Important Info about HDB Regulations for Pets in Singapore Flats

Over 80 percent of our local population live in HDB flats, so here's a convenient cheat sheet with some useful rules for paw-rents. By SLOAN MCKINNEY
Pets Team 02 September 2015

Part of the pride of living in Singapore, according to the HDB (Housing and Development Board), is their unique public housing that is afforded to most of the citizens in this teeming country. Over 80% of the population live in HDB flats that are governed by a number of rules and regulations, some of them are aimed towards the control and care of the homeowner’s pets.

 

OBVIOUS PRACTICES

As responsible pet owners, we take our animals for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office, play with them, exercise regularly, give them much needed love and affection and as the majority of other countries also practice, animals must be licensed, vaccinated and most should be spayed or neutered to help control the pet population. Similarly, regulations from the HDB require higher fees for licensing animals that are not “fixed” as compared to those that are altered to prevent unnecessary breeding that leads to overpopulation.

HDB rules require all pets to be properly licensed at some very reasonable rates that include S$14 for a male dog or a sterilised female dog, and S$70 for unsterilised females. There is an initial one-time registration fee of S$6.50 for all new applications. This protects animals as well as their owners from a variety of problems that includes uncontrolled breeding.

NO CAT POLICY

Oddly enough, cats are not permitted on HDB premises and they cite a number of reasons why they don’t allow feline friends as pets. Mostly they believe that cats are difficult to contain inside of these dwellings and also point to possible damage caused by some of these animals that can include excessive shedding, problems with defecation and urination, even the “caterwauling sounds” that can disturb neighbours. However they do allow other small pets such as hamsters, rabbits, birds and other caged critters, as well as aquariums full of fish.

 

DOG RESTRICTIONS

Beyond breed restrictions, there are a number of other rules and regulations that are enforced by the HDB for pet owners living in Singapore. One of the biggest is singularity, residents are only allowed one dog from their list of approved canines inside each flat. Violators who are knowingly housing an unauthorized breed or have more than one four-legged friend in their residency, can face hefty fines if caught and convicted.

 

NEIGHBOURS MAY BE WATCHING

Beware of nearby residents who can report you for violations since the HDB has an online reporting page that gives internet users the opportunity to report citable offenses. These include reporting owners who fail to clean up after their animals who may defecate in public places, cause some sort of environmental damage, or are aggressive and exhibit behaviours like chasing, biting or excessive barking, both within or outside their dwelling.

While some of these restrictions may seem extreme, they are only in place to protect Singapore’s residents, their pets and others from possible harm. For more tips and tricks about things to consider before you acquire a pet for your flat, please check out this infographic. A little education, a touch of homework, along with some care and consideration can go a long way for us and our four-legged friends. 

 

This article is by guest contributer, Sloan McKinney.