Singapore has long been recognized for its clean, orderly, and efficient approach to urban management. Extending these principles to animal welfare, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in the city-state has launched a long-awaited, groundbreaking initiative to enhance the management and welfare of its domestic cat population, set to take effect on 1 September 2024 with a two year transition period. This program sets a new standard in pet ownership and community involvement, marking a significant milestone in improving the management and welfare of cats in Singapore.
A Comprehensive Approach to Cat Management
The new initiative revolves around key changes aimed at improving the lives of cats and their owners while fostering greater community responsibility. Here’s what makes this program a significant advancement for pet management in Singapore:
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Mandatory Licensing and Microchipping: Starting from September 1st, cat owners in Singapore will be required to license and microchip their pets, aligning cat management policies with those already in place for dogs. This moves towards greater accountability and traceability, ensuring cats can be easily identified and returned to their owners if lost. This also helps manage the stray population. Licensing will be available via AVS’ Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) from September and will be free during the transition period.
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Limiting the Number of Cats: With the new policy, there will be a cap on the number of cats per household in HDB flats, set at two. This regulation is intended to ensure that pets receive adequate care and attention, which can be challenging in households with multiple animals. If you happen to have more than the two currently allowed though, do not fret! You will be allowed to keep all your existing pet cats if you license them within the transition period. The only caveat is that owners will be expected to ensure that the cats’ health and welfare are taken care of.
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Limiting the Number of Pets: For those with both cats and dogs, and living in HDBs, you’ll be allowed to keep two cats, and one dog of an approved breed. For those living in private premises, you’ll be allowed up to three cats or dogs, or a combination of both.
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Promoting Safe and Secure Environments: Owners are now mandated to take reasonable steps to ensure their cats' safety, such as installing meshes on windows—a simple measure that can prevent accidents and enhance the pets' welfare.
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Educational Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of education in promoting responsible pet ownership, the government has introduced a free online course for prospective and current cat owners. This programme will be mandatory for all first-time cat or dog license applicants. This initiative is designed to equip them with essential knowledge about caring for their pets. There will also be collaborations with educational institutions to ensure this begins at a young age.
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Sterilization Incentives: While mandatory sterilization is not yet required, the government strongly encourages it by offering incentives like more favourable licensing rates for sterilized cats (after the free licensing during transition period). After the two-year transition period, a one-year license for a sterilised cat will cost S$15 while the same license for an unsterilised one will be S$90. These fees follow the current cost of licensing dogs. Sterilization not only prevents overpopulation but also often results in healthier, better-behaved pets.
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Support for Low-Income Families: In a move to make pet care affordable for all, the initiative includes provisions for free sterilization and licensing for low-income households. This support ensures that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from experiencing the joy and companionship of pet ownership.
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Support for Cat Fosterers: Special provisions will be made to meet these guidelines and still be allowed to keep more cats. Further guidelines in this space will be developed and will be shared progressively.
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Easing into the new norm: To support cat owners in conforming to the new framework, there will be a two-year transition period which will offer sufficient time for owners to adjust and make the necessary provisions before the cutoff on 31 August 2026.
Key Takeaways for Cat Owners
As Singapore transitions into a more inclusive environment for cat owners, there are several important steps and considerations to keep in mind to ensure you comply with the new regulations while maximizing the well-being of your pets:
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Microchip Your Cats: If you currently own more than two cats, it's essential to get them microchipped before the new cap of two cats per household takes effect. By microchipping and registering your cats during the transition period, you can grandfather your existing pets under the new rule. Schedule your microchipping appointment soon to avoid the rush as the deadline approaches.
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Early Sterilization: To benefit from more favourable licensing rates and to comply with future regulations, consider sterilizing your cats now. Sterilized cats are eligible for a significantly reduced licensing fee, which not only makes financial sense but also contributes to controlling the pet population and improving your cat's health.
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Plan Ahead for Licensing: With the requirement for all cats to be licensed, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) and prepare to license your cat as soon as the service is available. Taking advantage of the free licensing period can save you costs and help smooth your transition into compliance with the new laws.
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Secure Your Home: Ensuring that your home is safe for your pets is now more important than ever. Install necessary safety measures such as window meshes to prevent falls and injuries, a step that is now mandatory for all cat owners in HDB flats.
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Preparation for Fosterers: Stay updated on additional guidelines for cat fosterers. Specific provisions will be introduced later to accommodate different circumstances under the new framework.
Exciting News for Aspiring Cat Owners in HDB Flats
Historically, cats were not allowed in HDB flats, a policy in place to maintain cleanliness and prevent nuisances in densely populated areas. However, this new initiative marks a significant change, opening the doors for aspiring cat owners to legally keep cats as pets in HDB flats. This is a thrilling development for pet lovers who previously could not keep cats due to these restrictions.
This change not only allows more Singaporeans to enjoy the companionship of cats but also aligns with modern views on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. It reflects a growing recognition of the benefits that pets bring to their owners and the community, including emotional support and improved quality of life.
