Dog & Cat Licensing in Singapore: A Step By Step Process

Owning a pet in Singapore is a rewarding experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring your pet is properly licensed. Both dogs and cats must be registered with AVS according to Singapore’s pet ownership regulations.

This guide will take you through the AVS guidelines, the steps to license your pet, the necessary documents, and the fees involved, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

Why Is Dog and Cat Licensing Important?

Licensing your dog or cat in Singapore is not just a formality; it's a legal requirement with several important benefits: 

• Legal Requirement: Effective from 1 September 2024, all dogs and cats aged 3 months and above must be licensed in Singapore. Failure to register your pet can result in fines and penalties.

• Pet Safety: A license helps authorities identify and return lost pets to their owners quickly. Without a license, it becomes more challenging to reunite with a lost pet.

• Public Health: Licensing helps maintain public health standards by ensuring pets are vaccinated and following regulations like rabies control.

Step-by-Step Process for Dog and Cat Licensing

Here’s a simple guide to help you get your pet licensed in Singapore:

Step 1: Register or Log in to PALS 

First time users should register on the PALS platform. You’ll need your SingPass for easy access. If you’re a non-SingPass user, you can create a profile using identification documents like a passport.  

Step 2: Complete the Online Pet Ownership Course 

Complete the online Pet Ownership Course, which covers essential topics like pet care basics, licensing rules, and your legal responsibilities as a pet owner. The course includes videos and takes approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. Once finished, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion.

Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documents

Before starting your application, make sure you have the following details ready: 

• Your personal information and contact details, especially your address, where your pet will be kept

• Proof of vaccination 

• Microchip details (If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, you can use Pawkit’s Housecall Microchipping Service, offering convenient, professional microchipping right at your doorstep) 

• Sterilisation certificate (if applicable) 

• A photo of your pet (optional, but encouraged) 

Step 4: Apply for the License

Login to PALS with either your Singpass or PALS Account and select ‘Apply Licence’ under e-Services.

Fill in the required details for both the licensee (you) and your pet. Upload any necessary documents (e.g., sterilisation certificate). Make the payment for the licensing fee online or at an AXS station. Sterilised pets are eligible for a one-time license, which is a cost-effective and time-saving option!

Step 5: Receive Your License 

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an electronic license, which you can download from the ‘My Licences’ tab on PALS.

Fees for Dog and Cat Licensing in Singapore

The cost of licensing your dog or cat in Singapore can vary depending on the type of license and the duration of the registration:

License Fees (Before 1st September 2026)* 

Category	1-year License	2-year License	3-year License	One-time License**
Dogs below 5 months of age	$15 per dog	NA	NA	NA
First 3 dogs	Sterilised: $15 per dog  Non-sterilised: $90 per dog	Sterilised: $25 per dog  Non-sterilised: $165 per dog	Non-sterilised: $230 per dog	Sterilised: $35 per dog
4th and subsequent dog	$180 per dog  OR  A reduced license fee of $15 for the 4th dog^	$325 per dog  OR  A reduced license fee of $25 for the 4th dog ^	Non-sterilised: $460 per dog	Sterilised: $460 per dog OR  A reduced license fee of $35 for the 4th dog

*A 10% rebate is offered to licensees who make payments through GIRO, online, or AXS. The quoted prices do not include the 10% rebate.

**Sterilised dogs are eligible for a one-time license that lasts for the dog's lifetime. Three-year licenses for non-sterilised dogs will automatically be converted to a one-time license once the dog’s sterilisation status is updated.

^Dog must be a sterilised, obedience-trained mongrel adopted from one of our animal welfare rehoming partners.

License Fees (From 1st September 2026 onwards)* 

Category	1-year License	2-year License	3-year License	One-time License**
Cats / Dogs below 5 months of age	$15 per cat/dog	NA	NA	NA
First 3 cats and/or dogs	Sterilised: $15 per pet Non-sterilised: $90 per pet	Sterilised: $25 per pet Non-sterilised: $165 per pet	Non-sterilised: $230 per pet	Sterilised: $35 per pet
4th and subsequent cat/dog	$180 per pet OR  A reduced license fee of $15 for the 4th pet^	$325 per pet  OR  A reduced license fee of $25 for the 4th pet ^	Non-sterilised: $460 per pet	Sterilised: $460 per pet OR  A reduced license fee of $35 for the 4th pet

*A 10% rebate is offered to licensees who make payments through GIRO, online, or AXS. The quoted prices do not include the 10% rebate.

**Sterilised cats/dogs are eligible for a one-time license that lasts for the pet's lifetime. Three-year licenses for non-sterilised cats/dogs will automatically be converted to a one-time license once their sterilisation status is updated.

^The cat must be sterilised and adopted from one of our animal welfare rehoming partners. The dog must be a sterilised, obedience-trained local mixed breed adopted from our animal welfare rehoming partner.

Renewing Your Pet’s License

After your dog or cat is licensed, it’s important to renew the license before it expires. One-time licenses are valid for a lifetime and do not require renewal. However, yearly licenses must be renewed annually before the expiry date. You can easily renew your license through PALS by selecting ‘Renew Licence’ under the ‘My Licences’ tab.

Licensing your dog or cat in Singapore is not only a legal requirement but also a responsible step in ensuring your pet’s safety and well-being. Following the step-by-step process outlined above will ensure that your pet is properly registered and compliant with Singapore’s pet ownership regulations. 

By licensing your pet, you’re contributing to a safe, responsible pet community while helping authorities maintain public health standards. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

FAQs About Dog and Cat Licensing in Singapore

What happens if I don't get my cat licensed?

You will have a two-year grace period to comply with the new rules. Licensing becomes mandatory from 1 September 2026, after which you may face penalties for non-compliance.

What if I have more than two cats in an HDB flat?

If you’re an existing cat owner, you can keep your current cats if you apply for their licenses during the grace period. New ownership limits will apply after the grace period for any future cats.

Is sterilisation required for cats?

Sterilisation is not mandatory, but the AVS highly recommends it for your cat’s health and to help manage the local cat population.

What should I do if the fosterer of my adopted dog/cat has already registered the license?

The fosterer can request to transfer the license to the new owner through the PALS system. Please coordinate with the fosterer to complete the transfer process.

Do I still need to license my dog/cat if the microchip is already registered?

Yes, the dog/cat licensing process is separate from microchip registration. Even if your pet’s microchip is registered, you still need to register their license under the new guidelines.

Do I need to register both the microchip and the license for my pet?

Yes, it is important to register both. While the license is a legal requirement, the microchip helps in recovering your pet if they get lost. We recommend registering both to ensure full protection for your pet.

How do I update my pet’s license if I move to a new address?

If you relocate, make sure to update your pet’s licensing details with your new address by contacting AVS or updating your information on the PALS platform.