If you plan to get a pet while you move to a new home at an HDB flat or while you are currently living in one, you must take note that there are rules to follow. Only hdb approved dogs in Singapore are permitted to live in each flat and owners are only allowed to own 1 dog each.
Although there are restrictions in place, it is easy and possible to own hdb approved dogs as long as rules are properly followed so you and your neighbours can live comfortably with one another.
Read on further to learn more about the list of hbd approved dog breeds and pets allowed, general rules, and penalties.
HDB Approved Dogs
1. Toy & Companion Dogs
Primarily bred for companionship, often affectionate and small in stature.
- Affenpinscher
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Bichon Havanese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
- Chinese Imperial Chin
- Chinese Temple Dog (Classic or Miniature)
- Coton de Tulear
- Italian Greyhound
- Little Lion Dog
- Maltese
- Papillon
- Pekinese
- Pomeranian
- Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Silky Terrier
- Small Continental Spaniel
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Volpino Italiano
- Yorkshire Terrier
2. Terriers (Small Game & Vermin Hunters)
Originally bred to hunt rodents or small game — lively, courageous, and alert.
- Australian Silky Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Bohemian Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Boston Terrier (Lightweight or Middleweight)
- Cairn Terrier
- Czech Terrier
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- German Hunting Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Lakeland Terrier
- Manchester Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Small English Terrier
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Toy Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- West Highland Terrier
- Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
3. Spitz-Type Breeds
Known for their fox-like faces, double coats, and curled tails — many have Nordic ancestry.
- Japanese Spitz
- Small Spitz
- Schipperke
- Volpino Italiano (also has spitz lineage)
- Pomeranian (Toy spitz type, could appear here too)
4. Unique / Distinct Companion & Toy Breeds
Either rare or notable for their specific traits or non-terrier heritage.
- Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxaellois)
- Griffon Belge
- Griffon Brabancon
- Hairless Dog
- Dachshund (Light or Miniature)
- Lhasa Apso
- Shetland Sheepdog (though not toy-sized, often grouped with smaller breeds for shows)
5. Cross Breeds
Any cross of the above purebreds.
- Cross of any 2 breeds in items 1 to 61
HDB Approved Dogs under Project ADORE
Project ADORE aims to facilitate the adoption and rehoming of mid-sized local mixed-breed dogs (known as “Singapore Specials”) in HDB flats, in order to decrease the stray population. The key stipulations under this project include:
- Height Restriction: The adopted local mixed-breed dog must have a shoulder height of up to 55cm.
- Licensing: Owners must obtain a dog license from the AVS.
- Limitations: Only one dog is permitted per residential unit.
Adoption can be done through various Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs) associated with Project ADORE, including:
- Action for Singapore Dogs
- Causes for Animals (Singapore)
- Exclusively Mongrels
- MercyLight Singapore
- SOSD Singapore
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Assistance Dogs
In alignment with the Enabling Masterplan 2030 (EMP2030), flat owners or occupiers with visual impairments, physical disabilities, or who are deaf and hard-of-hearing have the option to keep trained assistance dogs in their HDB flats. To do so, the following requirements must be met:
- Registration: The person with a disability (PwD) must be registered with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
- Training: The assistance dog must have been trained by a recognized assistance dog training organization, which can be verified by Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) or K9Assistance.
- Licensing: The assistance dog must be licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
ADORE K-9 Scheme
The ADORE K-9 Scheme allows for the adoption of retired K-9 sniffer dogs, with the following breeds permitted for ownership in HDB flats:
- Labrador
- English Springer
- Cocker Spaniel
- Pointer
Interested residents should monitor adoption drives organized by various K-9 units, which include:
- Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Military Working Dog Unit (MWDU)
- Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) K-9 Unit
- Singapore Police Force (SPF) K-9 Unit
Additional HDB Dog Ownership Guidelines
- General Pet Policy: HDB recognises only specific breeds of small to medium-sized dogs for residents, adhering to strict guidelines intended to maintain communal harmony.
- Pet Ownership Responsibilities: Owners are mandated to ensure their pets do not cause disturbances to neighbors, which includes training dogs to control barking and keeping them indoors or leashed in public spaces.
- Penalties: Owners who fail to adhere to HDB’s regulations risk facing fines, and in severe cases, may need to relinquish their pets.
- Pet Licensing: All dogs must be licensed by the AVS, which requires annual renewals. Sterilized dogs may qualify for a one-time license.
- Other Pets: In addition to dogs, various small pets, such as birds, fish, and rodents, are also permitted in HDB flats, provided they do not disrupt the neighbourhood.
HDB Dog Ownership Guidelines and Regulations
- Permissible Dog Breeds: Only specific small to medium-sized dog breeds, as approved by HDB, are allowed in HDB flats. Owners must ensure their pets are among the approved breeds.
- One Dog Per Household:Each residential unit is permitted to have only one dog to minimise disturbances and maintain communal harmony.
- Licensing Requirements:All dogs must be licensed with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Licensing requires annual renewals, and sterilised dogs may qualify for a one-time license.
- Pet Registration:Owners must register their dogs with AVS and comply with all licensing regulations, including providing proof of vaccination and sterilisation.
- Noise Control:Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets do not cause disturbances to neighbours, particularly through excessive barking. Training dogs to control barking is essential.
- Public Space Conduct:Dogs must be kept on a leash in common areas and should not be allowed to roam freely. Pet owners are responsible for controlling their dogs in public spaces.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness:Owners must clean up after their dogs in all public areas, including void decks and parks. Failing to do so can result in fines.
- Indoor Pet Control:Dogs should not be left unattended in common areas or balconies. Owners should ensure their pets remain indoors when not supervised.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:Owners who violate HDB regulations may face penalties, which can include fines and, in severe cases, the requirement to relinquish their pets.
- Assistance Dogs:Owners with disabilities may apply for allowances to keep trained assistance dogs in HDB flats, following specific criteria set by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
- Project ADORE Participation:Owners interested in adopting local mixed-breed dogs under Project ADORE must adhere to the program’s requirements, including height restrictions and licensing.
- Community Engagement:Owners are encouraged to engage with local community initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership and foster positive relationships with neighbours.
By adhering to these guidelines and regulations, dog owners can help create a harmonious living environment in HDB estates while ensuring the welfare of their pets and the comfort of their neighbors. It is advisable for pet owners to stay informed about any updates or changes to HDB rules regarding dog ownership.
Conclusion
Navigating the rules and regulations set by HDB in Singapore can be challenging, but understanding the requirements for owning dogs, especially under initiatives such as Project ADORE and the provisions for assistance dogs, can ensure a pleasant living experience for both pet owners and their neighbors. Prospective dog owners should always verify the latest HDB guidelines and engage with recognized organizations to foster responsible pet ownership.
This comprehensive overview incorporates your details and expands on the existing regulations for owning dogs in HDB flats in Singapore. If you need further insights or specific details, feel free to ask!
