Breed Restrictions and Regulations for Importing Dog To Singapore
Are you looking to bring your Fido to Singapore? It is important to be aware of the breed restrictions and regulations that must be followed when importing pets into Singapore.
Different countries have different rules and regulations on pet imports, so it is essential for people wishing to move their pets to Singapore to understand the relevant laws.
This guide will provide an explanation of the dog breed restrictions and regulations for importing dogs to Singapore, as well as offer advice on how to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Restricted Breeds: Which Dogs Can't Be Imported into Singapore
Under Singapore’s Animal and Birds Act, only certain breeds of cats and dogs are allowed to be imported into Singapore. The list of prohibited breeds can be found on the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) website.
Generally speaking, many of the large and giant-sized dog breeds such as the American Bully, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull Terrier, and Rottweiler are not allowed to be imported into Singapore.
In addition, certain cross-breeds of these dogs may also be prohibited from entering the country.
On the other hand, small to medium-sized breeds such as the Beagle, Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle can usually be imported without any problems.
Akita
This breed originated in Japan and is known for its loyalty and independence. While this breed is generally well-behaved, it has a propensity to exhibit aggressive behaviors towards people and pets that it perceives as a threat.
Due to this reason, the Singapore authorities do not allow the import of Akitas into the country.
Neapolitan Mastiff
This breed is massive and can weigh up to 70 kilograms. Despite its size, this dog is incredibly loyal and protective of its family.
Its sheer strength and size can be dangerous in an urban setting like Singapore, which is why Neapolitan Mastiffs are not eligible for import into the country.
Tibetan Mastiff
This ancient breed is highly valued in its native Tibet. It’s not surprising, given that these dogs can reach weights of 80 kilograms.
Tibetan Mastiffs have a territorial nature that can translate into aggressive behavior toward strangers. As such, importing these breeds to Singapore is strictly prohibited.
Dogo Argentino
This breed, originating from Argentina, is trained for big game hunting. The breed is known for its strong prey drive and has a history of aggression towards other dogs.
Similarly, the Dogo Argentino is not allowed into Singapore because of the potential risk it poses to its citizens.
Fila Brasileiro
Also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, the Fila Brasileiro is a large breed with a history of being used as a hunting dog in Brazil. The dog’s strong prey drive and territorial nature can result in serious aggression towards other pets and humans alike. As a result, these dogs are not allowed to be imported into Singapore.
Tosa Inu
This breed is powerful, agile, and known for its fighting spirit. These characteristics coupled with their huge size make Tosa Inu dogs unsuitable for urban living in Singapore. This is why the dogs are not eligible for entry into the country.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
While this breed may not be as big as others on this list, their high-energy personality and muscular build can make them problematic for crowded areas like Singapore.
Also, this breed has a history of aggression towards other animals, which is why they are not allowed in Singapore.
Pit Bull Terrier
Like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Pit Bull Terrier is known for its high energy and muscular build. Their tendency toward aggression can make them dangerous in crowded spaces such as Singapore, leading to the breed being banned from import.
Japanese Tosa
These large dogs are known for their aggression and were bred explicitly for dog fighting. While owners can train these dogs to be well-behaved, their history of aggression makes them dangerous in a crowded city like Singapore, where they are strictly prohibited from import.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
This breed was once bred for military purposes, and the wolfdog is known to be protective, fearless, and highly aggressive.
While this breed can be loyal and affectionate when adequately trained, their potential aggression means that they are prohibited from importing into Singapore.
Important documents required for importing a pet into Singapore
To bring your pet into Singapore, you’ll need several documents, including an import permit issued by AVA, a pet passport, and an import health certificate issued by the originating country.
The pet passport must include information such as your pet’s breed, age, sex, coloration, and microchip number.
It is also important to note that pets entering Singapore must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry.
Factors that affect the rules and regulations on pet imports in Singapore
There are several factors that can influence breed restrictions and regulations for pet import in Singapore. These include:
- The origin of the pet, as some countries have stricter requirements than others
- The size of the pet, as larger breeds may be subject to more stringent regulations
- The age of the pet, as younger pets may be subject to different rules than older ones
- Whether the pet has been vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.
Penalties And Fines For Violating Breed Restrictions In Singapore
It is important that pet owners comply with the breed restrictions and regulations for pet import in Singapore, as failure to do so can result in hefty fines or even a jail sentence.
For instance, anyone who imports a prohibited breed into Singapore without obtaining an import permit from AVA may face a fine of up to S$10,000 or be imprisoned for up to 12 months.
Conclusion
Bringing a pet into Singapore can be an exciting experience, but it is important to be aware of the breed restrictions and regulations for pet import in Singapore.
Following these rules will help ensure that your pet’s journey into the country is safe and smooth sailing.
Hopefully, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the breed restrictions and regulations for pet import in Singapore, as well as advice on how to ensure compliance.
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