Licensing
The dog licence in Singapore, explained
Every dog in Singapore must be licensed. Here is what it costs, how many dogs you can keep, and why it matters when you board.
- Reviewed July 2026
- Sources cited inline
- 4 sections
At a glance
Every dog in Singapore must be licensed with the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). It is a legal requirement, not an optional extra, and it becomes relevant the moment you try to board your dog — licensed boarders are required to take licensed dogs.
A dog licence is cheap, quick, and the first box a responsible owner — and a good boarder — will check.
What a dog licence costs (as of July 2026)
These are the fees in force before the 1 September 2026 change. Sterilising your dog dramatically lowers the fee, and paying by GIRO, online or AXS earns a 10% rebate.
| Licence term | Sterilised | Unsterilised |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | S$15 | S$90 |
| 2 years | S$25 | S$165 |
| 3 years | S$35 | S$230 |
Fees rise for a fourth and subsequent dog, with reduced rates for sterilised adopted local breeds. Full current figures are on the AVS licence fees page.
Section 02
How many dogs can you keep?
- HDB flat: one dog of an approved small breed, under the Housing & Development (Animals) Rules 2024.
- Private property: up to three dogs, subject to conditions.
Not sure whether your breed qualifies for an HDB flat? Read HDB-approved dogs.
03 Why the licence matters for boarding
AVS boarding licence conditions require boarders to accept only licensed dogs and to keep records for inspection. So when you book, expect a good boarder to ask for your licence — it is a sign they are following the rules, not a hassle. If a boarder never asks, treat it as a red flag and check what to look for in a dog boarder.
Boarding soon? Get your licence sorted first, then tell us your dates — we match you with a licensed boarder who fits.
How to apply
- Have your dog microchipped and, ideally, sterilised (it lowers the fee).
- Apply online through NParks AVS and choose a 1, 2 or 3-year term.
- Pay by GIRO, online or AXS for the 10% rebate.
- Renew before expiry — an unlicensed dog is an offence.
Figures reviewed July 2026 against NParks AVS. Fees change from 1 September 2026; always confirm the current amount on the official AVS page before paying.
Keep reading
More straight answers on boarding, licensing and looking after a dog in Singapore. If you are ready to book, start from our main guide to dog boarding in Singapore or compare boarding prices.
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Read the guideCommon questions
Is a dog licence compulsory in Singapore?
How much is a dog licence?
Do I need my dog licensed to board it?
How many dogs can I keep?
Are the fees changing?
Ready to find your dog a safe stay?
Tell us the dates and what your dog needs. We match you with a vetted, licensed boarder — free.
Still deciding?
See how we check every boarder against the official AVS licensed register before we match you.
How we vet boarders
Browse all boarding guides