Singapore’s Newest Pet Laws & Guidelines in 2025: What Paw-Rents Need to Know

Last updated: May 30, 2025

Pet ownership in Singapore has come a long way over the years. With the growing number of pet lovers across the island, there has also been an increasing need to ensure that animal welfare keeps pace with urban living. In response, authorities have introduced several new regulations that not only safeguard pets but also ensure harmonious living among neighbours. Staying updated on the latest pet laws is essential in 2025.

As a responsible paw-rent, knowing your obligations helps you provide a safe, legal, and loving environment for your
furry friends. From licensing rules to pet ownership education, here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant and be a responsible pet parent in Singapore today!

The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), officially rolled out the Mandatory Cat Licensing Scheme starting 1 September 2024. This is part of a broader Cat Management Framework designed to promote responsible cat ownership and reduce issues like abandonment and nuisance in residential areas.

Key details all cat owners in Singapore should know:

• Licensing is mandatory for all cat owners in HDB flats. This marks the first time that cats are officially regulated under HDB’s pet ownership framework, aligning the rules closer to those for dogs.
• Each HDB household is allowed to keep up to two cats. If you wish to keep more than two, you must apply for special approval from the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Special approval will typically be considered based on factors such as your ability to manage and care for multiple cats responsibly, the size of your home, and the behaviour of your pets. You can find more information or apply through the AVS Special Approval Application Page.
• The scheme is currently in a free transition period that runs until 31 August 2026. During this time, cat owners can register their cats without any licensing fees.
• Licensing your cat includes providing details like your cat’s microchip number, sterilisation status, and vaccination records.
• Microchipping is strongly encouraged. While not yet mandatory, microchipping greatly aids in reuniting lost cats with their owners and may become a requirement in the near future.
• Cat owners in non-HDB residences (e.g. condos and landed properties) are currently not required to license their cats, but responsible pet ownership is still expected.
• Owners must ensure their cats are kept indoors or within their property, which includes areas such as balconies, service yards, and other enclosed parts of the home. Shared common areas like corridors, stairwells, and lift lobbies are not considered part of a private residence and should not be used to let cats roam freely to prevent nuisance or danger to the community.
• A new Compulsory Pet Ownership Course must be completed before licensing, especially for first-time pet owners.
• Cat welfare groups and community cat caregivers will also play a role in supporting compliance and facilitating responsible rehoming.

Additional Tip: Start the licensing process early to avoid last-minute rushes, and get your cat microchipped and sterilised to meet the recommended best practices.

Reference Links:

• HDB Press Release on Cat Licensing
• CNA Cat Licensing Overview
• NParks Cat Management Framework

Pet dogs in HDB flats must conform to strict breed guidelines. Only small or medium-sized breeds listed under HDB rules are allowed.

Project ADORE (Adoption and Rehoming of Dogs) is a joint initiative by AVS, HDB, and animal welfare groups that allows certain larger mixed-breed dogs—commonly referred to as Singapore Specials—to be kept in HDB flats under specific conditions. This initiative helps improve adoption rates and give local strays a second chance.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Only dogs from approved rehoming partners (like SPCA, SOSD, ASD, Causes for Animals) are eligible for adoption under Project ADORE. To qualify as an approved rehoming partner, organisations must meet criteria set by AVS, such as having a proven track record of successful rehoming, established protocols for behaviour and health assessments, and the capacity to provide post-adoption support. This ensures that only well-evaluated dogs with manageable temperaments and health conditions are placed into HDB homes.
• Dogs must be medium-sized (shoulder height up to 55cm) and show non-aggressive temperament.
• Adopted dogs under the scheme must be sterilised, microchipped, and undergo obedience training.
• A strict trial homestay and assessment process is implemented before full adoption.
• All adopted dogs must be licensed with AVS.
• Each HDB household can keep only one dog, and that dog must be either HDB-approved or accepted under Project ADORE.
• Project ADORE applicants must attend pre-adoption briefings and adhere to follow-up inspections.
• If you live in a private property, you’re allowed to keep up to three licensed dogs (with no breed restriction), or more with a special license.
• There are also strict bans on owning certain large or aggressive breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Akitas, Rottweilers, and similar types.
• Failure to comply with these restrictions can result in fines and the removal of the pet.

It's important to understand that certain large or aggressive breeds—like Pit Bulls, Akitas, or Rottweilers—are banned in Singapore altogether, regardless of housing type.

Additional Tip: Always check the AVS pet licensing page to ensure your breed is HDB-compatible, especially if you're planning to adopt a dog or move into an HDB.

Reference Links:

• HDB-Friendly Dogs via SOSD
• Pets in HDB Flats – AVS
• Project ADORE Overview
• Condo & HDB Pet Rules Breakdown

From 1 July 2024, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) implemented a revamped import framework for cats and dogs. This update primarily affects pet owners planning to relocate to Singapore, adopt pets from overseas, or travel internationally with their animals.
 

Here’s what changed:

• The previous 4-category classification of countries has been replaced with a streamlined 3-schedule system, in alignment with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
• All pets must be microchipped and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before import and no more than 12 months prior.
• A Rabies Antibody Titre Test (RATT) is now compulsory for Schedule II and III countries and must be conducted at an AVS-recognised lab.
• Importers must obtain an Import Licence, Veterinary Health Certificate, and ensure pets meet all vaccination and health requirements.
• Pets from Schedule III countries may face additional quarantine checks and procedures if documentation is incomplete or inconsistent.
• A new AVS E-Service portal has been launched to facilitate online applications, document submissions, and import tracking.

Why this matters: Singapore is a rabies-free country. These protocols are designed to maintain that status while allowing pet movement to continue in a safe and controlled manner.

Additional Tip: If you're relocating or adopting from abroad, begin the import process at least 3–6 months ahead. Delays in titre testing or documentation can affect travel plans.

Reference Links:

• Ferndale Kennels Rabies Law Update
• AVS Pet Import Requirements
• Pet Shipping Trends (2024–2025)
  

In 2025, amendments to the Animals and Birds Act were passed to further strengthen the protection of animals in Singapore. These enhancements reflect the country's continued commitment to improving animal welfare standards.

What’s new and important:

• Increased penalties: Offenders now face higher fines and longer jail terms for acts of cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. Repeat offenders may also face enhanced penalties.
• Expanded definitions of cruelty: The law now explicitly covers emotional and psychological abuse, including long-term neglect, intentional intimidation, or causing distress through poor living conditions. Examples may include prolonged confinement in cramped cages, lack of socialisation, or deprivation of stimulation.
• Improved enforcement tools: AVS has more authority to conduct proactive investigations and intervene in suspected abuse cases even without a formal complaint.
• Whistleblower protection and support: Individuals reporting animal abuse are offered more privacy and protection.
• Animal welfare officers have been given greater capacity to monitor shelters, pet shops, and breeders to ensure humane treatment.

If you witness cruelty:

• Contact the SPCA at 6287 5355 (ext. 9) or report online via their Cruelty Reporting Page.
• Alternatively, use the AVS feedback portal to lodge a report anonymously.

Reference Links:

• SPCA Cruelty Investigations
• AVS Enforcement Process
  
  

If you already have a pet in Singapore, here’s a checklist to stay compliant:

• Check licensing status (especially for cats).
• Microchip and register all pets.
• Review housing rules (HDB, condo, or landed).
• Complete the ownership course if applicable.
• Follow AVS updates and join pet owner communities.

If you have been a pet owner for a while, this is a good time to revisit your responsibilities. Even if your pet was adopted or licensed years ago, some of the new guidelines could still affect you—especially in areas like housing regulations and updated animal welfare provisions. For example, if you plan to adopt another cat, you'll need to ensure it aligns with the new HDB cat limit and licensing rules. If you're in a condo, check with your MCST about any policy changes that may restrict the number or type of pets.

Also, if your pet has not been microchipped or vaccinated recently, consider getting a check-up and updating their health records. It not only ensures compliance, but more importantly, contributes to your pet’s long-term well-being. Additionally, joining a pet owner group or subscribing to AVS updates can help you stay ahead of future changes.

Additional Tip: Some condos have stricter rules than HDBs. Check your MCST by-laws before getting a new pet.

Singapore's updated pet laws in 2025 reflect a maturing society that prioritises animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, animal protection, and community harmony. These changes encourage better preparedness among pet owners and provide greater protection for animals, ensuring their physical and psychological well-being is prioritised across all stages of ownership. By staying informed and compliant, you not only avoid legal trouble but also create a safe, loving environment for your pets.

Remember: Being informed = being a truly responsible and loving paw-rent!

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