HDB Pet Rules: What You Need to Know Before Getting a Cat or Dog

Thinking of adding a furry friend to your HDB household? It’s exciting to welcome a pet but important to know that HDB has clear guidelines in place to keep everyone — humans and animals alike — living harmoniously. 

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate what pets are allowed, the house rules, and how you can get your pet dog approved in an HDB flat.

Yes, pets are allowed in HDB flats, but with some conditions that help maintain peace in the community:

Cat HDB License

Under the Housing and Development (Animals) Rules 2024, HDB only allows up to two cats and only one dog of an approved small breed to be kept in each residential unit. You can face a fine of up to $4,000 if you fail to comply with HDB’s Rules.

Starting 1 September 2024, all cats kept in HDB flats must be licensed through the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). 

Licensing and Microchipping

Before applying for a license, your cat must be microchipped for permanent identification. This helps keep track of your pet and is crucial if they ever go missing.

There’s a two-year grace period (from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026) for cat owners to get licensing done. If you have more than two cats before 1 September 2024, you can keep them licensed during this period without immediate penalties.

Sterilised cats get a one-time license with no need for renewal. Unsterilised cats have licenses valid for up to three years, after which renewal fees apply.

Not licensing your cat by 31 August 2026 may lead to fines of up to $4,000!

For more information and to apply for licenses, visit the official Cat Management Framework and Licensing a Pet pages.

Pet Ownership Course

First-time cat licence applicants must complete a free one-time online pet ownership course. This 20-30 minute course covers important topics like cat care, health, and responsibilities.

2 Cats Allowed in HDB

Typically, up to two cats are allowed per HDB flat. Owners must also ensure cats are kept safely (e.g., prevent them from roaming freely or falling from height by installing protective barriers).

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Dog HDB License

If a dog is in your plans, HDB allows one dog per flat, but it must be from the approved breeds list. Licensing and microchipping your dog with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) is mandatory.

62 Approved HDB Dog Breeds

Only certain small to medium-sized dog breeds are allowed in HDB flats. HDB flat owners found to breach this regulation can be fined up to a maximum of $4,000.

Here’s a list of the 62 HDB-approved dog breeds: 

1. Affenpinscher
2. Australian Silky Terrier
3. Australian Terrier
4. Bichon Frise
5. Bohemian Terrier
6. Bolognese
7. Brussels Griffon (also known as Griffon Bruxellois)
8. Bichon Havanese
9. Border Terrier
10. Boston Terrier (Lightweight or Middleweight)
11. Cairn Terrier
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
13. Chihuahua
14. Chinese Crested Dog
15. Chinese Imperial Chin
16. Chinese Temple Dog (Classic or Miniature)
17. Coton de Tulear
18. Czech Terrier
19. Dachshund (Light or Miniature)
20. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
21. English Toy Spaniel
22. Griffon Belge
23. German Hunting Terrier
24. Griffon Brabancon
25. Hairless Dog
26. Italian Greyhound
27. Jack Russell Terrier
28. Japanese Spaniel (also known as Chin)
29. Japanese Spitz
30. Lhasa Apso
31. Little Lion Dog
32. Lakeland Terrier
33. Maltese
34. Manchester Terrier
35. Miniature Pinscher
36. Miniature Schnauzer
37. Norfolk Terrier
38. Norwich Terrier
39. Papillon
40. Pekinese
41. Pomeranian
42. Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
43. Pug
44. Schipperke
45. Scottish Terrier
46. Sealyham Terrier
47. Shetland Sheepdog
48. Shih Tzu
49. Silky Terrier
50. Small Continental Spaniel
51. Small English Terrier
52. Small Spitz
53. Smooth Fox Terrier
54. Toy Fox Terrier
55. Toy Terrier
56. Tibetan Spaniel
57. Volpino Italiano
58. West Highland Terrier
59. Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
60. Welsh Terrier
61. Yorkshire Terrier
62. Cross of any 2 breeds in items 1 to 61

Microchipping and Licensing

Your dog must be microchipped and licensed with AVS via PALS. Licences ensure your dog can be identified and help manage overall pet ownership responsibly.

Dog licenses usually need to be renewed periodically, with fees depending on the dog’s sterilisation status. Sterilised dogs pay less and enjoy longer licence periods.

Dog licenses usually need to be renewed periodically, with fees depending on the dog’s sterilisation status. Sterilised dogs pay less and enjoy longer license periods.

Failure to licence or maintain your dog legally can result in fines up to $4,000. Licensing your dog is quick and convenient with an online application through PALS. For detailed steps and breed information, visit Cat and Dog Licensing

1 Dog per HDB

Only one licensed dog is permitted per HDB flat.

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