It can be stressful to transport the feline additions of your family when traveling to a new country. There are always regulations to adhere to and documents to be issued, but we can help reduce the stress. There are several regulations you will need to follow to safely transport your cat to Singapore, including obtaining necessary paperwork, ensuring your cat’s vaccinations are current, and finding a comfortable and compliant carrier for transport. Rest assured, we will help you along each step of the process.
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Vaccinations
Vaccinations for the feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia viruses must be up to date.
If you are transporting a kitten under sixteen weeks old, at least two vaccinations must have been administered with the second at two weeks prior to traveling. These vaccinations will have to have been administered at least three weeks apart.
If your cat is older than 4 months of age the vaccinations must have been administered at least two weeks prior to departure and according to the manufacturers instructions so that your cat has a full vaccination status.
A rabies vaccination is not required. However, if rabies was reported in New Zealand the regulations are subject to change.
Your cat’s vaccination certificate must be with him/her at all times during travel.
At the time of the vaccination your local Vet will need to verify the microchip your cat carries corresponds to that of your vaccination book. If so they will then need to note in the book that “microchip xxx was scanned and verified prior to vaccination” this way there can be no mistake that the correct pet has had the correct vaccine. MPI will check that this has been noted prior to issuing the export Certificate.
Parasite Treatments
Your cat will need to be treated for both internal and external parasites between two and seven days of departure.
The external parasite treatment must be effective against both fleas and ticks.
The internal parasite treatment must be effective against both nematodes and cestodes.
Your local Vet will need to note in the vaccination book the date the products were administered, the product they used and its active ingredient. As with the vaccination the Vet will need to check the microchip prior to treating your cat and note that the chip was scanned and verified prior to the treatment being given.
This must be done by your Vet you cannot treat your cat at home.
Restricted Breeds
Savannah and Bengal crossbreeds of less than the fifth generation are restricted and can’t be transported to Singapore.
If you have a Savannah or Bengal cat you will need to provide their breeding history to prove they are at least 4 generations from their wild ancestors.
Certification and Import Permit
We will arrange a booking with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to obtain a Zoosanitary certificate, which is required to transport your cat to Singapore. The export Certificate must be issued by an Official MPI Veterinarian.
The vet will check your cat for fleas, ticks, and any internal parasites and ensure your cat is healthy and (if female) not pregnant. If your pet is confirmed fit to fly, all regulations are met and the cage is suitable, the Vet will sign the certificate allowing your cat entry to Singapore.
Be aware that if your cat exhibits any signs of illness upon arrival, he or she may be subject to quarantine.
An import license must also be filed with the AVA (Agro-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore) 30 days before travel and the Quarantine Office must be contacted five days before expected arrival.
The application for the import license can be made on the AVA website:
http://www.ava.gov.sg/Services/AVAeServices/Permit_Import_Export_Transship_Animals_Birds_Eggs_Biologics.htm
Microchip
Your cat should have a microchip that meets ISO (International Standards Organization) standards. The microchips we use here in New Zealand are ISO Standard however if your pet has come from another country they may have an AVID microchip in which case you can either have an ISO chip inserted or provide a microchip reader so the authorities in Singapore can check the chip upon arrival. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s microchip, please contact us. Pets without microchips are not allowed into Singapore.
Your cat must be microchipped prior to any vaccinations or treatments required for entry into Singapore.
Containers
Your cat must travel in a sealed, escape-proof IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal regulated container. The container should also be roomy enough to allow your pet some comfort on his/her long flight. We can arrange a compliant travel cage for your pet if required.
Transporting your beloved animal may seem like a daunting task, but booking through us ensures you can relax during your trip and know we are taking care that your pet’s requirements are handled. You will then need to arrange collection of your cat in Singapore a few hours after the flight has landed.
