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Pet travel route

Dog or cat from Kenya to Singapore: official requirements

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and core vaccinations and 8 more.

Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 7 official pages

Make my dated plan Reverse: Singapore → Kenya

In short

Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Kenya publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Kenya's Directorate of Veterinary Services doesn't publish its export procedure for pets on its own website. We use KenTrade's InfoTrade description of the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), last updated in 2022. It gives no processing time, doesn't say how long before departure to apply, and lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. Confirm with the Directorate (infodvs@kilimo.go.ke) before you travel.

At a glance

The rules on this route are the same for dogs and cats.

How early to start

about 4 months

if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet

Set by: Rabies blood test (serology) (at least 90 days before export)

about 3 months

if it is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test (serology) (at least 90 days before export)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route

  • Rabies blood test needed
  • Import permit needed
  • Quarantine on arrival
  • Parasite treatment before travel

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

Which rules apply to you

Singapore puts Kenya in the group “Schedule III country”. See every group

Official name: Schedule III — rabies vaccination + serology + at least 30 days' quarantine

Prefer a feed reader? Kenya rule changes · Singapore rule changes

Kenya → Singapore

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether Kenya (leaving) or Singapore (entering) asks for it.

Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. Age ruleEntering Singapore

      At least 12 weeks old at export

      Your dog or cat must be at least 12 weeks old on the day it leaves for Singapore.

      Details and the official words

      “Your dog/cat must be at least twelve (12) weeks of age at the time of export.”

    2. IdentificationEntering Singapore

      ISO microchip

      Your pet must have an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 (Annex A) microchip, and the number must appear on every vaccination and treatment record.

      Details and the official words

      “Ensure that your dog or cat is microchipped according to International Standards Organisation (ISO) Standard 11784 or ISO Standard 11785 Annex A.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Singapore

      Rabies vaccination

      Your pet needs a valid rabies vaccination (inactivated or recombinant vaccine) — a valid primary vaccination and up-to-date boosters.

      Details and the official words

      “The dog or cat must have a valid vaccination against rabies using an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine acceptable to NParks/AVS.”

    4. VaccinationEntering Singapore

      Core vaccinations

      Dogs: valid vaccinations against canine distemper, adenovirus type 1 and parvovirus type 2. Cats: calicivirus, herpesvirus-1 and panleukopaenia. They must be given at least 2 weeks before export. Bring the records (with microchip number, dates, vaccine brand and batch, vet's signature).

      Details and the official words

      Schedule I (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom): a dog or cat under 16 weeks old needs at least two vaccinations, the first no earlier than 6 weeks of age and the second at least 2 weeks before export.

      “in the case of a dog, the dog was vaccinated according to the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations and not less than two (2) weeks prior to export against Canine Distemper virus, Canine Adenovirus type 1 and Canine Parvovirus type 2.”

      “in the case of a cat, the cat was vaccinated according to the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations and not less than two (2) weeks prior to export against Feline calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Panleukopaenia virus.”

      “in the case of a dog under sixteen (16) weeks of age, the dog was vaccinated according to manufacturer’s recommendations against Canine Distemper virus, Canine Adenovirus type 1 and Canine Parvovirus type 2 with at least two (2) vaccinations, with the first vaccination administered at no earlier than 6 weeks of age, and the second vaccination must be given at least two (2) weeks prior to export”

      “These must be supported by vaccination records upon arrival in Singapore.”

    5. Blood testEntering Singapore

      Rabies blood test (serology)

      A blood sample at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination, tested at a WOAH reference laboratory or an approved lab in a Schedule I/II country (result at least 0.5 IU/ml). Your pet can only be exported at least 90 days — and no more than 12 months — after the sample date.

      Details and the official words

      If your pet's rabies boosters never lapsed, the sample can be taken soon after a booster.

      “The dog or cat must undergo blood sampling for rabies serology at least 28 days after a valid vaccination against rabies.”

      “The blood sampling must be done at least 90 days and within 12 months prior to the date of export.”

    6. PermitEntering Singapore

      Dog or cat licence (PALS)

      Get a dog or cat licence on the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) — you need it before you can apply for the import licence.

      Details and the official words

      “To import a dog or cat, you must obtain a dog or cat licence before applying for an import licence.”

    7. PermitEntering Singapore

      Import licence

      Apply on the GoBusiness Licensing Portal (S$50, issued in 2 working days; S$100 express, 1 working day). It's valid for 90 days from issue with no extension, so your pet must arrive within that time. Mixed breeds need a colour photo.

      Details and the official words

      “An import licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. Vet examLeaving Kenya

      Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board

      A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”

    2. TreatmentEntering Singapore

      Internal and external parasite treatment

      Between 2 and 7 days before export, your vet treats your pet for internal and external parasites and completes Sections I–III of Singapore's veterinary certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Between 2 and 7 days of export, send your dog or cat for parasite treatments and complete the veterinary health certificate.”

      “the dog/cat has been treated with a product effective against external parasites (fleas and ticks) between 2 and 7 days of export”

    3. PaperworkKenya and Singapore

      Veterinary health certificate endorsed by an official vet

      Use Singapore's certificate template for your country's Schedule. Your vet completes Sections I–III; your country's official government veterinarian endorses Section IV. The certificate must be dated no more than 7 days before export and is valid for 7 days.

      Details and the official words

      International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.

      Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.

      InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.

      “Request the exporting country’s official government veterinarian to endorse Section IV of the same veterinary certificate.”

      “a veterinary certificate (in accordance with the attached template) bearing a date not more than seven (7) days prior to export”

      “a veterinary certificate (in accordance with the attached template) bearing a date not more than seven (7) days prior to export”

      “a veterinary certificate (in accordance with the attached template) bearing a date not more than seven (7) days prior to export”

      “CERTIFICATION VALIDITY: This certification is valid for seven (7) days.”

      “The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”

      “Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”

      “From the country of destination.”

      “EU export health certificate (copy)”

      “For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”

      “KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. On arrivalEntering Singapore

      Book the border inspection

      Book your pet's arrival inspection at least 5 days before it arrives (with the import licence number and flight details). Without a booking you pay S$133 per hour.

      Details and the official words

      “five days before the animal’s arrival, or earlier”

      “The owner or agent must make an appointment for the pet’s inspection at least 5 working days before the arrival of the animal”

    2. QuarantineEntering Singapore

      Book 30 days' quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre

      Pets from Schedule III countries stay at least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre and are vaccinated against rabies on arrival. Reserve the space in the Quarantine Management System (QMS) once the serology result is ready, with your pet's vaccination records.

      Details and the official words

      “For animals arriving from Schedule III countries, post-arrival quarantine of at least 30-days at AQC is required.”

Good to know

  • Not allowed into Singapore: Pit Bull types (incl. American Staffordshire and Staffordshire Bull Terriers), American Bulldog, Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and their crosses; and 1st–4th generation Bengal or Savannah cat crosses. Housing rules also limit pets (an HDB flat: 2 cats or 1 non-specified dog).
  • Even if your pet flies in the cabin, bring a rigid IATA-standard crate: soft bags aren't allowed for the transfer to the quarantine station.
  • You may need a Customs In-Payment (GST) permit before arrival — check Singapore Customs' rules for personal pets.
  • The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Kenya publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

  • AVS import licence (normal service)Entering Singapore50 SGD

    Issued two working days after a complete application.

    “S$50 Normal service, where licence issuance will take place two working days after submission of all completed documents.”

    Importing dogs and cats · as of 2026-09-21

Government fees in total: 50 SGD (each currency separately)

8 more fees may apply, depending on your case
  • AVS import licence (express service)Entering Singapore100 SGD

    Instead of the normal service; issued one working day after a complete application.

    “S$100 Express service, where licence issuance will take place one working day after submission of all completed documents.”

    Importing dogs and cats · as of 2026-09-21

  • Home quarantine smart collarEntering Singapore29 SGD

    Per pet per day, paid upfront, for pets allowed to quarantine at home.

    “Upfront payment of $29 per animal per day or part thereof will be applicable to importers whose pet(s) are eligible for the smart collar tag.”

    Importing dogs and cats · as of 2026-09-21

  • Inspection without an appointmentEntering Singapore133 SGD

    Per hour, only if you didn’t book the border inspection.

    “Bringing your dog or cat for inspection without making an appointment will subject you to an inspection fee of S$133 per hour or part thereof.”

    Importing dogs and cats · as of 2026-09-21

  • Holding at Changi Animal & Plant QuarantineEntering Singapore35 SGD

    Per pet per day, if your pet is held there.

    “(2) ACCOMMODATION AT - $35.00 per dog or cat per day or part thereof”

    Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs/cats, Schedule I (AVS, 1 April 2026) · as of 2026-04-01

  • Animal Quarantine Centre, fan kennelEntering Singapore26 SGD

    Per pet per day. Rises to SGD 36 from 1 December 2026.

    “Quarantine accommodation fee (Fan) per day $26 $36”

    Animal Quarantine Centre · as of 2026-07-03

  • Animal Quarantine Centre, air-conditioned kennelEntering Singapore35 SGD

    Per pet per day, instead of a fan kennel. Rises to SGD 44 from 1 December 2026.

    “Quarantine accommodation fee (Aircon) per day $35 $44”

    Animal Quarantine Centre · as of 2026-07-03

  • Transport to the Animal Quarantine CentreEntering Singapore75 SGD

    Per pet per trip.

    “Transport charge from the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station or Tuas Checkpoint to AQC $75 per dog or cat per trip”

    Animal Quarantine Centre · as of 2026-07-03

  • Rabies vaccination at the Animal Quarantine CentreEntering Singapore68 SGD

    Per pet, if required.

    “Rabies vaccination (if required) $68 per dog or cat”

    Animal Quarantine Centre · as of 2026-07-03

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

No published prices yet for Kenya: microchip, rabies vaccination, other vaccinations, parasite treatment, health certificate (vet’s fee), vet examination.

Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices

Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.

Round trip

Coming back to Kenya

Do before your pet leaves Kenya (dogs)

  • Rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment
  • Rabies blood test, 3 to 24 months before shipment

Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.

The trip back asks for 9 steps: import permit (VS01) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, microchip (or other permanent identification), rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment and rabies vaccination within the last year and more.

Do before your pet leaves Kenya (cats)

  • Rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment
  • Rabies blood test, 3 to 24 months before shipment

Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.

The trip back asks for 9 steps: import permit (VS01) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, microchip (or other permanent identification), rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment and rabies vaccination within the last year and more.

Every step from Singapore to Kenya

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.

Entering SingaporeLeaving KenyaReport a mistakeGet rule-change alerts

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Kenya to Singapore?

Yes: A blood sample at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination, tested at a WOAH reference laboratory or an approved lab in a Schedule I/II country (result at least 0.5 IU/ml).

Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Singapore?

Yes: Get a dog or cat licence on the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) — you need it before you can apply for the import licence.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Singapore?

It can be: Pets from Schedule III countries stay at least 30 days at the Animal Quarantine Centre and are vaccinated against rabies on arrival.

How early should I start preparing my pet for Kenya to Singapore?

With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and core vaccinations and 8 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

Read next

Turn this into dates for your pet

Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.

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