So in my last post, I talked a little bit about the paperwork we need to bring Lexi with us to Singapore.
Good news! She got enough rabies antibodies so we can now book our flight. There are a few more steps to go but at least that’s a big hurdle cleared.
What are the steps to take a dog from one country to another? Well, every country has its own regulations so I can only speak about moving from Switzerland to Singapore. It’s a good thing that pet care is of a similar standard in both countries which makes things a little easier.
First, you have to find out the regulations. Then you have to work out a timeline of what forms and tests need to be completed and when you can apply for the different licenses and permits.
For Singapore, a rabies blood test needs to be done 90 days before entry into country. If your dog has not had the rabies jab, then you need to do that, wait 28 days, then do the blood test. If the blood test comes back showing lower than the required amount of antibodies, you would have to do the rabies jab (again), wait 28 days and do the blood test again. So basically, only 90 days after the date of blood sampling for the rabies antibodies test can you enter Singapore, assuming the test shows enough antibodies.
Then you apply for a dog license which is fairly straightforward. Singapore is now requiring new pet owners (first-time applicants) to go through a 30-mins pet ownership course online. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, it can take a few minutes for each video to load. If your dog breed is not allow at your Singapore residence (HDB has a list of approved breeds), then you need to apply for approval (we are still waiting for a reply on this).
After getting the dog license, you apply for an import license, which is only valid for 30 days, so you have to make sure to apply for it at the right time.
Sometime between getting the dog license and the other steps, you should book your flight and reserve space for your dog. Get your dog an IATA-approved flight crate and get your dog used to spending time in it. Note that only small dogs are allowed in cabin, every airline has its own regulations so check with the airline. They will also have paperwork you have to complete.
Then you apply for GST exemption (assuming you are not a pet store importing puppies for sale).
5 days before arrival, book your inspection slot at CAPQ (Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine). If you are coming from a country on Schedule I (check on the AVS website), there are additional steps and quarantine requirements.
2 to 7 days before arrival, you need to visit your vet and have the vet fill in the required health declaration forms and have the cantonal authorities stamp the form. At this vet visit, the vet should also administer parasite treatments.
Upon arrival, your dog goes directly from the plane to CAPQ and you go through immigration as normal and drive to CAPQ to collect your dog.
Phew!
We are not there yet. But we hope it will all go smoothly. Please continue to send us positive vibes for this process.
I think emotionally it’s a huge move for our little doggie. She knows something is up; furniture is disappearing, lots of strangers coming to take things away which has made her more reactive than usual. But she has been a trooper – doing so well with her flight crate training.
Here are a few photos of our beloved Lexi:
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trippingdifferently 