by a valid import permit issued by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore. The animal must also be accompanied by a signed veterinary health certificate that is less than seven days old. The certificate must provide details of the pet's age, breed, health and other essential information. Additionally, dogs and cats must be implanted with a microchip matching their veterinary papers. There is a fee for the import permit.

Aside from the aforementioned regulations, there are restrictions on both the types of animals that can be imported and the total number of pets an individual can keep in the various housing units. Only one dog of an approved breed is allowed in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) dwelling unit and dogs are not allowed in other non-residential HDB premises. In addition, not more than three dogs are allowed in each non-HDB premises, including all private units. Cats are not allowed in a HDB dwelling unit. In some cases, some landlords are not keen to rent out apartments to expatriates with pets. Check beforehand if you intend to bring your pets to Singapore.

For additional information regarding fees, procedures, approved breeds, etc., contact the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore at http://www.ava.gov.sg

More information is available in the Expat Focus City Guide for Singapore.