Pet Transport Philippines to Australia: The 2026 Staged Move

DAFF classifies countries based on their rabies and disease risk profile. The Philippines, with endemic rabies present in the dog population, is classified as non-approved. This applies equally to pets from Manila, Cebu, Davao, and all other regions.

The DAFF-approved pathway for non-approved origin countries requires continuous residency in a Group 2 or Group 3 approved country for at least 180 days. Singapore, as DAFF Group 2 (rabies-free), is the standard transit choice for Filipino expats moving to Australia. Its proximity, direct air links from Manila, and Group 2 status (which removes the RNATT titre test requirement for the Australia leg) make it the most practical staging country.

Bringing your pet from the Philippines into Singapore requires meeting Singapore’s Schedule III import conditions: a rabies vaccination, a FAVN titre test (0.5 IU/ml minimum), an AVS NParks import licence, and a 30-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Centre in Sembawang. From 1 April 2026, you also need an AVS-recognised pet agent for the Changi CAPQ clearance. Allow 3 to 4 months to prepare for the Singapore entry.

After the 30-day quarantine, your pet begins free residency in Singapore. The 180-day DAFF clock started on the original Singapore arrival date, so 150 more days of continuous residency are needed. During this time, apply for the DAFF BICON import permit and pre-book Mickleham quarantine, both of which have processing lead times of several weeks.

Once 180 days of Singapore residency are complete, your pet travels to Australia under Group 2 conditions. A DAFF-format health certificate (issued in Singapore within 5 days of travel), your valid BICON import permit, and the Mickleham booking confirmation are the key documents. No RNATT titre test is needed for this leg because Singapore is Group 2.

Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines operate frequent direct flights from Manila to Singapore. For the Singapore to Australia leg, Singapore Airlines Cargo and Qantas Freight both operate SIN to SYD and SIN to MEL. All imported pets in Australia must complete 10 days of quarantine at Mickleham in Melbourne, and they must arrive on a weekday so the facility can receive them.