Revision of the Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats

The Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats were notified through notification G/SPS/N/SGP/37 dated 21 April 2009. Of these notified sets of veterinary conditions, the Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries under Category A (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)) have been updated to explicitly state the recommended age for the initial vaccination (i.e., six weeks of age and above). This is to ensure that the dogs and cats can mobilise a sufficient antibody response prior to entry to Singapore, and that the vaccinations are administered according to manufacturer's recommendations. This clarification is in line with WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Vaccination Guidelines, and will ensure that the objective of the vaccination requirement is met.
The clarification on the Veterinary Conditions (VC) for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries under Category A are as follows:
Section of IV(a)(v) of the VC:
"In the case of a dog under sixteen weeks of age, the dog was vaccinated according to manufacturer's recommendations against Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Canine Parvoviral infection with at least two vaccinations, four weeks apart, with the first vaccination administered at no earlier than six weeks of age, and the second vaccination must be given at least two weeks prior to export."
Section IV(a)(vi) of the VC:
"In the case of a cat under sixteen weeks of age, the cat was vaccinated according to manufacturer's recommendations against Cat Flu (Feline calicivirus and Feline viral rhinotracheitis) and Cat enteritis (i.e., Feline Panleukopaenia/Feline Infectious Enteritis) with at least two vaccinations, three weeks apart, with the first vaccination administered at no earlier than six weeks of age, and the second vaccination must be given at least two weeks prior to export."