How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog or Cat from the U.S. to Singapore?

A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners Planning International Moves

Introduction: Garden City, Global Hub, and Pet-Friendly Relocation

Relocating your dog or cat from the USA to Singapore is a detailed process that involves government-issued import permits, mandatory rabies antibody titer testing, and quarantine. Singapore is known for its high standards of biosecurity, meaning that every pet must pass strict checks before entry.

The total cost of shipping a pet from the USA to Singapore typically ranges from $3,000 for a small cat or dog to $7,000+ for a large breed, depending on size, flight routes, and quarantine duration.

Here’s a full breakdown of expenses, timelines, and best practices—plus how 0x Cargo Pet Travel can ensure a seamless move from your U.S. home to your new Singapore address.

1. U.S. Preparatory Expenses (Typically $500–$1,500+)

a. Veterinary Visits & Vaccinations

• ISO-compliant microchip implantation: $45–$75

• Rabies vaccination: $20–$50 (must be given before rabies titer test)

• Core vaccines: DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats ($25–$50 each)

b. Rabies Antibody Titer Test

• Required for all pets entering Singapore from the USA (Category C country)

• Must be processed by an OIE-approved lab: $150–$300

• Blood sample must be taken at least 180 days before entry

c. USDA Document Endorsement

• USDA APHIS endorsement of veterinary health certificate: $38–$173

2. Shipping & Crate Costs (Approximately $2,500–$5,800+)

a. Airfare & Cargo Handling

• Small dog or cat: $2,500–$3,400

• Medium dog: $3,200–$4,600

• Large dog: $4,800–$5,800+

b. Airline-Approved Crate

• Standard IATA crate: $200–$400

• Oversized/custom crate: $500–$1,200

3. Singapore Government Fees

Import Permit (Animal & Veterinary Service – AVS)

• Fee: SGD 87 (~US$65) per pet

Quarantine Fees (Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station)

• 10 days: ~SGD 336–$504 (~US$250–$375)

• 30 days (if required due to failed paperwork or tests): SGD 1,008–$1,512 (~US$750–$1,125)

Inspection Fee

• SGD 60–$90 (~US$45–$65)

4. Ground Transportation & Local Handling ($300–$900+)

U.S. Side:

• Home pickup to departure airport: $200–$500

Singapore Side:

• Customs clearance, inspection, quarantine transfer: $500–$800

• Post-quarantine delivery to your home: $100–$300

5. Additional and Contingency Costs

• Boarding before departure: $30–$70/day

• Repeat rabies titer test if initial fails: $150–$300

• Extended quarantine if paperwork errors occur: $500–$1,000+ extra

6. Real-World Examples

Example 1 – USA → Singapore, Cat (No Quarantine)

• Vet & vaccines: $300

• Crate + airfare: $2,900

• Permit + inspection: $100

• Clearance + delivery: $300Total: ≈ $3,600

Example 2 – USA → Singapore, Large Dog (10-Day Quarantine)

• Vet & vaccines + titer: $450

• Crate + airfare: $5,000

• Permit + quarantine + inspection: $420

• Clearance + delivery: $400Total: ≈ $6,270

7. Timeline: Why Costs Add Up

• Microchip & rabies vaccination: Immediately

• Rabies titer test: 180 days before entry (mandatory)

• Import permit application: 30 days before travel

• USDA health certificate: Within 7 days of departure

• Quarantine booking: Reserve as early as possible (limited capacity)

Missing the 180-day titer waiting period results in a 30-day quarantine, increasing both cost and stress for your pet.

8. How to Save on Overseas Pet Relocation to Singapore

• Start planning 7–8 months in advance

• Ensure rabies titer is done correctly the first time to avoid re-testing

• Book direct flights to reduce transit time

• Work with experienced relocation agents familiar with AVS requirements

9. DIY vs. Professional Assistance

DIY:

• Lower cost but requires detailed knowledge of AVS rules

• Higher risk of extended quarantine due to paperwork mistakes

Professional (like 0x Cargo Pet Travel):

• Manages titer timing, permit applications, and quarantine booking

• Reduces stress, ensures compliance, and coordinates safe transport

10. Total Cost Summary

Route	Typical Total Cost
Small dog/cat → Singapore	$3,000–$4,500
Medium dog → Singapore	$3,800–$5,500
Large dog → Singapore	$5,200–$7,000+
Extended quarantine (30 days)	+$750–$1,125

Final Thoughts: Precision Matters

Singapore’s pet import rules are among the strictest in Asia, with zero room for error in timing or paperwork. Careful planning ensures your pet’s arrival is smooth and minimizes quarantine time.

How 0x Cargo Pet Travel Makes It Easy

At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, we’ve successfully relocated 200+ pets from the USA to Singapore with full compliance to AVS regulations.

Our services include:

• 365-day, door-to-door service from your U.S. home to anywhere in Singapore

• Rabies titer scheduling, permit applications, and quarantine booking

• Customs clearance and post-quarantine delivery

• Safe flight booking and IATA-approved crate preparation

• Multilingual staff fluent in English and Mandarin

Contact us today at 0xcargo.com to start planning your pet’s safe and compliant relocation to Singapore.