Moving to Singapore with your furry family? Our comprehensive pets guide covers everything you need to know, from importing your pet to housing rules, pet-friendly venues, and protecting them with insurance.
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Country categories, quarantine requirements, and step-by-step process.
Learn more →HDB vs private housing, approved breeds, and cultural considerations.
Learn more →Compare plans, understand coverage, and get expert recommendations.
Learn more →Singapore allows the import of dogs and cats from most countries, regulated by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) under NParks. The requirements depend on which category your home country falls into. Planning ahead is essential as the process takes 2-6 months depending on your origin country.
No quarantine required. Dogs and cats can enter Singapore directly after clearing AVS inspection.
Countries include:
Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Japan, Hawaii, Guam
10-30 days quarantine at licensed facilities (depending on documentation completeness).
Countries include:
USA, Canada, EU countries, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia
Extended quarantine (30+ days) or import not permitted for high-risk rabies countries.
Includes:
India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and most African/South American countries
ISO Microchip
15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccinations.
Rabies Vaccination
Valid rabies shot (must be given after microchip implant).
Blood Test (RNATT)
Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test from approved lab (Cat B/C).
Import Permit
Apply via AVS online portal at least 2 weeks before arrival.
6 Months Before
Microchip implant, then rabies vaccination
3-4 Months
RNATT blood test at approved lab
2 Months
Apply AVS import permit & book quarantine
7-10 Days
Vet health certificate & parasite treatment
Arrival
Changi Animal Quarantine Centre inspection
Most pets travel as cargo on pet-friendly airlines. Small pets may travel in-cabin on some airlines.
💡 Tip: Book pet cargo early as space is limited, especially during peak seasons.
Consider hiring a professional pet relocation company to handle the complex paperwork:
💡 Costs: S$2,000-5,000+ depending on origin country and services needed.
Singapore has strict rules about pet ownership based on your housing type. Understanding these before you move is crucial, especially if you're renting or living in HDB flats.
Strict Restrictions Apply
Dogs — Highly Restricted
Only 1 dog from the HDB-approved small breed list (max shoulder height 40cm, weight 10kg). Must obtain HDB approval.
Cats — Now Allowed (Sep 2024)
As of September 1, 2024, cats are officially allowed in HDB flats. Up to 2 cats per household with mandatory licensing and microchipping via PALS.
Small Pets — Generally Allowed
Hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, tortoises, and certain caged birds are permitted.
⚠️ Important Restrictions:
More Flexible Options
Condominiums
Rules set by the MCST (Management Corporation). Most allow 1-2 pets with size/weight limits. Check condo by-laws before signing lease.
Landed Houses
Most flexible option. Multiple pets and large dogs generally allowed. Still need landlord permission if renting.
Serviced Apartments
Most don't allow pets. A few pet-friendly options exist (Frasers, Somerset select properties).
✓ Pro Tips for Renters:
Only these small breeds are allowed in HDB flats. Dogs must be under 40cm shoulder height and 10kg:
+ many more small breeds and approved mixed breeds. View full HDB approved list →
Pet insurance offers financial protection against unexpected veterinary expenses and third-party liabilities. Key providers include Happy Tails, Silversky Protect, PetCare, Tiq Pet Insurance, and CIMB My Paw Pal.
Our pets can get sick or injured, and treatments can cost a lot of money. Even healthy pets may get into trouble—like swallowing a foreign object.
💰 Afford Timely Treatment
Your pet gets the care they need when they need it.
🏥 Better Quality Care
Access to better healthcare options without financial stress.
❤️ Peace of Mind
Focus on being there for your pet, not worrying about bills.
The core of most policies—covering diagnosis, medication, surgery, and hospitalisation. Some plans like MSIG's Silversky offer up to S$20,000 annual limits.
Many comprehensive plans include coverage for non-surgical outpatient treatments such as consultations, vomit/diarrhea treatments, and ear infections.
Protects you financially if your pet causes injury to another person or damage to their property. Coverage can be up to S$500,000.
Some plans like Silversky Protect offer cancer treatment coverage up to S$2,500 per year.
Coverage for cremation or burial expenses in the event of pet loss. Typically ranges from S$250 to S$500.
Some policies offer extras: emergency pet accommodation if owner is hospitalised, loss of pet due to theft, and wellness care benefits.
To be eligible for pet insurance in Singapore, pets must typically meet the following criteria:
🐕 Species
Generally limited to dogs and cats only.
📅 Age
Usually between 8-12 weeks and 7-9 years old at policy start.
📍 Location
The pet must reside in Singapore with the owner.
💉 Identification
Must be microchipped and fully vaccinated. Dogs need AVS license.
❤️ Health Status
Pets should be healthy and free from existing medical conditions.
🚫 Usage
Not a working pet (e.g., for racing, breeding, or guarding).
| Feature | Silversky Protect (MSIG) |
Tiq Pet Insurance (Etiqa) |
PetCare (Liberty) |
Happy Tails (Income/AON) |
My Paw Pal (CIMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Premium (Dog) | From S$289 | From S$216 | From S$300 | From S$350 | From S$200 |
| Accidental Death | S$1,000-3,000 | S$1,000-3,000 | S$500 | S$1,000-2,000 | Add-on |
| Third-Party Liability | S$100,000-500,000 | S$100,000-500,000 | S$100,000 | S$100,000-500,000 | Add-on |
| Non-Surgery Treatment | S$300-1,500/yr | S$200-800/yr | S$500/yr (50% co-pay) | Up to S$1,200/yr | — |
| Clinical & Surgical | S$3,500-13,000 | Up to S$15,000 | Up to S$10,000 | Up to S$10,000 | Add-on |
| Chemotherapy | Up to S$2,500 | — | — | — | — |
| Final Expenses | Up to S$400 | Up to S$500 | S$250 | — | — |
| Deductible | S$250/admission | S$200/claim | — | S$250/claim | — |
| Co-Insurance | 20-40% | 20-30% | 30-50% | 20-40% | — |
| No-Claim Discount | Up to 15% | Up to 20% | Up to 15% | Up to 15% | — |
| Entry Age | 8 weeks - 9 years | 8 weeks - 9 years | 12 weeks - 7 years | 8 weeks - 9 years | 8 weeks - 7 years |
Source: Vanillapup Pet Insurance Guide 2025. Premiums and coverage vary by plan tier and pet age. Always read the full policy wording before purchasing.
Most policies do not cover conditions that existed before the policy's start date. This includes chronic illnesses, hereditary conditions, or previous injuries.
You will likely be responsible for a percentage of the vet bill (co-insurance, e.g., 20% to 50%) and a fixed amount per claim (deductible).
Many insurers, such as MSIG and Happy Tails, offer NCDs of up to 15-20% for claim-free years, which can lower your premium upon renewal.
Some plans offer lifetime coverage, which can be valuable for managing chronic conditions in a pet's later years, although these plans may be more expensive.
Confused by all the options? Let us help you find the best coverage for your furry friend. We'll compare plans from all major insurers and recommend the right fit for your pet's needs and budget.
Singapore offers numerous places where you can enjoy quality time with your furry friends. From dedicated dog parks to pet-friendly cafes and malls, here's where to go.
Singapore has several designated off-leash dog runs where your dog can socialise and exercise freely. All are free to use and open 24/7:
📍 1384 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 (River Plains section)
💡 Best time: Early morning (6-8am) or evening (6-8pm). Weekends very crowded.
📍 West Coast Ferry Road (Area 2)
💡 Great for combining dog run with beach/BBQ activities.
📍 Sentul Crescent (near Adventure Bridge)
💡 Less crowded than Bishan. Great for evening walks along the waterway.
📍 Wilkinson Road (near Fort Road)
💡 Popular with Eastsiders. Nearby cafes like Sun Ray Cafe welcome dogs.
📍 Yuan Ching Road (Lakeside Garden section)
💡 One of the newest and best-maintained dog runs. Great playground nearby for families.
📍 East Coast Park Service Road (Area C & F)
💡 Dogs can play on the beach! Just avoid the designated swimming areas.
North:
Central:
West:
Many establishments now welcome well-behaved pets at their outdoor seating areas. As of 2024, SFA allows pets at al fresco dining areas without needing separate approval.
📍 79 Brighton Crescent, Serangoon Gardens
🕐 8am-10pm daily
Western brunch fare with spacious outdoor patio. Water bowls provided. Very dog-friendly staff!
📍 200 Netheravon Road, Changi
🕐 10:30am-11pm (Tue-Sun)
Huge outdoor area in a heritage black & white bungalow. Great for large dogs. Brunch & dinner.
📍 51 Fairways Drive, Bukit Timah
🕐 8am-6pm (Tue-Sun)
Located at a horse riding club. Green surroundings, perfect for brunch with your pup.
📍 130E Minden Road, Dempsey
🕐 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm
Farm-to-table restaurant with garden seating. Upscale but dog-friendly.
📍 Multiple locations (Tiong Bahru, Dempsey)
🕐 7:30am-8pm
Famous croissants & coffee. Outdoor seating at most branches welcomes dogs.
📍 28B Harding Road, Dempsey (& other locations)
🕐 11am-11pm
Popular brunch spot with outdoor seating surrounded by greenery.
🌿 Dempsey Hill
🏠 Rochester Park
🏖️ East Coast
🎨 Tiong Bahru
💡 Tips: Always call ahead to confirm. Bring water, a mat for your dog to lie on, and treats to keep them calm. Avoid peak hours for a better experience.
While most malls don't allow pets indoors, these have dedicated pet-friendly zones or policies:
📍 1 HarbourFront Walk
🐕 Policy: Outdoor areas (Level 3 Sky Park), selected stores allow leashed pets
🛒 Pet shops: Pet Lovers Centre, Pet Safari
📍 112 East Coast Road
🐕 Policy: Dogs allowed throughout the mall on leash
🛒 Pet shops, groomers, vet clinic all in one place
📍 501 Bukit Timah Road
🐕 Policy: Pet-friendly throughout, many pet-focused shops
🛒 Vanillapup, pet grooming, outdoor cafes
📍 200 Turf Club Road
🐕 Policy: Very pet-friendly, outdoor & some indoor areas
🛒 Pet Safari flagship, groomers, pet cafes, vet clinics
📍 583 Orchard Road
🐕 Policy: Small pets allowed, must be carried or in stroller
🛒 Kids & family-focused mall with pet-tolerant policies
📍 80 Marine Parade Road
🐕 Policy: Outdoor areas, near Katong dog run
🛒 Pet Lovers Centre, near pet-friendly East Coast
💡 Tip: Always bring a pet carrier/stroller for backup. Some security may ask pets to be carried. Keep treats handy to manage behaviour in crowded areas.
Planning a staycation with your pet? These hotels officially welcome furry guests:
📍 Sentosa Cove
💰 From S$400/night + S$50 pet fee
📍 Sentosa Island
💰 From S$600/night + pet deposit
📍 Middle Road (Bugis)
💰 From S$150/night + S$30 pet fee
📍 Sentosa (Palawan Beach)
💰 From S$250/night
📍 Beach Road
💰 From S$300/night (discounts for long stays)
📍 Tanjong Pagar
💰 From S$200/night + S$100 deposit
💡 Booking Tips: Always call ahead to confirm pet policy, size restrictions, and any additional fees. Request a ground floor room if available. Bring your pet's own bedding and food to help them feel at home.
Singapore has excellent veterinary facilities and a wide range of pet services. Here's what you need to know about keeping your pet healthy and happy.
⚠️ Save these numbers in your phone for emergencies:
📍 Farrer Park
📞 6250 8333
📍 Whitley Road
📞 6254 2277
📍 Jalan Kelulut (Seletar)
📞 6364 1990
📍 Government hotline
📞 1800 476 1600
Multiple locations island-wide. One of Singapore's largest vet groups with specialists.
Modern facilities in Sunset Way and Bedok. Known for excellent care.
East Coast. Popular with expats, English-speaking staff.
Multiple locations. Comprehensive services including specialists.
Specialist surgical centre for complex cases.
Budget-friendly options available at various heartland locations.
All dogs in Singapore must be licensed with AVS. This is a legal requirement.
The following dog breeds are prohibited from import and ownership in Singapore. This includes purebreds and any crosses of these breeds:
⚠️ Penalties: Owning a banned breed can result in fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, and the dog being seized and euthanised.
The following cat breeds have import restrictions:
Documentary proof of generation is required before import.
New to pet ownership in Singapore? Here's practical advice to help you and your furry friend settle into your new life together.
Benefits include reduced license fees, preventing unwanted litters, and health benefits.
Sterilisation Costs:
💡 Sterilised dogs pay S$15/year license vs S$90/year for non-sterilised
All dogs must be licensed via NParks' Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS). Here's the full fee structure:
| Category | 1-Year | 2-Year | One-Time (Sterilised) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs below 5 months | S$15 | N/A | N/A |
| First 3 dogs (Sterilised) | S$15 | S$25 | S$35 |
| First 3 dogs (Non-sterilised) | S$90 | S$165 | N/A |
| 4th & subsequent dogs | S$180 | S$325 | S$460 |
Source: TheSmartLocal
⏱️ Timeline: 4-6 months depending on dog size and breed
⏱️ Timeline: Most cats learn within 1-2 weeks
Exercise needs vary by breed and size. Here's a general guide:
Shih Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahua, Pomeranian
30 mins
Short walks, indoor play, mental stimulation games
Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi
45-60 mins
Brisk walks, fetch, dog park visits
Golden Retriever, Labrador, Husky
1-2 hours
Long walks, running, swimming, hiking
Morning: 6:30am - 8:30am (cooler, less crowded)
Evening: 6:00pm - 8:00pm (after the hottest part of day)
⚠️ Avoid: 11am - 4pm (hot pavement can burn paws)
💡 Tip: If pavement is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws
💡 Singapore's humidity can cause skin issues — keep your pet dry after walks
Going on holiday? Here are your options for pet care:
Someone comes to your home or hosts your pet at theirs.
From S$20-50/day
Professional boarding with amenities and supervision.
From S$50-100/night
Drop off during work hours for socialisation and play.
From S$30-60/day
💡 Book early during peak seasons (school holidays, CNY, Christmas). Many places offer 24/7 CCTV so you can check on your pet remotely.
Animal Cruelty Penalties: Up to S$15,000 fine and/or 18 months imprisonment for first offence. Repeat offenders face up to S$40,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment.
Budget Planning
Pet Experts
We can connect you with pet relocation specialists who handle the entire import process, from paperwork to quarantine.
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