Singapore Cat Owners Must Apply for License & Microchip Their Feline Friends Starting September

Source: The Rakyat Post

Cats are among the top choices as pets in many households. Having a cat at home can be truly enjoyable as they often become comforting companions when we’re alone.

Typically, cats follow a routine of eating, sleeping, and playing. But if your cat is one of the active climbers, you might need to have a bit more patience.

Cat Owners in Singapore Required to Obtain License and Microchip for Their Furry Friends

For cat enthusiasts planning to keep these furry creatures in Singapore, there’s an important requirement you need to be aware of.

According to a report by Mediacorp News, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore will mandate flat residents to apply for permission to keep cats starting this September.

With this license, residents are allowed to keep a maximum of two cats in each HDB flat and three cats in private residences.

In addition to obtaining a license for their pets, every cat needs to be microchipped.

The Cat Management Framework under the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) of the National Parks Board explains that these regulations will commence after a two-year transition period.

This is to allow cat owners sufficient time to meet the requirements for licensing and microchipping.

Those with more cats than the permitted limit for HDB flats and private premises will be allowed to keep all their existing cats if they license them within this transition period.

Procedure for Applying for a Cat Ownership License in Singapore

For Singaporeans wishing to apply, it can be done online through the AVS Animal Licensing System portal starting from September 1, 2024.

During the two-year transition period, the license can be obtained for free until August 31, 2026.

After this period, a fee of RM52 (SGD$15) will be charged for neutered cats and RM314 (SGD$90) for non-neutered cats for a one-year period.

The license issued for neutered cats is valid for a lifetime, whereas for non-neutered cats, it’s only valid during the transition period.

AVS emphasizes that neutering cats is essential to prevent rampant breeding activities.

For first-time applicants, completing a free online pet ownership course is mandatory.

This course provides guidance on basic animal care skills and responsible ownership knowledge.

What Happens If Singapore Residents Keep Cats Without a License?

After September 1, 2026, those who keep cats without a license will be considered an offense.

Offenders can be fined up to RM17,419 (SGD$5,000), similar to the existing regulations imposed on dog owners.

As a reminder, flat residents have been prohibited from keeping cats since 1989, with fines of up to RM13,935 (SGD$4,000) imposed on any offenders.

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