By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
Every pet cat and dog in Singapore must be licensed with the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Cat licensing was free during a two-year transition that ended on 31 August 2026. From 1 September 2026, cats and dogs pay the same fees. A sterilised pet can have a one-time licence for life for S$35, or a one-year licence for S$15. An unsterilised one costs S$90 a year. An HDB flat can keep up to two cats and one dog of an approved breed; a private home, up to three cats and dogs in total.
Quick facts
- All pet cats and dogs must be licensed.
- Sterilised pet: S$35 for a lifetime licence, or S$15 a year.
- Unsterilised pet: S$90 a year.
- HDB flats: up to two cats and one dog of an approved breed.
- Private homes: up to three cats and dogs combined.
- Pay online, by GIRO or at AXS for a 10% rebate.
What does a licence cost?
From 1 September 2026, for cats and dogs alike:
| Licence | First three pets, sterilised | First three pets, unsterilised | Fourth and later |
|---|---|---|---|
| One year | S$15 | S$90 | S$180 |
| Two years | S$25 | S$165 | S$325 |
| Three years | — | S$230 | S$460 |
| One-time (lifetime) | S$35 | — | S$460 |
Pets under five months old pay S$15. A fourth pet costs the same as the first three if it’s a sterilised, obedience-trained mongrel, or a sterilised cat, adopted from one of AVS’s rehoming partners. When an unsterilised pet on a three-year licence is sterilised, the licence switches to a one-time licence.
What did the transition mean for cat owners?
From 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026, cat licences were free. Sterilised cats licensed in that window got free lifetime licences. Owners with more cats than the new limits could keep all the cats they already had, as long as they licensed them in time. New cats since 1 September 2024 must fit within the limits.
What do I need before applying?
- A microchip in the pet.
- For first-time cat licence applicants, a free one-time online pet ownership course.
- An application on AVS’s Pet Animal Licensing System.
A licence isn’t permission from HDB or your estate to keep the pet there; check their rules separately. In public, cats must be kept under physical control and dogs leashed and supervised.
The WahLiao Verdict
Sterilise, then take the S$35 lifetime licence: it’s the cheapest licence there is, and cheaper than S$90 every year. Check the HDB limits and approved dog breeds before you adopt, not after.
Questions people ask
I missed the free cat-licensing window. What now?
License your cat now at the current fees. Keeping an unlicensed cat is now an offence.
Can I keep more than the limit?
In a private home, only with AVS’s prior approval. HDB residents also need HDB’s approval.
Can I keep any dog in an HDB flat?
Only one, and only of an HDB-approved breed.
Is there a discount for paying online?
Yes. Paying by GIRO, online or at AXS gets a 10 per cent rebate.
Sources: AVS, cat and dog licensing and fees; AVS, licensing of cats; AVS, limits of ownership; Cat Welfare Society on the Cat Management Framework; Seth Lui on the end of the free window.
Read next: HDB Minimum Occupation Period Explained · Back to The Big Buy
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
