Rules and licensing
Licensing and microchipping your pet in Singapore
A clear guide to dog and cat licences in Singapore, including the Pet Ownership Course, microchipping, renewals and what to update when you move.
Licensing is how AVS keeps track of pets and reunites lost animals with their owners. Since the cat licensing transition ended on 31 August 2026, it applies to all dogs and all cats.
Who needs a licence
Under the Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024, all cats and dogs must be licensed.
- If you are licensing a pet for the first time, you must complete the Pet Ownership Course before you apply.
- Applications are made online through AVS's Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS).
Microchipping
- A dog licence requires the dog to be implanted with a microchip.
- Pet cats must also be microchipped and licensed.
Your vet can implant the chip. Keep the chip number with your pet's records.
A licence is not permission for your home
A licence does not approve where you keep your pet. You still need to confirm with HDB or your estate management that your pet is allowed at your address. See pets in HDB flats.
Keep it up to date
As a licensee you must:
- renew the licence before it expires;
- report a change of address or licensee;
- cancel the licence if your pet goes missing, is exported or dies.
Out and about
- Dogs must be leashed and supervised in public places.
- Cats must be under physical control in public spaces, for example in a carrier.
- Some breeds, including German Shepherds and Rottweilers, are specified dogs with extra conditions such as muzzling in public.
Why it matters
Breaching cat-keeping rules or licence conditions can lead to a fine of up to S$5,000. More importantly, a microchip and an up-to-date licence give a lost pet the best chance of coming home.
Fees and conditions can change. Check the AVS website for the current details before you apply.
