Pet Relocation Singapore: Agents & Costs | Pawrenthood

If you're planning to bring a furry companion into — or out of — Singapore, pet relocation just got more complicated. From 1 April 2026, new CAPQ rules mean you can no longer self-clear your pet at the Centre for Animal and Plant Quarantine. Every dog and cat now requires an AVS-recognised agent for clearance — no exceptions.

Whether you're an expat moving to Singapore with your golden retriever or a local pawrent sending your cat to join family overseas, choosing the right pet relocation agent is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. This guide breaks down the agents, the costs, and the new rules — so you can focus on what matters most: keeping your furry friend safe and stress-free.

Why You Now Need a Pet Relocation Agent in Singapore

Before April 2026, pet owners could handle CAPQ clearance themselves. That option is officially gone. Here's what changed — and why it matters for every pawrent importing a dog or cat.

What changed on 1 April 2026:

• Agent-only clearance at CAPQ — only AVS-recognised agents can present animals for inspection and complete clearance. Pet owners can no longer enter the Changi Airfreight Centre where CAPQ is located.
• Soft carriers banned — rigid IATA-compliant crates are now mandatory at CAPQ, even if your pet flew in-cabin in a soft carrier. Your agent will arrange the crate swap at Changi.
• New operating hours — Mon–Tue 9am–5pm, Wed–Fri 9am–8pm (closed 1pm–2pm daily for lunch), weekends and public holidays closed
• Applies to ALL dogs and cats — regardless of size, breed, country of origin, or arrival method

This means even if your pet is a 3kg toy poodle arriving from Australia (a Category A country with no quarantine), you still need an AVS-recognised agent to clear CAPQ.

The change also means weekend arrivals need careful planning. With CAPQ closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, your agent must coordinate with the airline to hold your pet at the cargo facility until the next business day. This is where an experienced agent earns their fee — they'll handle the logistics so your fur baby isn't left in limbo.

Pro tip for pawrents: If your pet's flight lands on a weekend, confirm the holding arrangements with your agent well before travel day. Ask specifically where your pet will be kept and whether food, water, and ventilation are provided during the hold period.

For the full step-by-step process, read our complete guide to importing a pet to Singapore.

How Much Does Pet Relocation Cost in Singapore?

This is the section no one else will give you straight. Most guides say "affordable" or "competitive" without publishing a single number. Here's what pet relocation actually costs in SGD — so you can budget properly and avoid surprises.

Agent Fee Tiers

• Budget (SGD 400–1,000) — paperwork and documentation only. You handle vet visits, crate purchase, and airport logistics yourself. The agent processes permits and CAPQ clearance.
• Mid-range (SGD 1,500–3,000) — partial service. Agent handles documentation, CAPQ clearance, and coordinates with the airline. You manage vet prep and crate training.
• Premium (SGD 3,000–5,000+) — full door-to-door service. Agent manages everything from vet appointments to crate delivery to post-arrival transport home. Ideal for complex relocations, nervous first-timers, or pawrents relocating from overseas who can't easily visit Singapore vets.

Additional Costs Beyond Agent Fees

Your agent fee is only part of the picture. Budget for these as well:

• Airfreight: SGD 1,000–4,000 (depends on pet size, airline, and route)
• Vet preparation: SGD 1,000–1,500 (vaccinations, rabies titre blood test, health certificate)
• IATA crate: SGD 200–800 (size-dependent; some agents include this in their fee)
• Quarantine: SGD 500–2,000 (only for pets arriving from Category C/D countries)

For a mid-sized dog relocating from the UK to Singapore with a mid-range agent, expect a total cost of roughly SGD 4,000–7,000 all in. A small cat from Australia with a budget agent might cost as little as SGD 2,000–3,000 total.

The biggest cost variable? Pet size. A Great Dane needs a massive IATA crate and takes up more cargo space — you could easily pay double the airfreight of a small dog.

Pro tip for pawrents: Always get 2–3 quotes and ask each agent to itemise what's included versus what's charged extra. "Full service" means different things to different agents — one might exclude the crate, while another includes it.

For a complete financial picture, check out our cost of owning a dog in Singapore breakdown.

How to Choose the Right Pet Relocation Agent

Not all pet movers in Singapore are the same. Here's a framework to help you find the right fit for your situation.

Import vs Export

Some agents specialise in bringing pets into Singapore (imports), while others focus on sending pets overseas (exports). An import specialist will know CAPQ procedures and AVS documentation inside-out. An export specialist will know airline routes, cargo temperature embargoes, and destination country vet requirements.

Budget vs Full-Service

If you're comfortable handling vet visits and crate purchases yourself, a budget-tier agent saves money. If you want someone to manage every step — especially for a first-time relocation — a premium full-service agent is worth the investment. The peace of mind alone can be worth the extra SGD 1,000–2,000.

Pet Type

Most agents handle dogs and cats. If you're relocating a rabbit, bird, or exotic pet, you'll need a specialist like Shiloh Animal Express, which has specific experience with non-standard animals and the different AVS permits they require.

Destination Complexity

Singapore categorises countries into A, B, C, and D for import purposes. Category A countries (like Australia and New Zealand) have straightforward imports with no quarantine. Category C and D countries require quarantine periods and significantly more paperwork. Complex destinations need an experienced agent who's handled similar cases before.

Red Flags vs Green Flags

Red flags:

• Not on the AVS-recognised agent list (post-April 1, they cannot clear your pet at CAPQ)
• Vague or "contact us for pricing" with no indicative range
• No Google reviews or very few reviews
• No physical Singapore address

Green flags:

• AVS-recognised (mandatory for CAPQ clearance from April 1)
• IPATA member (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association — the global industry body)
• Transparent pricing with itemised quotes
• Strong Google reviews (4.5+ stars with meaningful volume)
• Years of track record with verifiable relocated-pet numbers

Best Pet Relocation Agents in Singapore (2026)

Here are 10 established pet relocation agents in Singapore, listed alphabetically. Each entry includes their specialisation, credentials, and what they're best for. These are not ranked — the best agent for you depends on your specific situation.

Always verify that your chosen agent appears on the official AVS-recognised pet agents list before engaging them — especially now that agent-only CAPQ clearance is mandatory.

Fly A Pet

📍 Singapore

⭐ AVS-recognised

⭐ ReviewRanger score: 4.92

🐕 Best for: highly rated newer agent with strong import capabilities

Fly A Pet may be newer to the scene, but their near-perfect review score speaks volumes. AVS-recognised and responsive, they've built a reputation for clear communication and careful handling. Worth getting a quote alongside more established names.

• Service tier: Mid-range
• Strong Google review profile

Jason's Pet Relocation

📍 12 Jalan Tari Piring, Singapore

⭐ 1,000+ pets relocated to 200+ cities across 53+ countries

⭐ IPATA and ATA member, AVS-registered

🐕 Best for: exports and relocations to complex destinations worldwide

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Jason's is one of the most-referenced pet relocation agents in Singapore. With over 1,000 pets relocated across 200+ cities, they have an extensive international partner network. Particularly strong on exports — if you're sending your pet overseas from Singapore, Jason's should be on your shortlist.

• Service tier: Mid-range to premium
• Strengths: export logistics, airline coordination, wide destination coverage

Mitchville Relopet

📍 5 Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2A, #04-31 AMK Tech II

⭐ 40+ years of pet industry experience (formerly Mitchville K-9 Kennels, est. early 1980s)

⭐ Founded by former Police K9 unit officer; first Asian elected to IPATA Board

🐕 Best for: pawrents who value deep experience and a long track record

Mitchville's roots go back to the early 1980s when founder Michael Chan — then officer-in-charge of the Singapore Police Force Dog Unit — started the business. His son Damian now runs the company, continuing four decades of hands-on animal handling expertise. That depth of experience means they've seen and solved just about every relocation scenario.

• Service tier: Mid-range to premium
• Handles both imports and exports

Pacific Pet Transport

📍 International agent with Singapore network

⭐ 15+ years experience

⭐ Custom crate building

🐕 Best for: large dogs needing custom IATA crates, complex international routes

Pacific Pet Transport is a US-headquartered international pet shipping specialist that handles relocations to and from Singapore through their global network. They offer custom crate-building services — particularly useful for large or unusually shaped breeds that don't fit standard IATA crates.

• Service tier: Premium
• Strengths: custom crates, international logistics, large breed experience
• Note: coordinates with local Singapore agents for CAPQ clearance

Pampered Pets Relocation & Lodging

📍 The Star Vista, #01-14/15 (boarding centre), Buona Vista

⭐ Established 2010 (16+ years)

⭐ IPATA member, Qantas Freight Approved Pet Travel Specialist

⭐ Affiliation with Pet Lovers Centre

🐕 Best for: one-stop convenience — relocation, boarding, and pet taxi in one provider

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Pampered Pets offers more than just relocation. Their pet taxi service is useful for airport transfers after CAPQ clearance, and their boarding centre at The Star Vista means your pet can stay with familiar handlers before departure day. As an IPATA member, they meet stringent international standards for pet transport. A solid all-in-one option for pawrents who want a single point of contact throughout the process.

• Service tier: Mid-range
• Handles both imports and exports

Need transport from the airport? See our guide to pet taxi services in Singapore.

Peter Pet Services

📍 583 Orchard Road, #06-01 Forum The Shopping Mall

⭐ 25+ years in business

🐕 Best for: Orchard-area residents and expats who prefer a central, accessible location

Peter Pet has been operating from Forum The Shopping Mall for over 25 years — one of the few pet relocation agents with a prominent retail-accessible location. Their central Orchard Road base makes face-to-face consultations convenient, especially for expat families in Districts 9, 10, and 11. They also offer grooming, boarding, and pet taxi services.

• Service tier: Mid-range
• Long-established with a loyal client base

Pet Movers Singapore

📍 59 Sungei Tengah Road

⭐ Nearly 30 years of experience

⭐ Operates Singapore's cat and dog quarantine facility

🐕 Best for: pets requiring quarantine — they run the facility themselves

Pet Movers Singapore operates from the Sungei Tengah area (near the animal lodge cluster) and offers end-to-end relocation services. Their unique advantage? They operate Singapore's quarantine facility for cats and dogs, which means smoother coordination if your pet needs quarantine upon arrival from a Category C/D country.

• Service tier: Mid-range
• Handles documentation, crating, and CAPQ clearance

Pets Lighthouse

📍 15 Joo Seng Road, #06-95 Joo Seng Heights

⭐ Founded by Vivian Foo, 20+ years of experience

⭐ IPATA-certified BOAS (snub-nosed) Pet Shipper

🐕 Best for: brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds and small mammals

Pets Lighthouse stands out for their IPATA certification as a BOAS pet shipper — meaning they're specifically trained to handle snub-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, which face higher risks during air travel. They also handle rabbits, hamsters, and other small mammals alongside dogs and cats.

• Service tier: Mid-range
• Strengths: snub-nosed breeds, small mammals, experienced founder

Savvy Pet Relocation

📍 Singapore

⭐ AVS-registered, 8+ years, IATA LAR certified

⭐ ReviewRanger score: 4.97 (highest rated)

🐕 Best for: imports from complex countries — the highest-reviewed agent in Singapore

Savvy holds the top review score among Singapore pet relocation agents, and it's well-earned. They specialise in imports and are particularly strong with complex origin countries that require detailed documentation, timed blood tests, and multi-step coordination. Their AVS registration and consistently glowing reviews make them a top pick for nervous first-time importers who want reassurance through every step.

• Service tier: Mid-range to premium
• Strengths: imports, complex countries, exceptional client communication

Shiloh Animal Express

📍 Singapore (also operates in Malaysia)

⭐ 20+ years experience

⭐ Thousands of animals to 300+ destinations

⭐ Handles exotic animals and horses

🐕 Best for: exotic pets, unusual destinations, and premium full-service relocations

Shiloh is the go-to for anything non-standard. They handle exotic animals (birds, reptiles, rabbits) and even horses alongside dogs and cats, and their 300+ destination network is one of the widest in Singapore. If you're relocating an unusual pet or shipping to an uncommon destination, Shiloh's two decades of experience is hard to match.

• Service tier: Premium
• Strengths: exotic animals, horses, wide destination network, 20+ years track record

Honourable Mentions

These agents are also worth considering depending on your specific needs:

• CR4 Pets — AVS-recognised, IATA-built cage distributor. Worth getting a quote for imports.
• M&P International Freights — freight company with a dedicated pet transport division, good for cargo-only relocations
• PetRelocation.sg (75 Jalan Pari Dedap) — local agent, not to be confused with the US-based PetRelocation.com
• Continental Pet Relocation — US-based international specialist with Singapore relocation expertise. Useful if you're coordinating a move from North America.

Import vs Export: Which Agents Specialise in What?

Knowing whether your agent specialises in your direction of travel can make a real difference to the smoothness of your relocation.

Import specialists (bringing pets INTO Singapore):

• Savvy Pet Relocation — highest-rated, strong on complex origin countries
• Fly A Pet — AVS-recognised, strong import capabilities
• Pet Movers Singapore — runs the quarantine facility, ideal for Category C/D imports

Export specialists (sending pets OUT of Singapore):

• Jason's Pet Relocation — 200+ destination cities, strong airline and partner network

Both directions:

• Shiloh Animal Express — 300+ destinations, 20+ years both ways
• Mitchville Relopet — 40+ years of industry experience handling imports and exports
• Pampered Pets — all-in-one provider for both directions
• Pets Lighthouse — experienced in both, especially for snub-nosed breeds

Why does this matter? An import specialist knows every CAPQ procedure and AVS requirement by heart. An export specialist knows which airlines accept pets on which routes, cargo hold temperature restrictions, and destination country vet certification requirements. Choose based on your direction of travel.

What Does a Pet Relocation Agent Actually Do?

If you've never used a pet relocation agent before, here's what the end-to-end process typically looks like — and what your agent handles at each stage.

Pre-move (4–12 weeks before travel):

• Vet health checks and vaccinations (rabies vaccination, if not current)
• Rabies titre blood test (required for many countries — results take 2–4 weeks)
• ISO microchip verification (must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
• AVS import or export permit application

Learn more about dog microchipping in Singapore and ISO standards.

Documentation:

• Health certificate issued by origin country's authorised vet
• Import permit for destination country (your agent coordinates this)
• Airline booking — cargo hold or in-cabin depending on pet size and airline policy

Crate preparation:

• IATA-compliant crate sizing and purchase (or rental where available)
• Crate training guidance so your pet is comfortable before travel day
• Labelling with "Live Animal" stickers, food/water instructions, and emergency contact details

Travel day:

• Airport check-in and cargo handover (or in-cabin boarding assistance)
• Temperature and ventilation checks for cargo pets

CAPQ clearance (for imports to Singapore):

• Agent presents your pet at CAPQ during operating hours
• Handles inspection, document verification, and arranges transport to your home after clearance

Post-arrival:

• Quarantine arrangements if required (Category C/D countries)
• Settling-in support, local vet referrals, and licensing guidance

Once your pet is in Singapore, you'll need to handle dog licensing — here's how.

Pro tip for pawrents: Start the process at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date. Rabies titre tests alone take 2–4 weeks for lab results, and some destination countries require the test to be done 3–6 months before arrival. Rushing the timeline adds stress — and often extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pet relocation take?

Plan for 4–12 weeks from first consultation to arrival, depending on the destination country's requirements. Category A countries (Australia, New Zealand, UK) are faster. Category C/D countries with quarantine requirements take longer.

Can I bring my pet in the cabin on flights to/from Singapore?

Some airlines allow small pets (under 7–8kg including carrier) in the cabin. However, from 1 April 2026, even in-cabin pets must clear CAPQ in a rigid IATA crate — not the soft carrier used on the flight. Your agent will arrange the crate swap at Changi.

Do I still need an agent for pet exports FROM Singapore?

As of April 2026, the agent-only mandate applies to CAPQ clearance (imports). Exports don't go through CAPQ. However, using an agent for exports is still strongly recommended — airline regulations, destination country permits, and vet documentation are complex to navigate alone.

What happens if my pet arrives on a weekend?

CAPQ is closed on weekends and public holidays. Your agent must arrange for the airline to hold your pet at the Changi cargo facility until the next business day. This is one key reason choosing an experienced agent matters — they anticipate and plan for these scenarios.

Is quarantine required in Singapore?

It depends on the country of origin. Category A countries (e.g., Australia, UK, Japan) — no quarantine. Category B (e.g., USA, Canada) — no quarantine but more documentation required. Category C/D countries — quarantine of 30 days or more may apply. Your agent will confirm the requirement based on your origin country.

Can I relocate my hamster, rabbit, or bird?

Different AVS rules apply to non-dog/cat animals. Agents like Shiloh Animal Express and Pets Lighthouse handle exotic pets and small mammals. Check with AVS for species-specific import requirements and permit processes.

What if I live in an HDB flat?

If you're importing a dog to an HDB flat, it must be an HDB-approved breed and weigh under 15kg. Only one dog is allowed per HDB unit. Confirm breed eligibility before committing to a relocation — your agent can advise, but the HDB rule is non-negotiable.

Making the Move Less Ruff

Relocating a pet is stressful — but with the right agent and enough lead time, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's what to remember:

• From 1 April 2026, you must use an AVS-recognised agent for CAPQ clearance. This isn't optional — plan and budget for it.
• Get 2–3 quotes and compare what's included. Agent fees range from SGD 400 to SGD 5,000+ depending on the service level.
• Match the agent to your situation — import specialist, export specialist, exotic pet handler, or full-service provider.
• Start early — 8–12 weeks before travel is ideal. Rushing adds cost and stress for both you and your furry companion.
• Your pet's safety comes first — choose experience and reviews over the cheapest price.

Planning a move? Start by reading our complete guide to importing a pet to Singapore for the full step-by-step process, including what documents you need and how CAPQ clearance works.

Have questions about relocating your pet? Drop us a message — we love hearing from fellow pawrents.