To quarantine or not to quarantine

All countries require dogs and cats have had a rabies vaccination within the year of travel and a valid health certificate. Please consult your veterinarian for more details.

Australia: Quarantine of six months in an approved transit country, such as Singapore, followed by one month in Australia. Additional vaccines are required.

New Zealand: Quarantine of six months in an approved transit country, such as Singapore, followed by quarantine inside the owner's house for one month. Owner must agree to unannounced visit by New Zealand authorities during this 30-day period.

UK: Pets are subject to six months quarantine. Owners are hoping the new relaxed law of exempting quarantine for pets from 22 countries in Western Europe will be extended to other countries next year after its review. Additional vaccines are required.

United States: No quarantine. Customs personnel will inspect pets on arrival.

Canada: No quarantine. Pet owners pay on arrival C$30 plus GST and PST to the Canada Customs offices at the airport. Each additional pet costs C$5.

Japan: Under Japan's new quarantine policy effective Jan. 1, 2000, dogs may be subject to a 14-day quarantine. There is no quarantine for cats. Additional vaccines to rabies is required for both.

Thailand: No quarantine. Owners pay 100 baht for each pet at customs.

Malaysia: Animals may be subject to a 14-day quarantine.

Netherlands: No quarantine.

France: No quarantine.

The above information was provided by Pet Movers Pte. Ltd., Worldwide Movers, Move Well Movers and Japan Air Lines. Compiled by Maria Kegel