Changi Airport: A Haven For Travelers And Their Pets

Changi Airport in Singapore has several rules and regulations regarding pets. While pets are not allowed in the airport's public area, guide dogs accompanying people with sight disabilities are permitted. Animals that are to travel on an aircraft or have been unloaded from one are also allowed. All animals entering Singapore must be inspected at the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) station. This includes obtaining a Customs In-Payment (GST) permit and submitting a request for inspection at least five days before the pet's arrival.

Pets are allowed in the airport as long as they are not a nuisance and are not left to create a mess

Changi Airport in Singapore has strict rules about bringing pets into the airport. Animals entering Singapore must be inspected at the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) station. This is a government requirement.

However, pets are allowed in the airport as long as they are not a nuisance and are not left to create a mess. This means that they should be kept under control and not allowed to foul any part of the airport. It is also the owner's responsibility to ensure that their pet does not cause any annoyance to other people in the airport.

If you are travelling with a pet, it is important to check with your airline before your trip to understand their specific rules and regulations. Usually, only certified service pets are allowed in the cabin, and there is often a fee for this, which can range from $50 to $200. If your pet is too big, it will need to travel in the cargo hold.

There may also be restrictions based on the pet's size, breed, and the availability of space on the flight. Some airlines may require a health certificate from your veterinarian for your pet. It is also important to ensure your pet is fit to fly and has had all necessary health checks and vaccinations.

When bringing a pet into Changi Airport, you must make an appointment for your pet's inspection by submitting a request via the National Parks Board (NParks) eservices. This must be done at least five days before your pet's arrival. If you do not make an appointment, you will be charged an $80 inspection fee.

At CAPQ, an officer will examine your pet and check the required accompanying documents, including:

• The AVS-issued import licence
• The animal's rabies antibody level laboratory report
• The government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued by the exporting country

Only service dogs, guide dogs and animals travelling on a plane are allowed in the airport

Changi Airport in Singapore does not allow pets in the airport public area. However, there are exceptions for service dogs, guide dogs, and animals travelling on a plane.

Service dogs and guide dogs are permitted in the airport, but they must adhere to specific requirements. Their owners should ensure that the dogs do not cause any nuisance or create a mess. It is important to note that the airport environment can be stressful for dogs, and they might exhibit signs of anxiety or discomfort.

Animals travelling on a plane are also allowed in the airport, but they need to undergo inspection by the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) station. This inspection ensures that the animals are clinically healthy and meet all the necessary import requirements. It is recommended to make an appointment for the pet's inspection in advance to avoid an additional inspection fee.

The airport provides specific facilities and procedures for animals arriving at the airport, including the CAPQ and the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). These facilities ensure that animals are properly handled and inspected upon arrival.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding pets at Changi Airport are subject to change, and it is always advisable to refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date information.

All animals entering Singapore must be inspected at the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station

If you are bringing your pet into Singapore, you will need to have it inspected at the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ). This applies to all animals, whether they are travelling as cargo or in the cabin.

The CAPQ is located at the Changi Airfreight Centre. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 09:00 to 21:00, Tuesday from 09:00 to 18:30, and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

To ensure a smooth clearance process, you will need to obtain a Customs In-Payment (GST) permit for your pet. You should also make an appointment for your pet's inspection by submitting a request via the National Parks Board (NParks) e-services at least five days before your pet's arrival. If you do not make an appointment, you will be charged an S$80 inspection fee.

When your pet arrives at the CAPQ, an officer will examine it and check the required accompanying documents. These include:

• The AVS-issued import licence
• The animal's rabies antibody level laboratory report
• The government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued by the exporting country

If your pet does not need to be quarantined, it will be released to you after the inspection, provided it is deemed clinically healthy and all import requirements are met.

If your pet requires quarantine, it will be held at the CAPQ after the inspection. An AVS-appointed transport service will then send your pet to the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC) for the quarantine period.

Please note that animals arriving outside of CAPQ's opening hours will be held at the respective ground handling agent's animal holding areas until the next working day. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your pet's arrival is expected at least two hours before CAPQ closing time.

A Customs In-Payment (GST) permit is required for pets entering Singapore

A Customs In-Payment (Goods and Services Tax, or GST) permit is required for pets entering Singapore. This is because the importation of goods, including pets, incurs GST, which is calculated based on the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of the goods.

The National Parks Board (NParks) Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) regulates the importation of live pets. Importers must comply with NParks' import licence and pet quarantine requirements and obtain approval before importing pets from overseas.

Importers should engage a forwarding agent to obtain the Customs In-Payment (GST) permit. The permit typically takes up to three working days to be approved.

For personal pets that are imported as manifested cargo (i.e. unaccompanied pets that are imported using commercial cargo forwarding services), the pet owner or their agent must obtain NParks AVS approval before submitting an online Declaration of Facts (DOF) to Singapore Customs for an eligibility assessment for GST relief. The DOF must be submitted at least five working days before the pet's arrival in Singapore. If the DOF application is approved, the relevant Customs In-Non-Payment (GST Relief) permit can be obtained.

If the DOF application is unsuccessful, a Customs In-Payment (GST) permit must be obtained to import the pet.

A health certificate from a vet is required for pets entering Singapore

Changi Airport in Singapore has specific guidelines for pets entering the country. While pets are not allowed in the airport's public areas, service dogs accompanying people with sight disabilities are permitted. Animals that are to travel on an aircraft or have just been unloaded from one are also allowed.

If you are entering Singapore with your pet, you must adhere to the following procedures. Firstly, all animals entering Singapore must be inspected at the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) station. An appointment for this inspection must be made at least five days in advance through the National Parks Board (NParks) e-services. Failure to make an appointment will result in an $80 inspection fee.

Upon arrival at CAPQ, an officer will examine your pet and review the necessary documentation, which includes:

• An import licence issued by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)
• The animal's rabies antibody level laboratory report
• A government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued by the exporting country

If your pet does not require quarantine and is deemed clinically healthy, it will be released once all import requirements are met. However, if your pet needs to be quarantined, an AVS-appointed transport service will take your pet to the Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC).

To ensure a smooth clearance process, it is essential to obtain a Customs In-Payment (GST) permit for your pet. Additionally, some airlines may require a health certificate from your veterinarian. It is important to check with your airline before your trip to understand their specific rules and regulations regarding travelling with pets.

Frequently asked questions