Good news if you've been holding off on getting a pet: Singapore's rules have actually become much more welcoming in recent years. The biggest change? Cats are now officially allowed in HDB flats — ending a 34-year ban — and the licensing process for both dogs and cats is simpler than it sounds.

If this is your first pet in Singapore (or your first time reading the fine print), you're in the right place. This guide walks you through exactly what you're allowed to keep, what paperwork is involved, and what your building may add on top — all in plain language, updated for 2026.

1 Quick-Reference Snapshot: What Can I Keep?

Use this table to get an instant answer based on your housing type. Details for each category follow in the sections below.

HDB rules for pets differ significantly from private housing — here's everything you need to know.

2 HDB Dog Rules: What You Need to Know

The rules around HDB dogs can sound complicated at first — but they really boil down to three things: the right breed, the right number, and a licence. Let's go through each one so you know exactly where you stand.

The 62 Approved Breeds

Under the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules 2024, HDB residents may keep one dog from the approved breed list. These are mostly smaller, lower-energy breeds suited to apartment living. Here are some of the most popular approved breeds:

For the complete official list, refer directly to the HDB approved breeds page.

Common Breeds That Are NOT Approved for HDB

These popular breeds are frequently mistaken as HDB-compliant. They are not. They can be kept in private housing, subject to AVS licensing and MCST by-laws.

The Weight Limit Myth

Project ADORE: Adopting a Singapore Special in an HDB

Singapore Specials (local mixed-breed dogs) are not on the approved breed list — but they can still live in HDB flats through Project ADORE, an initiative run by AVS and HDB in partnership with approved Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs).

1. The dog must be under 55cm at the shoulder and at least 6 months old.
2. Adoption must be through an AVS-approved Animal Welfare Group (such as SPCA, SOSD, Action for Singapore Dogs, or Causes for Animals Singapore).
3. The dog must pass a temperament assessment conducted by the AWG.
4. The new owner must complete mandatory basic obedience training with an AVS-accredited trainer.
5. A trial homestay period is required, with post-adoption support from the AWG.

Only one dog per HDB unit is allowed under Project ADORE — the same limit as the standard approved breed rule. Under the Project ADORE K-9 Scheme — a permanent scheme formalised in 2022 — HDB residents can also adopt retired K-9 sniffer dogs (Labradors, English Springers, Cocker Spaniels, and Pointers). This is open to the public, not just K-9 handlers. Adoption is through organised drives by K-9 units such as the SAF Military Working Dog Unit, and all adopters must pass screening and complete mandatory obedience training.

Completely Prohibited Breeds

The following breeds are not permitted anywhere in Singapore — not in HDB flats, not in private housing, not at all. They cannot be imported and no licence will be issued:

• Pit Bull types (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and their crosses)
• Akita
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Boerboel
• Fila Brasileiro
• Perro de Presa Canario

All cats in Singapore must be licenced with AVS by 31 August 2026 — licensing is currently free.

3 The New Cat Rules: What Changed in 2024

If you've heard that "cats are now allowed in HDB" and felt a mix of excitement and confusion — you're not alone. A lot changed on 1 September 2024, and some of it still isn't widely understood. Here's exactly what the new rules mean for you as a cat owner.

What's Allowed Now

• HDB flats: Up to 2 cats per household, both must be licenced.
• Private premises: Up to 3 cats/dogs in total (any combination).
• Owners with more than 2 cats owned before 1 September 2024 may keep all their existing cats, provided they are licenced within the transition period.
• You cannot acquire new cats beyond the limit during the transition period.

The Cat Licensing Requirement

All pet cats in Singapore must now be licenced via the PALS system (Pet Animal Licensing System) at pals.avs.gov.sg. To apply, you will need:

• A microchipped cat (microchipping is mandatory for licensing)
• Completion of the free online pet ownership course at AVS (one-time, mandatory for first-time cat licence applicants)
• Your cat's vaccination records
• Sterilisation certificate (if applicable — sterilised cats get a cheaper lifetime licence)

Why You Should Sterilise Your Cat

• Sterilised cats receive a one-time lifetime licence (S$35 after the free period, paid once ever).
• Unsterilised cats require a renewable S$90/year licence.
• Sterilised cats have reduced risk of certain cancers and sexually motivated behaviours like caterwauling.
• The vast majority of licenced cats in Singapore are sterilised — AVS data from August 2025 shows about 95% of licenced cats were sterilised.

Free Microchipping Drives

If cost is a concern, AVS runs regular free microchipping drives at community centres, schools, and veterinary clinics across Singapore. In 2025 alone, over 30 such events were planned. Microchipping typically costs S$50–S$100 at a vet clinic if you go the private route. Lower-income households can also access the Pet Cat Sterilisation Support (PCSS) programme for free sterilisation and microchipping.

4 How to Licence Your Dog or Cat: Step-by-Step

Don't worry — licensing your pet is much simpler than it sounds. Most owners get it done in under 30 minutes from a phone or laptop. Here's the step-by-step:

1. Complete the free online pet ownership course

   Mandatory for all first-time cat licence applicants. Recommended (though not required) for dogs. Available free of charge at the AVS website. Takes about 20–30 minutes. You will receive a certificate of completion.

2. Microchip your pet

   Microchipping is mandatory for both dogs and cats before a licence can be issued. If your pet is not yet chipped, book a vet appointment or look out for an upcoming AVS free microchipping drive. Cost: approximately S$50–S$100 at a private clinic.

3. Gather your documents

   You will need: your pet's microchip number, vaccination history, and sterilisation certificate (if applicable). Having a photo of your pet is encouraged.

4. Log in to PALS with SingPass

   Go to pals.avs.gov.sg and log in using SingPass. Non-SingPass users can create a PALS account using other identification. Click Apply Licence under e-Services.

5. Fill in details and upload documents

   Enter your address, your pet's details (breed, age, microchip ID), and upload the relevant documents. For sterilised pets, upload the sterilisation certificate to qualify for the reduced lifetime licence fee.

6. Pay the licence fee

   Pay online or at an AXS station. A 10% rebate applies for GIRO, online, or AXS payment. Select your preferred duration (1-year, 2-year, 3-year, or one-time lifetime for sterilised pets).

7. Download your electronic licence

   Once approved, your licence is available in the My Licences tab on PALS. You can view or download it anytime. Keep it accessible in case of any queries.

Licence Fees at a Glance

* A 10% rebate is available for online or GIRO payment. Prices exclude rebate. Fees are subject to change — verify at avs.nparks.gov.sg before applying.

Condo residents must follow both national AVS rules and their building's MCST by-laws — which can be stricter.

5 Condo Pet Rules: What HDB Owners Get Wrong

Living in a private condo adds one more layer to the picture. On top of the national rules set by AVS, your building's management committee (called the MCST) can set their own, stricter rules — think of it like a building's own mini-rulebook. The national rules are the floor; your condo's by-laws may raise it further.

This means: even if AVS permits your dog breed and your pet is licenced, your condo may still restrict it.

National Rules for Private Premises

• Up to 3 cats and/or dogs in total (any combination) per private residential unit.
• To keep more than 3, you must apply for special approval from AVS. Applications are evaluated case by case.
• All pets must still be licenced with AVS.
• Specified prohibited breeds (Pit Bulls, Akitas, etc.) cannot be kept anywhere, regardless of housing type.

What MCST By-Laws Can Add

• Breed restrictions: Some condos ban large breeds or specific types even where AVS permits them.
• Leash and carrier rules: Most condos require dogs to be leashed in all common areas — corridors, lift lobbies, poolside, carparks.
• Lift etiquette: Many developments require pets to be carried or in a bag/carrier inside lifts.
• No access to certain amenities: Pools, gyms, BBQ pits, and function rooms are typically off-limits to pets.
• Nuisance clauses: Under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA), owners may not allow their pet to cause annoyance to other residents. Persistent barking is the most common complaint.
• Cleaning obligations: Failure to clean up after your dog in common areas can result in formal complaints and fines.

How to Check Your Condo's By-Laws

1. Ask your managing agent or MCST management office for the latest by-laws before signing a lease or making an offer.
2. Look specifically for the Keeping of Pets clause and any Common Property Use section.
3. If you are renting, ask your landlord to disclose pet restrictions in the tenancy agreement before you sign.

If a Neighbour Complains About Your Pet

If a complaint is made against you — typically for persistent barking, off-leash behaviour, or uncleaned waste — the typical escalation path is:

1. MCST management attempts informal resolution.
2. If unresolved: Community Mediation Centre (CMC) — a neutral, low-cost mediation service.
3. If still unresolved: Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT) — a formal legal avenue.

In most cases, good-faith communication and early training resolve issues before they escalate.

6 Other HDB-Approved Pets: Beyond Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats get most of the attention, but there is a wide range of other animals that HDB residents are permitted to keep. If you are in a smaller flat, or simply prefer lower-maintenance companionship, these are worth knowing about.

Permitted in HDB Flats (No Licence Required)

Not Permitted Anywhere in Singapore

• Ferrets — banned island-wide, not just HDB
• Monkeys and other primates
• Venomous snakes
• Wild animals of any kind
• Early-generation Bengal and Savannah cats (F1–F4 hybrids)

7 Being a Good Pet Owner in Community Housing

Singapore's pet regulations are ultimately designed to do one thing: allow as many people as possible to enjoy pet ownership while maintaining the high standard of neighbourly living that HDB and condo communities depend on. Compliance with the rules is the floor, not the ceiling.

Managing Noise

• Dogs: Train puppies early with positive reinforcement to minimise reactive barking. If your dog is left alone for long periods, enrichment toys and puzzle feeders can help reduce anxiety-driven barking. Anti-bark training devices (citronella collars or vibration collars) can be effective for persistent cases.
• Cats: Caterwauling in unsterilised cats is common and audible through thin walls. This is one of the strongest practical reasons to sterilise.
• Quiet hours: While Singapore has no strict pet-noise curfew, the general expectation is that noise should not disturb neighbours, particularly after 10:30pm. Your Town Council or MCST may have specific guidance.

Securing Cats Indoors

Under the Cat Management Framework, cat owners are legally required to prevent cats from freely roaming outside the flat — this is a statutory obligation, and owners found in breach are liable for an offence. This means:

• Installing window mesh or grilles to prevent cats from falling or escaping (high-floor falls have caused serious injuries).
• Keeping the main door secured, especially in high-traffic households.
• Using a harness and leash when bringing cats out in public — cats must be under physical control at all times outside the home.

In Common Areas

• Keep dogs on a leash in all shared spaces — void decks, corridors, lifts, carparks.
• Always carry poop bags and clean up immediately. Fines apply for not doing so.
• Do not allow pets to urinate on corridor walls or lift floors. These are shared spaces that affect dozens of neighbours.
• If you notice a neighbour is anxious around your pet, acknowledge it and manage your pet proactively — this goes a long way toward maintaining goodwill.

Introducing a New Pet to Your Building

A brief, friendly heads-up to immediate neighbours — especially those who share a wall or floor — before you bring a new pet home is a simple gesture that pays dividends. Most pet-related disputes arise not from the pet itself, but from the feeling that a neighbour did not consider others. Proactive communication reframes the relationship entirely.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & Useful Links

• 🏛️ HDB — Keeping Pets: hdb.gov.sg — Keeping Pets
• 🐾 AVS — Cat Management Framework: avs.nparks.gov.sg — Cat Management Framework
• 📋 AVS — Licensing requirements: avs.nparks.gov.sg — Licensing a Pet
• 💻 PALS — Apply for a licence: pals.avs.gov.sg
• 🐕 AVS — Limits of ownership: Limits of Ownership page
• 💰 AVS — Licence fees: Licence Fees page