Rules and licensing
Pets in HDB flats: the rules for dogs and cats
What HDB allows for dogs and cats in 2026, including the one-dog rule, approved breeds, Singapore Specials under Project ADORE and the two-cat limit.
Most Singapore households live in HDB flats, and HDB has clear rules on which pets you can keep. Here is a plain summary, based on HDB and AVS guidance as of October 2026.
Dogs: one dog, from the approved list
- You can keep one dog in an HDB flat, and it must be from HDB's list of approved breeds. The list has 61 named breeds, and crosses of any two of them are also allowed.
- You do not need HDB approval for an approved breed, but the dog must be licensed with AVS.
- Breaking the rules can mean a fine of up to S$4,000.
HDB publishes the full breed list on its website. Check it before you commit to a dog, because size and breed matter.
Singapore Specials and Project ADORE
Under Project ADORE, you can keep one local mixed-breed dog of up to 55cm in height in your flat, adopted through the scheme. Retired sniffer dogs of four breeds (Labrador, English Springer, Cocker Spaniel and Pointer) can also be adopted under the ADORE K-9 Scheme.
Trained assistance dogs for eligible persons with disabilities have their own route, which includes registration and AVS licensing.
Cats: up to two
Since 1 September 2024, HDB flats may keep up to two cats, as well as one dog of an approved breed.
- Every pet cat must be microchipped and licensed with AVS. The transition period for licensing existing cats ended on 31 August 2026.
- Owners who already had more than two cats before 1 September 2024 could keep them if they applied for their licences by that date.
- From 1 September 2026, keeping an unlicensed pet cat is an offence.
Being a good neighbour
The rules are the minimum. A few habits keep everyone on the block happy:
- Keep your dog leashed in common areas, as the law requires in public places.
- Clean up after your pet straight away.
- Keep cats indoors and safe with window and balcony meshing. See our indoor cat enrichment ideas.
- Work on barking or other noise early, with a trainer if needed.
Rules change. Always check HDB and AVS directly before you get a pet.
