If you have a cat at home, licensing is no longer optional. Singapore's Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) introduced mandatory cat licensing as part of its Cat Management Framework, and since 1 September 2026, keeping an unlicensed pet cat is an offence. Owners who fail to follow the cat-keeping rules and licence conditions can be fined up to S$5,000 on conviction.

The two-year transition period, which began on 1 September 2024 and made cat licences free, ended on 31 August 2026. Licence fees now apply, and AVS has stopped its free microchipping drives. AVS has said it will investigate feedback about owners who haven't complied and take enforcement action — so if your cat isn't licensed yet, the best move is to get it done now.

This guide covers what changed on 1 September, what a licence costs, what you need before you apply, and how to register on PALS step by step. We'll also cover how many cats you can keep, what to do about community cats, and the questions people most often get confused about.

For most Singapore cat owners, their cats are already family — the licence simply makes that official.

1 What Changed on 1 September 2026

Here are the changes that matter most for cat owners:

• Licensing is now enforceable. Keeping an unlicensed pet cat is an offence under the Animals and Birds Act and its Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024. Owners who don't follow the cat-keeping rules and licence conditions can be fined up to S$5,000 on conviction.
• Licence fees apply. Free licences ended on 31 August 2026. A 10% rebate is available if you pay via GIRO, online or AXS. See the fee table in section 5.
• Free AVS microchipping has ended. AVS has stopped its free microchipping and licensing drives. Cat owners now microchip at a vet of their choice, at their own cost, before applying. Prices vary by clinic, so ask for a quote first.
• Cat limits apply to licence applications. Up to two cats in an HDB flat, and up to three cats and/or dogs in private premises. See section 6 for the details and exceptions.

Licence conditions also cover how you keep your cat. AVS expects cats to live in a safe environment — for example, with mesh, grilles or screens to stop them roaming or falling from height — and to be under physical control in public, such as in a harness or a carrier. If you need gear for that, browse our cat bags, crates & carriers and cat collars, leashes & harnesses.

2 Why Is Cat Licensing Happening?

For a long time, dogs in Singapore have needed to be licensed — but cats didn't. The Cat Management Framework, introduced by AVS under NParks, changed that, and it also allows HDB flats to keep up to two cats.

The licensing scheme serves a few purposes. AVS says it helps with traceability, including in the event of a disease outbreak. It makes it easier to reunite lost cats with their owners, and it encourages responsible ownership — including microchipping and sterilisation.

The two-year transition period gave owners time to get sorted without a mad rush. That window has now closed, which is why the focus has shifted from "register while it's free" to "make sure your cat is licensed".

3 What You Need Before You Register

The application itself is relatively quick, but you do need a few things in place first.

1. Your cat must be microchipped

Microchipping is how the licensing system identifies your cat — your cat's chip number becomes their unique ID, and AVS requires it before you can apply. If your cat was adopted from a shelter or rescue organisation, they may already be chipped, so check your adoption paperwork or ask your vet to scan for a chip. If you got your cat from a private breeder or found them as a stray, check with your vet.

Microchipping is a simple, quick procedure — a small chip about the size of a grain of rice is inserted under the skin by a licensed vet, similar to a routine vaccination. AVS's free microchipping drives have ended, so you'll pay your vet's own fee. It varies between clinics, so ask for a quote first. If you need financial help with sterilisation and microchipping, AVS's Pet Cat Sterilisation Support Programme supports lower-income households.

2. The free online pet ownership course

All first-time cat licence applicants must complete a one-time, free online pet ownership course before a licence can be issued. It covers basic pet care and responsible ownership, and AVS says it takes about 20–30 minutes. Do it before you start your application — you'll find it on AVS's pet ownership course page.

3. Sterilisation certificate (if your cat is sterilised)

Sterilised cats qualify for much cheaper licences, including a one-time lifetime licence. If your cat has been sterilised, dig out the paperwork from your vet. If you've lost it, your vet clinic can usually provide a copy. During the transition period, owners without a certificate could declare sterilisation on the form; that concession was limited to the transition period, so have proof ready.

4. Your SingPass login

The PALS system — which is where you apply — uses SingPass for identity verification. Make sure your SingPass app is set up and working before you start. Most Singapore residents already use SingPass regularly for government services, so this shouldn't be an issue.

Microchipping is quick and low-stress — most cats barely flinch. Your vet can do it in the same visit as a routine checkup.

4 How to Register Your Cat on PALS — Step by Step

PALS stands for Pet Animal Licensing System, and it lives at pals.avs.gov.sg. Make sure your cat is microchipped and you've completed the free pet ownership course first, then follow these steps:

1. Go to pals.avs.gov.sg and log in with SingPass

   Use your SingPass app to scan the QR code or enter your credentials. Once logged in, you'll see your dashboard with any existing pet licences.

2. Select "Apply for a new cat licence"

   Look for the option to apply for a new licence and select cat. This takes you into the application form.

3. Enter your cat's details

   You'll need your cat's name, breed (or mixed breed), age, colour, and most importantly — their microchip number. Have the chip number written down before you start to make this smooth.

4. Upload your sterilisation certificate (if applicable)

   If your cat is sterilised, upload a scan or photo of the certificate from your vet. This qualifies you for the sterilised rates, including the one-time lifetime licence.

5. Confirm your address and contact details

   Your registered address is where AVS will contact you if needed. Make sure it's current. This is especially relevant if you've moved recently.

6. Submit and pay the licence fee

   Choose the licence option that suits your cat (see the fee table below) and pay online. A 10% rebate applies if you pay via GIRO, online or AXS. Once approved, you'll receive confirmation and can view your licence under "My Licences" in PALS.

That's it. Once approved, your electronic licence lives in PALS and you can view or download it anytime.

PALS registration goes quickly when you have your cat's microchip number ready. Your cat will probably supervise.

5 Licence Fees at a Glance

Here's what a cat licence costs from 1 September 2026:

💡 Adult cat fees above are for the first three cats and/or dogs in a household. Fourth and subsequent cats/dogs pay higher licence fees. A reduced fee is available for an eligible fourth cat that is sterilised and adopted from an AVS animal welfare rehoming partner — check the AVS page for details. A 10% rebate applies when paying via GIRO, online, or AXS, and the prices above exclude it. Source: AVS Licence Fees page.

If you have more than one cat, each one needs their own licence — but the PALS process is quick once you've done the first one.

6 How Many Cats Can You Keep?

Each cat needs to be licensed individually. If you have three cats, you'll submit three separate applications on PALS — one for each cat's microchip number. Logging back in and adding another cat is quick once you've done it the first time.

AVS also sets limits on how many cats you can keep:

• HDB flats: up to two cats, plus one dog of an approved breed. Keeping more than HDB allows can lead to a fine of up to S$4,000.
• Private premises (condos and landed homes): up to three cats and/or dogs combined. Condo residents should also check their MCST by-laws.

If you already kept more cats than these limits, AVS lets you keep all your existing pet cats (those owned before 1 September 2024) provided you licensed them during the transition period and their health and welfare are looked after. Owners who did not license their existing cats during the transition period cannot rely on this arrangement and are subject to the standard limits.

Approved cat fosterers can apply under a two-year pilot that began on 3 August 2026, which allows up to six cats in a 3-room or larger HDB sold flat and up to 10 in private premises. Approved fosterers must still license every cat in their care, but AVS waives licence fees for fostered cats during the pilot. Their own pet cats pay the normal fees. See AVS's cat fosterer pilot page for eligibility.

If you'd like a fuller breakdown of pet ownership rules in Singapore, including HDB approved dog breeds and condo regulations, we've covered that in detail separately.

7 What About Community Cats?

This is a question that comes up a lot. Only pet cats need to be licensed. Community cats — cats living outdoors that are fed and looked after by caregivers — don't need a licence, but AVS encourages community cat caregivers to register the cats they look after for traceability. It helps AVS reach you if one of them ends up in a shelter. You can find out how on AVS's microchipping page.

If you've adopted a community cat and brought them into your home as a household pet, they become a pet cat and need to be licensed like any other — the same process described above applies. If you're an active community cat caregiver, reach out to Cat Welfare Society (CWS) for guidance specific to your situation.

8 Keeping Your PALS Record Updated

Getting the licence is just the start. AVS requires you to update your cat's PALS record if any of the following happen:

• Your cat changes address — if you move home, update PALS
• Your cat changes ownership — if you rehome your cat, the licence needs to be transferred
• Your cat goes missing — report it on PALS
• Your cat passes away — update the record so your licence is closed
• Your cat is exported — if they're moving overseas with you

Keeping PALS up to date is part of your legal obligation as a licensed cat owner. It also means if your cat ever goes missing and is found by AVS or a shelter, they can trace them straight back to you — which is the whole point of the microchip and licence working together.

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