Before you bring home a puppy or kitten in Singapore, there are rules to check. Which dog breeds are allowed in HDB flats? How many cats can you keep? Do cats need a licence now? This guide answers the questions new owners search most, quoting HDB and the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), then gives you a practical first shopping list.
Quick answers
- HDB limits: up to 2 cats and 1 dog of an approved breed per flat.
- Licences: dogs and cats must be microchipped and licensed. Keeping an unlicensed cat has been an offence since 1 September 2026.
- Mixed-breed dogs: Project ADORE allows one “Singapore Special” up to 55cm tall in HDB flats.
- Adopting: shelter pets are usually sterilised, vaccinated and behaviour-screened.
Which dogs can I keep in an HDB flat?
HDB allows one dog from its list of approved small breeds:
“You can only keep 1 dog from the list of approved breeds in your flat. Flat owners found to breach this regulation can be fined up to a maximum of $4,000.”
HDB, Guidelines on Keeping Pets
The list includes breeds such as Maltese, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug and Chihuahua. Larger breeds like huskies and golden retrievers are not on it. Local mixed breeds have their own route:
“Through Project ADORE, you will be allowed to own a local mixed-breed dog, also known as Singapore Special, up to 55cm in height in HDB flats.”
HDB, Guidelines on Keeping Pets
How many cats can I keep, and do they need a licence?
Cats were allowed in HDB flats from 2024:
“From 1 September 2024, you may keep up to 2 cats, as well as 1 dog of an approved breed, in your flat.”
HDB, Guidelines on Keeping Pets
The two-year transition period for cat licensing has now ended:
“From 1 September 2026, it will be an offence under the Animals and Birds Act to keep unlicensed pet cats.”
NParks, Cat owners reminded to license their cats
So any new cat must fit within the HDB limit of 2. Private homes can keep up to 3 cats and dogs combined.
How do I license and microchip my pet?
- Microchip first. AVS explains that “microchips provide the most reliable form of permanent identification for your pet as each microchip carries a unique identification code.” Your vet can do this.
- Take the Pet Ownership Course if you are a first-time applicant. AVS says “the course is free and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.”
- Apply online through the AVS Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS).
At the time of writing, AVS lists licence fees of $15 a year for a sterilised pet versus $90 for a non-sterilised one, or a one-time $35 lifetime licence for sterilised pets. Check the AVS licence fees page for current rates.
Should I adopt instead of buy?
Adoption is a popular choice in Singapore, and AVS notes the benefits of adopting from animal welfare groups:
“These pets are sterilised and screened for good behaviour before matching them with potential pet owners. If there are adoption fees, they go towards paying for medical needs, such as sterilisation, deworming, vaccination, and administrative costs of adoption.”
AVS, Adopting from an animal group
What about vaccinations and vet visits?
AVS does not publish a vaccination schedule. Your vet will set one for your pet’s age and health. AVS’s general advice for dogs is:
“Bring your dog for annual veterinary checks and ensure that they are up to date with their vaccinations and preventatives.”
AVS, Caring for a dog
Book a vet visit in the first week. This shopping list covers gear, not medical advice.
Your first shopping list
Feeding
- Food: start with whatever your pet already eats. You will see dry kibble and wet food. Ask your vet before switching.
- Bowls: stainless steel or ceramic, with a non-slip base.
- Airtight container: keeps dry food fresh in our humidity.
Sleeping and travel
- Washable bed, placed away from direct sun
- Secure carrier for vet trips, plus a crate for puppies if you are crate training
For puppies
- Collar with ID tag, lead and a well-fitted harness
- Pee pads, poop bags and an enzyme cleaner for accidents
- Sturdy chew toys sized for your puppy
For kittens
- Low-sided litter box and the litter type they are used to
- Scratching post, wand toys and, later, a cat tree for vertical space
- Window grilles or mesh. Falls from high-rise windows are a real risk for cats in flats.
Singapore stays warm all year, so read our guide to keeping pets cool in Singapore’s heat too.
FAQ
Can I keep a husky in an HDB flat?
No. Huskies are not on HDB’s approved list. They are also heat-intolerant, according to AVS.
Do I need a licence for a hamster or rabbit?
Licensing applies to dogs and cats. AVS lists rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and some other small mammals as animals you can keep as pets.
What happens if I keep 3 cats in an HDB flat?
It breaches HDB’s limit of 2 cats. Check HDB’s guidelines before taking in another pet.
Sources
Shop Pet Supplies on Shiokly
Get your home ready with pet supplies on Shiokly, or explore the full pets category from independent Singapore vendors.