CAPQ Arrival Hours, Inspection Times & What to Expect When Your Pet Lands in Singapore
Bringing a pet into Singapore involves a mandatory inspection at the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ). Whether your pet is travelling with you as excess baggage or separately as manifested cargo, understanding what happens on arrival can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary stress or delays.
This guide explains:
CAPQ operating hours
What happens when your pet lands
Clearance procedures for excess baggage vs manifested cargo
Practical tips to ensure a smooth arrival
What Is CAPQ and Why Is It Required?
CAPQ is the designated facility at Changi Airport where all animals and birds entering Singapore by air are inspected. Operated by AVS under NParks, CAPQ ensures imported pets meet Singapore’s strict health, vaccination, and biosecurity requirements before they are released or transferred for quarantine.
All pets - regardless of how they arrive - must clear inspection at CAPQ before they can go home.
CAPQ Operating Hours (Before 1 April 2026)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am–6:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am–9:00pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Lunch closure: 1:00pm–2:00pm
Pets arriving outside operating hours will be held by the ground handling agent until CAPQ reopens.
Changes from 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026, CAPQ operating hours and clearance procedures will change:
Monday–Tuesday: 9:00am–5:00pm
Wednesday–Friday: 9:00am–8:00pm
Lunch closure: 1:00pm–2:00pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
In addition:
Pet owners will be required to appoint an AVS-recognised pet agent
Pet owners will no longer be allowed inside the Changi Airfreight Centre
Pets will be cleared and delivered to owners by the appointed agent after inspection
These changes are intended to streamline operations and improve safety.
What Happens When Your Pet Lands in Singapore?
The clearance process depends on how your pet is imported:
Accompanied / excess baggage (travelling on the same flight as you), or
Manifested cargo (shipped separately as air cargo)
Although both routes end at CAPQ, the handover and document collection process differs.
Clearance Procedure: Accompanied / Excess Baggage
This applies when your pet travels on the same flight as you, usually checked in as excess baggage.
Step-by-step process
After disembarking, proceed to the Lost & Found counter in the arrival hall near the baggage belt.
Hand over your pet, secured in an IATA-approved animal container, to the Lost & Found staff.
Sign the handover form.
You are not allowed to take your pet out of the Customs and Immigration area.
Your pet will be transferred to CAPQ by the appointed ground handling agent (e.g. SATS or DNATA).
Present a copy of your AVS import license and your passport or identity card at the Police Pass Office at the entrance of the Changi Airfreight Centre.
Collect a Visitor’s Pass.
Proceed to CAPQ with the following original documents:
Veterinary health certificate
Vaccination records
Rabies serology test result (if applicable)
AVS import licence
Key point: Even though your pet arrives with you, inspection does not happen at the passenger terminal.
Clearance Procedure: Manifested Cargo
This applies when your pet is shipped as air cargo, even if you are on the same flight.
Step-by-step process
Present a copy of your AVS import license and your passport or identity card at the Police Pass Office at the entrance of the Changi Airfreight Centre.
Collect a Visitor’s Pass.
Proceed to the airline’s cargo office (SATS or DNATA).
At the cargo office, present the original AVS import licence and collect your pet’s documents, including:
Veterinary health certificate
Vaccination records
Rabies serology test result (if applicable)
Airway bill
Captain’s declaration (where applicable)
Your pet will be transferred directly from the aircraft to CAPQ by the ground handling agent.
Proceed immediately to CAPQ with the documents for inspection and clearance.
Important: You will not collect your pet directly from the cargo terminal.
What Happens After CAPQ Inspection?
If all requirements are met, your pet will be released for collection or delivery.
If quarantine is required (depending on country category and compliance), your pet will be transferred to the Animal Quarantine Centre for the required stay.
From April 2026 onwards, release and delivery will be handled by your appointed pet agent.
Here’s what every pet owner should remember about CAPQ arrival and inspection:
All pets entering Singapore by air must clear inspection at CAPQ
Clearance procedures differ for excess baggage vs manifested cargo
CAPQ operating hours matter - arriving late may mean overnight holding
From 1 April 2026, new hours and agent-managed clearance will apply
Understanding the process in advance helps ensure your pet’s arrival is smooth, compliant, and as stress-free as possible.