At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, we're always here to provide you with the latest updates and guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience for your pet. Effective July 1, 2024, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore is implementing significant changes to its rabies risk categorization system. These updates aim to simplify the process for pet imports into Singapore, and there's a 6-month adaptation period, so there's no need to worry!
Revised Rabies Risk Categories
Category I: Countries identified with negligible rabies risk.
Category II: This new category consolidates the previous categories B and C, encompassing countries with a controlled rabies risk.
Category III: Countries recognized for having a high rabies risk.
Detailed Changes for Category II Countries:
1. Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT):
Pets must undergo the RNATT 90 days before their travel date.
The validity of the test results is now capped at one year.
2. Quarantine Protocols:
A 10-day home quarantine is mandatory if the pet's owner will not travel within five days, or if the pet has been owned for less than six months.
Commercial pet shipments require a 10-day stay in an Animal Quarantine Centre (AQC). Booking in advance is essential due to limited availability.
3. Updated Vaccination Protocols:
There have been minor adjustments to the general vaccine requirements.
The rabies vaccination should now be administered within the previous year, with a subsequent waiting period of one month before the RNATT.
Evaluating the Impact: Advantages and Challenges
Advantages: Pets from previously designated Category C countries like the USA and Canada will see benefits from these reclassifications, including potentially fewer or no quarantine mandates.
Challenges: Former Category B countries, including Hong Kong and France, will encounter more stringent requirements. These include the new scheduling for the RNATT and possibly additional home quarantine conditions under certain circumstances.
For those planning to travel to Singapore with their pets, understanding these new regulations will help ensure that your pet complies fully with the new system. We recommend visiting the AVS website for more detailed information and guidance.
At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, we are committed to assisting you through these changes and ensuring your pet's travel is as stress-free as possible. Contact us for any further inquiries or assistance!
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