Are you an American planning to move to or visit Singapore with your furry friend? If so, you’ll want to pay close attention to the new pet import rules going into effect on July 1, 2024. The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore has updated its rabies risk categorization system, which determines the requirements for bringing dogs and cats into the country.
Don’t worry – even if you’ve never dealt with pet import paperwork before, this guide will walk you through the key changes and what you need to do.
The New Rabies Risk Categories Explained
Previously, Singapore sorted countries into Categories A, B, C and D based on rabies risk levels. The new system simplifies this into three categories:
- Category I: Countries identified as free from rabies. This exclusive group includes only four countries: Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
- Category II: This new category merges the previous Categories B and C, covering countries with negligible or controlled rabies risk. This group includes 32 countries, such as the United States.
- Category III: All other countries fall into this category and are subject to the strictest import regulations.
As the U.S. falls under Category II, let’s focus on what this means for American pet owners.
Detailed Changes for Category II Countries
- Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test (RNATT):
- Pets must undergo the RNATT 90 days before their travel date.
- The validity of the test results is now capped at one year.
- Quarantine Protocols:
- A 10-day home quarantine is mandatory if the pet’s owner will not travel within five days, or if the pet has been owned for less than six months.
- Commercial pet shipments require a 10-day stay in an Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). Booking in advance is essential due to limited availability.
- Updated Vaccination Protocols:
- There have been minor adjustments to the general vaccine requirements.
- The rabies vaccination should now be administered within the previous year, with a subsequent waiting period of one month before the RNATT.
Evaluating the Impact: Advantages and Challenges
Advantages: Pets from previously designated Category C countries like the USA and Canada will see benefits from these reclassifications, including potentially fewer or no quarantine mandates.
Challenges: Former Category B countries, including Hong Kong and France, will encounter more stringent requirements. These include the new scheduling for the RNATT and possibly additional home quarantine conditions under certain circumstances.
For those planning to travel to Singapore with their pets, understanding these new regulations will help ensure that your pet complies fully with the new system. We recommend visiting the AVS website for more detailed information and guidance.
At Transcon Pet Movers, we are committed to assisting you through these changes and ensuring your pet’s travel is as stress-free as possible. Contact us for any further inquiries or assistance!