Pet Vaccinations in Singapore: What Your Dog or Cat Needs and When

Pet vaccinations in Singapore protect your dog or cat from serious, sometimes fatal infectious diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases before exposure. They are a core part of responsible pet ownership and are often required for boarding, travel, and licensing.

This guide explains what vaccines your pet needs, when to vaccinate, how often to boost, and what to expect after a vaccination.

Why vaccinate your pet?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious disease in pets. Vaccines protect not only your pet but also the wider animal community by reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

Some diseases that vaccines prevent—such as parvovirus in dogs and panleukopenia in cats—can be fatal, expensive to treat, and highly contagious. Prevention is far safer and cheaper than treatment.

Core vaccines for dogs in Singapore

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle:

• Canine parvovirus—a severe, often fatal gastrointestinal disease

• Canine distemper—a contagious viral disease affecting multiple organs

• Canine adenovirus (infectious canine hepatitis)—a liver disease

• Rabies—required for travel to and from Singapore, though Singapore is currently rabies-free

Non-core vaccines for dogs

Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and risk:

• Kennel cough (Bordetella and parainfluenza)—recommended for dogs that board, attend daycare, or socialise with other dogs

• Leptospirosis—recommended for dogs exposed to wildlife, standing water, or rural areas

• Canine influenza—depending on outbreak risk and travel

Discuss your dog's lifestyle with your vet to decide which non-core vaccines are appropriate.

Core vaccines for cats in Singapore

• Feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus)—a severe, often fatal disease

• Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus—common causes of upper respiratory infections

• Rabies—required for travel

Non-core vaccines for cats

• Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)—recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats

When should puppies and kittens be vaccinated?

A typical vaccination schedule starts at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continues in a series of boosters. Your vet will tailor the schedule to your pet's age, health, and risk.

A general outline:

• Puppies—first vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks, boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age

• Kittens—first vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks, boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks of age

Do not delay the series, because young animals are vulnerable to infection before the course is complete.

Do adult pets need booster vaccinations?

Yes. Immunity from vaccines decreases over time, so booster vaccinations are needed to maintain protection. The frequency of boosters depends on the vaccine type, your pet's health, and lifestyle.

Some vaccines are boosted annually, while others may be given every three years. Your vet will recommend a schedule suited to your pet.

Are vaccinations required by law in Singapore?

Rabies vaccination is required for pets entering or leaving Singapore. While core vaccines are not strictly legally required for all pets, they are strongly recommended and often required for:

• pet boarding and daycare facilities

• pet licensing and identification

• international travel

• participation in pet events or classes

What to expect after a vaccination

Most pets experience no problems after vaccination. Mild, short-lived reactions can include:

• slight lethargy or sleepiness

• mild swelling at the injection site

• reduced appetite for a day

These usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours without treatment.

When to contact your vet after vaccination

Contact a veterinary professional immediately if your pet shows:

• persistent vomiting or diarrhoea

• swelling of the face, lips, or around the eyes

• difficulty breathing

• hives or widespread itching

• collapse

• persistent swelling or pain at the injection site

Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate veterinary attention.

Can a sick pet be vaccinated?

Generally, pets should be healthy when vaccinated. If your pet has a fever, infection, or active illness, your vet may recommend delaying vaccination until recovery.

Always inform your vet about your pet's health, medications, and previous reactions before vaccination.

Vaccinations and community cats

Community cats in Singapore are often vaccinated through the Stray Cat Sterilisation Programme, which includes sterilisation and basic vaccination. If you are adopting a community cat, ask the rescuer what vaccinations the cat has received and when the next booster is due.

How to keep vaccination records

• Keep your pet's vaccination card or certificate in a safe place

• Record the dates of each vaccine and the next booster due

• Share updated records with your boarding facility, groomer, or sitter

• Bring records to veterinary appointments and when travelling

Pet vaccination FAQ

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are extensively tested and serious reactions are rare. The risk of disease is far greater than the risk of vaccination. Discuss any concerns with your vet.

Can my pet go outside before vaccinations are complete?

For puppies and kittens, limit exposure to high-risk areas until the vaccination series is complete. Supervised, controlled socialisation is still important—discuss safe options with your vet.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes. Even indoor cats can be exposed to disease through other pets, visitors, or accidental escape. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats.

Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date, follow your vet's booster schedule, and keep records accessible for boarding, travel, and emergencies. Prevention is far safer than treatment.