CAPQ 2026: Important Changes to Clearance at Singapore CAPQ You Need to Know

If you’re planning to bring your dog into Singapore, there are some important CAPQ changes coming in 2026 that it’s really important to be aware of –  especially if you’ve travelled with pets before.

From 1 April 2026, the way clearance at CAPQ works will change to agent-only clearance, and some things that were previously possible will no longer be allowed.

These changes apply to all dogs and cats entering Singapore, regardless of size, country of origin, or whether the dog arrives as manifest cargo or accompanied baggage.

What is CAPQ?

CAPQ (Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine) is Singapore’s official inspection and clearance facility for live animals arriving by air.

CAPQ is located inside Changi Airfreight Centre, a restricted biosecurity and cargo zone.

All animals entering Singapore must be checked (undergo clearance) at CAPQ before they can be released to their owner, transported home, or transferred to quarantine facilities.

CAPQ 2026: Agent-only clearance at CAPQ from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) will require that:

• Only AVS-recognised pet agents may conduct clearance at CAPQ
• Pet owners will no longer be allowed to clear their own dogs
• Pet owners cannot enter Changi Airfreight Centre
• An AVS-recognised pet agent must be appointed before arrival

This is one of the most significant CAPQ changes in recent years and removes the option of owner-led clearance entirely.

What does an AVS-recognised pet agent do at CAPQ?

For clearance at CAPQ, the appointed pet agent will:

• Handle all the paperwork for clearance at CAPQ
• Present your dog for AVS inspection
• Communicate directly with CAPQ and AVS staff
• Arrange transport after clearance — whether that’s home, quarantine, or boarding

Under CAPQ 2026 rules, the agent is fully responsible for managing the arrival process. This change removes a lot of “DIY” options, but it also reduces the risk of things going wrong on arrival.

CAPQ 2026 crate rule: no more soft cabin bags for inspection

This is another change that often surprises people.

From 2026, pets cannot be inspected and cleared at CAPQ while in a soft in-cabin carrier.

What this means in practice:

• Rigid, IATA-compliant plastic crates are mandatory at CAPQ
• Soft bags or fabric carriers are not acceptable for CAPQ clearance

If your dog arrives with you as a passenger in a soft bag, they must be transferred into an proper rigid crate before clearance at CAPQ can take place.

How the crate requirement works

The rigid crate can be:

• Brought with you on your flight (in the hold, checked in empty, folded up) , or
• Supplied by your AVS-recognised pet agent at the passenger terminal after your flight lands

CAPQ operating hours will change in 2026

In addition to agent-only clearance, CAPQ operating hours will change during 2026. Confirm the latest hours on the CAPQ page near your travel date.

For this reason, flight selection and timing must be planned together with your pet agent.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your move, it’s best to get advice before booking flights, rather than trying to fix things after your dog has already landed.

Ferndale was founded in Hong Kong in 1994 and has been flying pets for many years, we are an AVS accredited agent in Singapore feel free to contact us for help and suggestions.

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