How to Book a Quarantine Slot at AQC Singapore: Complete Self-Booking Guide (2026)

Many pet owners assume that only licensed agents can book an AQC quarantine slot in Singapore. That assumption is wrong — and it has caused real delays for owners who waited for an agent before securing their spot. The QMS (Quarantine Management System) at qms.avs.gov.sg is accessible to pet owners directly. This guide walks you through the exact process, current slot availability, fees, and the one rule that will immediately affect your flight booking: CAPQ does not accept Saturday arrivals from 1 April 2026.

For a full picture of what happens once your pet is inside the facility, read our AQC quarantine guide. For the complete Singapore import process, see our Singapore Pet Shipping: 2026 Complete Guide.

The Reality: Pet Owners CAN Book Directly via QMS

AVS (Animal & Veterinary Service) states clearly: “The owner or his agent is responsible for ensuring that a quarantine space has been booked for the animal at the Animal Quarantine Centre, which can be done via the QMS.”

There is no requirement to use an agent for the booking itself. The QMS portal at qms.avs.gov.sg is a public-facing system that any registered account holder can access. The process for creating an account differs slightly depending on your identity documentation:

• Singapore residents: Log in with SingPass or CorpPass — straightforward and immediate.
• Foreign nationals (including Vietnamese pet owners): Account creation requires a local identity reference and can be more complex. Daisy Pet regularly assists clients with account setup at no additional charge.

What changed from April 2026 is specific to CAPQ Changi clearance — the physical border inspection step. From that date, only officially AVS-recognised agents are authorised to conduct the clearance procedures at CAPQ on the owner’s behalf. This is a separate requirement from QMS booking and does not restrict owners from booking the quarantine slot themselves.

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Current Slot Availability — As of 1 June 2026

This is the most critical piece of operational intelligence on this page:

• Dogs: Earliest available AQC slot — August 2026
• Cats: Earliest available AQC slot — November 2026

If you are reading this in June 2026 and planning to bring a dog to Singapore, you are already looking at a minimum two-month wait — before counting the 4–5 month medical preparation period. For cats, the wait extends even further. The single most important action you can take right now is to secure your slot. Medical paperwork can be completed in parallel. A missed slot cannot be recovered quickly.

QMS allows bookings up to 6 months in advance. Use this window.

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Critical Rule: No Saturday Arrivals at CAPQ (From 1 April 2026)

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Step-by-Step: How to Book via QMS

1. Access qms.avs.gov.sg and create your account.
   Singapore residents use SingPass or CorpPass. Foreign nationals will need to set up an account via a different pathway — contact Daisy Pet if you encounter difficulties; we help clients with this routinely.
2. Enter your pet’s details and travel information.
   Required fields include: pet name, species, breed, weight, microchip number, Country of Export (Vietnam = Schedule III), number of animals, and estimated arrival date.
3. Select your room type.
   Two options: Fan-fitted kennel/cattery: SGD 26/day | Air-conditioned kennel/cattery: SGD 35/day. Air-conditioned rooms have fewer slots and are the first to fill during peak season. For long-haired breeds or heat-sensitive pets, air-conditioning is strongly recommended.
   
   Note: Fees increase from 1 December 2026 — Fan: SGD 36/day | Air-con: SGD 44/day.
4. Upload photos if required.
   If your pet is 12 months old or younger, you must upload front, back, and side photos plus close-up tooth photos (incisors, canines, premolars, molars). If your pet is a mixed breed, clear colour photos of the face and body are required for AVS to verify the pet is not a prohibited breed.
5. Submit the application.
   AVS processes QMS applications within 5 working days. If AVS needs clarification, the application status will change to “Pending Application Re-Submission.” You must respond within 3 days or the slot will be released automatically.
6. Receive your QRC (Quarantine Reservation Code).
   Once approved, you receive the QRC confirmation. This document is a mandatory attachment when applying for your Import Permit via GoBusiness — without it, the Import Permit application cannot proceed.
7. Pay the deposit within 3 working days.
   Quarantine space is only confirmed after the deposit is paid. The deposit equals 10 days of quarantine fees plus the airport transport fee. For a dog in an air-conditioned kennel from Vietnam: estimated deposit is SGD 425 (10 × SGD 35 + SGD 75). The deposit is non-refundable if cancelled 30 days or fewer before arrival; refundable if cancelled more than 30 days before arrival.

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AQC Fee Reference (2026)

Shared Housing Options — Cost Saving for Multiple Pets

• Cats: Up to 3 cats can share one cattery — a significant cost saving for households with multiple cats. This is available by default in the QMS booking form.
• Dogs: Shared kennel for up to 3 dogs is possible, but must be requested in advance by emailing qms@nparks.gov.sg before your arrival date.

Amendment and Cancellation Policy

• Amendments submitted more than 30 days before arrival: First amendment is free; subsequent amendments cost SGD 65 each.
• Amendments submitted 30 days or fewer before arrival: All amendments cost SGD 65 per change.
• Cancellation more than 30 days before arrival: Deposit is refunded.
• Cancellation 30 days or fewer before arrival: Deposit is non-refundable.
• Pet does not arrive on the confirmed date: Reservation is automatically cancelled after 3 days; deposit is non-refundable.

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The Slot Scarcity Problem — Why You Must Book First

AQC is Singapore’s only authorised animal quarantine facility. Every dog and cat imported into Singapore — regardless of country of origin — passes through this one centre. Each pet occupies a space for a continuous 30 days. There is no rapid daily turnover. During peak relocation season (August through December), when employment contracts start and families arrive, air-conditioned rooms fill months in advance.

What Happens if No Slot is Available?

Two practical options:

• Monitor for cancellations: Cancelled slots do open occasionally. Daisy Pet checks QMS on behalf of clients and books immediately when availability appears. There is no formal waitlist — speed of response matters.
• Adjust the flight date: Choose a later target date that aligns with available capacity. This is usually the most reliable resolution, despite the impact on work and housing plans.

There is no third option. Singapore law requires a confirmed AQC booking before the Import Permit can be issued. Without an Import Permit, the pet cannot enter. The chain is unbreakable.

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How Daisy Pet Supports This Step

While pet owners can book QMS directly, many find the process easier with support — particularly foreign nationals who need help creating a QMS account. When you work with Daisy Pet, we provide:

• QMS account setup assistance for clients who need it (foreign nationals especially).
• Slot booking on Day 1 — not after the paperwork is done.
• Weekly QMS monitoring and slot management throughout the preparation period.
• Full coordination of Import Permit, PALS pet licence registration, and CAPQ inspection booking, all aligned to the confirmed AQC slot date.
• CAPQ Changi clearance through our AVS-recognised partner agent in Singapore (mandatory from April 2026).

Contact Daisy Pet Transport to begin your Singapore journey today. See the complete preparation roadmap in our 5-month timeline guide.

Related: Pet Shipping from Vietnam to Singapore: 2026 Complete Guide — full overview covering AVS regulations, preparation timeline, quarantine requirements, and cost breakdown.