Getting a pet for your child can offer numerous benefits. Pets teach responsibility by requiring daily care, like feeding and grooming, helping children understand routines and the importance of looking after others. They also promote emotional growth, fostering empathy, compassion, and resilience, especially during difficult times.
Pets encourage communication, improving social skills and helping kids connect with others. Physical activity, especially with a dog, becomes a fun way to stay active. In addition to supporting physical health, pets offer comfort, helping children feel safe and secure during stressful moments.
Caring for a pet boosts self-esteem as children experience the joy of looking after a living creature. Pets also teach valuable life lessons, like coping with loss, and help strengthen family bonds through teamwork and cooperation.
In addition to these emotional and developmental benefits, pets support mental health by reducing stress and providing companionship. They also teach children to respect and care for animals. Ultimately, pets can greatly enrich a child’s life.
In Singapore, owning a pet in an HDB flat comes with specific regulations. Not all pets are allowed due to the need for maintaining peace in high-density living spaces. Violating these rules can result in fines up to $5,000. This guide will help you understand which pets are permitted, the new cat policy, and how to be a responsible pet owner in Singapore.
Choosing the Right Pet for Your Home
When choosing a pet for your HDB home, start by understanding the regulations. Not all animals are allowed—only specific dog breeds are approved, and cats will be allowed with a license starting from 1 September 2024. Space is also a crucial factor, as HDB flats are relatively compact. Smaller pets like hamsters, rabbits, and fish tend to be better suited to these environments.
Other considerations include noise levels and the time you can dedicate to pet care. Some pets require daily grooming, regular exercise, and cleaning, while others are more low-maintenance. You should also think about the pet’s lifespan—certain animals, like turtles and parrots, can live for decades. Additionally, pets with fur or dander may trigger allergies, so maintaining cleanliness is essential, especially in small living spaces. Budgeting for food, grooming, accessories, medical care, and potential vet bills is also necessary. Pet insurance can help manage unexpected costs.
Lastly, consider your household’s lifestyle. Your pet should match your family’s needs, energy level, and living habits to ensure a harmonious living environment.
HDB-Approved Dogs: What You Need to Know
How Many Dogs Can I Keep?
HDB flat owners are allowed only one dog, and it must be from the official list of 62 approved breeds or a mixed breed that meets size requirements.
What About Mixed Breeds and Mongrels?
You can keep a Singapore Special, a local mixed breed, if it meets the following criteria:
- Shoulder height no more than 55cm
- Sterilised
- At least 6 months old
Adopted through Project ADORE, a programme promoting adoption of local mixed breeds.
Project ADORE, supported by organizations like Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD), helps more Singaporeans welcome these loving companions into HDB homes.
Do I Need to Register My Dog?
Yes. All dogs must be licensed with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) through the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). Licensing fees start from $15, depending on the dog’s age and sterilisation status.
List of HDB-Approved Dog Breeds (2023)
Here are some popular breeds from the official list of 62:
- Affenpinscher
- Australian Silky Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Bohemian Terrier
- Bolognese
- Brussels Griffon
- Bichon Havanese
- Border Terrier
- Boston Terrier (lightweight/middleweight)
- Cairn Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Chinese Imperial Chin
- Chinese Temple Dog (classic/miniature)
- Coton de Tulear
- Czech Terrier
- Dachshund (light/miniature)
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- English Toy Spaniel
- Griffon Belge
- German Hunting Terrier
- Griffon Brabancon
- Hairless Dog
- Italian Greyhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
- Japanese Spitz
- Lhasa Apso
- Little Lion Dog
- Lakeland Terrier
- Maltese
- Manchester Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Papillon
- Pekinese
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Pug
- Poodle (Miniature)
- Schipperke
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Shih Tzu
- Silky Terrier
- Small Continental Spaniel
- Small English Terrier
- Small Spitz
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Toy Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Volpino Italiano
- West Highland Terrier
- Wire-haired Fox Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Top 5 HDB-Friendly Dog Breeds in Singapore
- Poodles: Intelligent, trainable, and low-shedding. Available in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes.
- Pomeranians: Small and cheerful. Needs moderate exercise.
- Singapore Special: Loyal and adaptable. Great for Singapore’s climate.
- Japanese Spitz: Sociable, fluffy, and easy to train.
- Shetland Sheepdogs: Smart, gentle, and manageable with regular exercise.
Popular Dog Breeds Not Allowed in HDB Flats
Unfortunately, some much-loved dog breeds are not HDB-approved. These include:
- Corgi: Too energetic with strong herding instincts.
- Golden Retriever: Large size and high activity levels.
- Shiba Inu: Independent and stubborn, difficult for first-time owners.
- Husky: Needs space and exercise, not suited to Singapore’s climate.
- Labrador Retriever: Friendly but needs a larger living space.
If you live in private housing, you have more flexibility with your choice of dog breed.
HDB-Approved Cats: What You Need to Know
As of 2 December 2023, the Singapore government announced that HDB residents will be allowed to keep up to two cats per flat, starting from the second half of 2024.
- Key points of the proposed cat management framework:
- Maximum of 2 cats per HDB flat, 3 cats for private homes
- Mandatory microchipping and licensing
- Two-year grace period to allow for adjustments
- Penalties similar to those for illegal dog ownership
This change ends a 34-year ban on cats in public housing and is a major win for cat lovers.
Do I Need to Register My Cat?
All pet cats must be licensed to ensure traceability in the event of a disease outbreak. This helps protect both animals and the community.
Starting 1 September 2024, you can apply for a new cat licence online through the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). Before submitting your application, please review the requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth process.
Top 5 HDB-Friendly Cat Breeds in Singapore
- British Shorthair: Calm, independent, and low-maintenance; perfect for busy apartment dwellers.
- Burmese: Affectionate and sociable cats that thrive on human companionship.
- Ragdoll: Gentle, cuddly, and laid-back—ideal for families and quiet homes.
- Devon Rex: Playful and curious with a quirky look and low-shedding coat.
- American Shorthair: Easygoing and adaptable with a balanced, relaxed temperament.
Other Pets You Can Keep in HDB Flats
Besides cats and approved dog breeds, HDB residents can also keep small pets, provided they do not cause inconvenience to neighbours. Here’s what’s allowed:
- Hamsters: Small, quiet, and easy to care for, ideal for compact living spaces.
- Guinea Pigs: Gentle and sociable, they enjoy interaction without needing much room.
- Rabbits: Affectionate and trainable, rabbits thrive indoors with proper space and care.
- Mice: Low-maintenance and entertaining, mice are great for those with limited space.
- Chinchillas: Soft, clean, and quiet, they adapt well to cool, indoor environments.
- Fish: Colorful and calming, fish tanks add life and beauty to small homes.
- Birds: Chirpy and social, many small birds make lively companions for flat dwellers.
- Green Tree Frogs: Low-noise and visually interesting, these frogs are easy to observe and care for.
- Red-Eared Sliders: Hardy and long-lived, they’re fascinating aquatic turtles for patient owners.
- Malayan Box Turtles: Quiet and low-interaction pets, ideal for those who enjoy unique creatures.
- Land Hermit Crabs: Quirky and low-maintenance, hermit crabs are fun to watch and easy to house.
Always ensure your pet is not part of the illegal wildlife trade and isn’t classified as a wild or exotic animal.
Banned Pets in Singapore
These animals are not allowed in HDB flats or as pets in general:
- Hedgehogs
- Iguanas
- Snakes
- Sugar gliders
- Tarantulas
- Scorpions
- Crocodilian reptiles
- Bearded dragons
- Star tortoises
- Salamanders
Such animals may pose health or safety risks and can disturb the local ecosystem if released.
Adopt Responsibly: Don’t Rush Into Pet Ownership
While certain pets are legally allowed in HDB flats or condos, that doesn’t mean everyone should rush to adopt one. Pet ownership is a long-term commitment that requires serious thought. You’ll need to consider your daily schedule, your home’s size, your energy levels, and your budget. Pets need regular feeding, grooming, cleaning, mental stimulation, and medical care—all of which take time and money.
If you’re not quite ready for a pet, start small. Houseplants are a great first step. They add life and color to your home and help you build a habit of daily care with far less responsibility.
Clean Homes, Happy Pets
A clean home is a healthy home for both you and your pet. Regular vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and keeping litter boxes or cages clean will go a long way in preventing odors, pests, and health issues. This is especially important for pets that shed fur or may have the occasional accident indoors.
If your schedule is tight, consider outsourcing the job. Many online platforms offer pet-friendly cleaning services that you can book easily. It’s a convenient way to maintain a fresh and hygienic home environment.
Consider Pet Insurance
Unexpected vet bills can quickly add up, especially during emergencies. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind by covering the cost of treatments for illnesses, accidents, and sometimes even chronic or hereditary conditions. With many plans available in Singapore, it’s important to read the fine print and compare coverage before signing up. Look out for exclusions, waiting periods, and reimbursement limits to find a plan that suits your needs.
Owning a pet in your HDB flat can be a fulfilling experience, as long as you’re aware of the rules and ready for the responsibility. Be sure to check official sources like NParks and HDB for the latest regulations. With proper planning and care, your pet can become a cherished member of your family.
