Can I bring hamsters?

[GandK]

While planning to move to Singapore in April, our children are seriously concerned that they may not be able to take their hamsters there. They are 'Winter white dwarf' (around 6~7 cm long), about 1 year old, and very healthy.

Is it possible to bring Hamsters (small animals) to Singapore? If 'yes', would you recommend handy agents who are good at document preparation and import procedures, etc.

Thanks,

[MOCHS]

Check here for requirements and here for the list of approved pet agents. Personally used Jason’s Pet Relocation, they will link you up with relocation company in your country to handle the export process too, separate fees of course since it’s two companies you’re engaging. Both companies will be in contact with one another and you for the whole process.

[Lisafuller]

While planning to move to Singapore in April, our children are seriously concerned that they may not be able to take their hamsters there. They are 'Winter white dwarf' (around 6~7 cm long), about 1 year old, and very healthy.

Is it possible to bring Hamsters (small animals) to Singapore? If 'yes', would you recommend handy agents who are good at document preparation and import procedures, etc.

Thanks,

MOCHS is right, consult a pet Moving Company for rates and more info. I will give you a fair warning though that moving pets overseas can be incredibly expensive, depending on where you’re located costs can go up to well over a thousand. It will probably be good to do your own cost benefit analysis, to determine if the costs are worth it.

[MOCHS]

The SG relocation companies are able to log into the quarantine facility website at any time to see how full the quarantine spaces are. You will not be able to do that by yourself until you are halfway through the process.

Right now, official quarantine spaces are fully booked up to 6 months in advance. However, you can ask about the home quarantine option but it’s only for certain countries.

And with the pandemic still on-going, we don’t know if flights will be cancelled? And even if was no pandemic, flights can get cancelled due to weather or other unfavourable conditions. The relocation company will be able to re-arrange it for you without you navigating through the paperwork again by yourself.

Do take note pets fly as either carry on (usually for service dogs) or checked baggage (under your name, along with the rest of your luggage) or manifest cargo (under the pet’s name).

Manifest cargo is better ‘cos they can track the pet throughout the whole process. If it’s checked baggage, well, our own luggages aren’t even tracked in a commercial flight… You do not want to take the risk of your pet going missing.

I do not know which airline will let you carry on a hamster.

If you’re worried about the conditions of the cargo, it’s temperature controlled and as long as there’s food, water, blanket, and a toy, your pet will be fine. There will be noise since the plane engines are running.

Husband’s cat travelled via manifest cargo (US to SG) and even had a transit in the animal hotel in Amsterdam where her food, water, and any soiled bedding were changed.

[Lisafuller]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone moving a hamster overseas. Frankly I’m not sure if a long flight would be the best idea for such a small animal.

[MOCHS]

Pet stores import small animals all the time, fish included. The hamster will be fine as long as the vet assesses that it’s fit to fly.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone moving a hamster overseas. Frankly I’m not sure if a long flight would be the best idea for such a small animal.

I reckon if ladies can fly with teacup dogs, Hamsters & Guinea Pigs shouldn't be an issue.

[nelyanne]

Finnair used to allow small pets on board. I heard about a person who brought a chinchilla to Singapore this way.
But their website says that this option is now suspended due to COVID.
Maybe check with them?

https://www.finnair.com/sg-en/pets-on-finnair-flights

[Lisafuller]

Pet stores import small animals all the time, fish included. The hamster will be fine as long as the vet assesses that it’s fit to fly.

True, if a vet says it’s fine then it must be fine. I wouldn't feel safe unless I had my pet assessed.