|
|
ABOUT SINGAPORE -
PET QUARANTINE
MOVING YOUR PET TO SINGAPORE?
Getting through the
emotional stress of moving is difficult enough for adults and children.
But what about pets, a species with whom we can't even level? Pet owners
are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move.
Sometimes it's a personality change, a regression in housebreaking
habits or a sudden unexplained illness.
Even if you don't notice something that dramatic, there's no question
that your faithful companion is feeling stress. How do you move your pet
and keep the strain to an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your
beloved pet?
If you're planning a cross-country move by air, call the airlines first
-- before you make any reservations -- and find out which ones allow
pets as "animal passengers." Approximately 750,000 pets make airline
trips every year. Most of the major airlines, will allow animal
passengers provided outdoor temperatures are within a certain range.
Pets may be brought on board with their owners as "carry-on baggage," or
placed within the cargo section of plane as "checked baggage," weather
permitting. Airlines also have established regulations regarding the
number of pets permitted per flight, both on board and in the cargo
section; as well as number of pets permitted per
passenger; and size and
weight limitations for carry on and checked baggage. If at all possible,
book a direct flight to avoid the additional stress of plane changes.
If you're contemplating having your pet travel in the cargo section of
the plane, you may want to consider first that because this area is in
the belly of the plane, you won't have access to your pet at any time
during the flight. While the cargo area is both heated and pressurized,
this area isn't lit, so unless you tranquilize your pet first, the
experience is likely to be traumatic. And you should note that the
safety of some varieties of tranquilizers has been questioned. These
substances can have a dramatically different effect upon your pet at
high altitudes.
As your moving date approaches, try to maintain your pet's routine,
including feeding, exercise and play times. When you begin to box up
your belongings, and particularly when the movers arrive, you may want
to consider recruiting a friend to pet-sit to avoid undue stress for
your companion. Make sure your pet is wearing updated identification,
and that you're carrying some kind of identification for your pet,
including recent photos. If your pet escapes at any time during your
move, you'll be prepared.
Veterinarians also recommend that if you pack a water supply from the
home you're leaving. Changing water sources could cause your pet stomach
upset and ultimately, dehydration. Keep your pet's food as bland as
possible; this isn't the time to experiment with new brands or
varieties. Check with your vet for his or her recommendations. Bring
your pet for a thorough physical exam prior to your move, and make sure
you obtain your pet's updated records from your vet. If your vet can't
refer you to a new health-care provider in your new hometown, call
Singapore Veterinary Association (SVA) C/o Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority 5 Maxwell Road #03-00 MND Tower Block Singapore 069110 at +65
6325 7674 for a list of local veterinarians in your new hometown.
www.sva.org.sg
|
Another tip: Several weeks before your move, find out what the
regulations are in your new home regarding the importation of animals.
With the exception of animals from Australia, New Zealand, UK & Ireland,
all cats and dogs entering Singapore are required to undergo a minimum
30 day quarantine period. There are no exemptions from this requirement,
nor is it desirous there should be. Quarantine in Singapore is designed
to prevent the entrance of Rabies into this country, & as such should be
viewed as being beneficial to both humans and animals
Probably the most frequently asked question of all is "is there any way
to avoid quarantine?" so we will deal with that first. The simple answer
is no.
The Regulations
The following are required for the importation of cats or dogs:
1. Import licence from the AVA (Agri-food & Veterinary Authority). The
Application for Permit to Import Animals / Birds as Personal Pets form
must be completed and delivered to the Regulatory Services Branch at
least 2 weeks prior to import. A fee of S$50 per animal is payable.
2. Application & Acceptance for Quarantine Space Form. This AA Form must
be completed & sent to the Regulatory Services Branch (AVA).
3. Health certificate from the country of export dated not more than 7
days from the date of export. Pregnant and "incapacitated" animals will
not be permitted entry. The AVA must be notified of arrival at least one
working day in advance.
4. ISO-compatible microchip (dogs only).
5. Quarantine for not less than 30 days from countries except those
described above. It is vital to reserve quarantine kennels well in
advance due to limited accommodation space.
The following are required
for the importation of pet birds:
1. Import licence from the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority.
2. CITES* import permit from Singapore and CITES export-re-export permit
from country of export (for CITES - listed birds).
3. Veterinary health certificate from country of export dated not more
than 7 days from date of export (maybe waived for personal pet birds
accompanying owners).
The Rules
Visiting hours for pets in quarantine are:
Monday to Friday: 5.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m.
Saturdays: 2.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
Please note that it is only in rare circumstances that quarantine
visiting hours are extended, and should such be necessary, arrangements
must be made with the staff at Jurong Animal Quarantine Station.
Release times at the end of the quarantine period are between 10.00 a.m.
to 11.00 a.m., including Sundays & Public Holidays
The following is from the Notice to Applicants of the veterinary
conditions and procedures for the importation of dogs and cats into
Singapore:
"Only one dog of an approved breed is allowed in Housing and Development
Board dwelling unit (Public Housing), and not more than three dogs are
allowed in non-HDB premises (i.e. this includes private housing). No
cats are allowed in a HDB dwelling unit."
Certain breeds of dogs (Category A animals) are prohibited from entering
Singapore.
These breeds are:-
1. Pit Bull - includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, American
Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog
2. Akita
3. Neapolitan Mastiff
4. Tosa
5. Dogo Argentino
6. any crosses of any of the above breeds
A separate group - Category B dogs - must be leashed and muzzled at all
times when in public.
Category B animals are:
1. Bull Mastiff
2. Bull Terrier
3. Doberman Pinscher
4. German Shepherd or related Shepherd Dog breeds
5. Rottweiler
6. Perro de Presa Canario
If your pet consumes a specialised or prescription-type diet, then
ensure availability of supply especially during the quarantine period -
if necessary either import sufficient quantities to last 30 days, or
contact the Singapore suppliers to confirm they have stock.
Historically, the supplies of specialty foods in Singapore have been
erratic. It is also necessary to inform the quarantine station of your
pet's dietary (and indeed any other) requirements, and to arrange for
delivery of this diet. This is most often organised by the animal
transport agent.
Specialty foods available in Singapore include:
- ANF
- Hill's Science & Prescription Diet
- Iams & Eukanuba
- Purina
- Walthams
- Abady
The Contacts
Import licences and answers to questions on importing pets can be
obtained from:
Regulatory Services Branch
Agri-food & Veterinary Authority
5 Maxwell Rd #02-00
Tower Block MND Complex
Singapore 069110
Tel: 65 - 6227 0670
Fax: 65 - 6227 6303
Jurong Animal Quarantine Station
53 Jalan Buroh
Singapore 619498
Tel: 65 - 6268 0658
Fax: 65 - 6226 2985
email:
tph_quarantine@pacific.net.sg
5
TOP
©
Copyright 2003 - 2008 Singapore Property Consultants Pte Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Best view on
Internet Explorer 1024 x 768 pixels.
Disclaimer
Privacy Statement
|
