When it comes to deciding to relocate to Singapore as an Australian expat, an important consideration is how to bring the four-legged member of your family. After all, for many families their pet dog or cat is just as much a member of the family as the kids, so it’s important that you know what steps are involved in the process of pet relocation. We’ve put together this handy guide to provide Australian expats with a clear outline of the process involved to bring your pets over and some of the key considerations.

Firstly, it’s important to recognise that Singapore is largely a pet-friendly destination. There are many parks and pet-friendly areas for you to take your dog for a walk, and space for them to run around. Many Australian expats will reside in condominiums / units in Singapore so if your pet is used to having a big backyard to run around in, be sure to review your housing options before making the move.

Before you decide on whether or not to bring your four-legged friend over to Singapore, it’s important to consider their age and overall health. Being put on a place for hours can be a traumatic experience for many pets, so it’s important to consider the impact of this on their health. If you decide that you’re going to bring your pet across, you can decide to either use an agency or proceed down the path of arranging the necessary steps yourself.

Outlined below are each of the key steps involved for Australian expats looking to bring their pets to Singapore.

Step 1. Consider the Rabies Risk

Different conditions will be imposed on your pets depending on the country that you’re importing your pet from. If you’re moving directly from Australia, we are identified as a country free from rabies:

Step 2. Check the List of Allowed Breeds

Be sure to check the list of breeds that are allowed into Singapore and ensure that yours’ is not included. Check the list on the AVA website as this can be regularly updated.

Step 3. Complete Your Vaccinations and Required Tests

Depending on where you’re looking to import your pet/s from, be sure to check what tests your pet will be required to undergo and that they’re completed. If your pet has a microchip, be sure that this is recorded when you’re completing the tests to make this easier for the AVA and relevant authorities to track.

Step 4. Check Any Quarantine Requirements

If you’re looking to import your pet from Australia, then the likelihood is that they will not be required to undergo any quarantine period once they arrive in Singapore. If you’re importing your pet from another country, then be sure to check how long they will need to be in quarantine for. If your pet is required to under any quarantine period, then you will need to ensure that this booked at least 3 months prior to your pet’s arrival.

Step 5. Arrange Your Licenses

If you’re looking to import your pet dog, then you will need to obtain both a dog and an import license, with the dog license being acquired first. If you’re importing a cat, then it will just be the import license that’s required. The relevant fees payable can be found on the AVA website depending on how many pets you’re looking to import. You will also note that if your dog is sterilised, the dog license will be significantly cheaper.

Step 6. Book Your Pet Inspection

Upon arrival in Singapore, they will need to be inspected and it’s important that you book this approximately one week prior to your arrival in Singapore.

Step 7. Get Your Veterinary Health Certificate

Once your pet arrives in Singapore, they will need to be sent for parasite and relevant treatments to obtain their Veterinary Health Certificate, which will confirm that they are healthy and allowed in the country.

Step 8. Bring Your Import License at Check-In

Once you’re checking in for your flight to Singapore, be sure to show them your pet import license. A Captain’s Declaration Form would also need to be signed. You can download the various templates on the AVA website.

Once you’ve moved to Singapore and your four-legged family member has arrived, here are some of the areas in Singapore that are pet-friendly.

Bishan Dog Park Run

This is a large, fenced dog run and even has a separate area for larger dogs. A picturesque park that tends to get very busy on the weekends.

Katong Park Dog Run

This is a smaller, fenced run for your dogs on the east-coast side of Singapore.

West Coast Dog Run

This is open to the public 24 hours a day within West Coast Park.

K9 Park at NEX

This one has plenty of activities for your dog including various hurdles and is based at Serangoon Central. This is a particular favourite for many.

East Coast Park

This one doesn’t have a designated dog run, but is pet friendly and a great spot to check out on the weekends.

Sunny Heights

This one even has a free swimming pool in the afternoons for your dogs, so is certainly a favourite amongst those who like to spoil their four-legged friends.

I hope you find this guide useful in having your pet join you on your Australian expat journey to Singapore.

To your financial success!

Jarrad Brown is an Australian-trained and qualified Fee-Based Financial Planner with Australian Expatriate Group of Global Financial Consultants Pte Ltd providing specialist financial advice and portfolio management services to Australian professionals in Singapore. Jarrad Brown is an Authorised Representative of Global Financial Consultants Pte Ltd - No: 200305462G | MAS License No: FA100035-3

Australian Expatriate Group is a division of Global Financial Consultants in Singapore providing specialist advice to Australians living abroad.

To learn more about how we may be able to help you, please contact us:

✆        +65 8282 5702

✉        info@australianexpatriategroup.com

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General Information Only: The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take into account your individual financial situation, objectives or needs. You should consider your own financial position and requirements before making a decision.

*Please note that Jarrad Brown is not a tax agent or accountant and none of the content outlined here should be taken as personal advice. You should consult your tax agent and financial adviser to review your current personal finances and financial goals to consider whether this strategy is appropriate for you.