do rabbits need vaccinations in Singapore?

the short answer

routine vaccinations are not required for pet rabbits in Singapore.

the two diseases that drive rabbit vaccination programmes elsewhere — myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD, also called VHD) — do not occur in Singapore. there is no local exposure risk, so SG vets do not recommend routine vaccination as part of standard preventive care.

what about imported rabbits?

rabbits imported from countries where these diseases are present may have been vaccinated. if you adopt or buy a rabbit who arrived with vaccination records, ask your vet:

• when was the last vaccination?
• is a booster relevant given there is no local exposure?
• what records should be kept on file?

most SG vets advise not boostering once the rabbit is in SG, because there is no transmission risk. that said, the decision is case-by-case.

what SG rabbits actually need from a vet

regular preventive care matters more than vaccines.

parasite prevention or treatment:

• ear mites are common in pet shop rabbits; see our ear mites guide
• selamectin every 4 to 6 months in multi-rabbit homes (vet discretion)
• routine ear and skin checks

dental checks:

• annual minimum for adults
• twice yearly for dwarf breeds prone to malocclusion

spay or neuter:

• 4 to 6 months for males; 5 to 6 months for females
• the single biggest health intervention for pet rabbits

weight and body condition checks:

• annual at minimum
• weekly at home (kitchen scale)

first vet visit

book your first vet visit within two weeks of bringing the rabbit home. see our first vet visit checklist for SG rabbit owners for what to bring and ask.

travel considerations

if you plan to travel out of SG with your rabbit (which is uncommon and logistically challenging), destination-country requirements may include vaccinations. consult an exotic vet experienced with rabbit relocation early; some vaccines have lead times.

what to be skeptical of

a vet who recommends “routine rabbit vaccination” without explaining the SG context may not be rabbit-experienced. ask:

• which disease is this for?
• does that disease exist in SG?
• what is the local exposure risk?

an exotic-experienced vet will answer these clearly. our vet directory lists SG clinics with confirmed rabbit experience.