HDB flats in Singapore allow dogs, but only from a specific list of approved breeds. One dog per household. Any breed not on the approved list cannot be kept in an HDB flat, and any breed that is prohibited from import entirely cannot be in Singapore at all.
If you are moving to Singapore with a dog and plan to live in an HDB flat, this is one of the first things to check.
The Basic Rules
- One dog per HDB household (regardless of flat size)
- The dog must be from the HDB approved breed list
- The dog must be licensed via PALS (pals.avs.gov.sg)
- Prohibited breeds (see below) cannot be kept anywhere in Singapore
Private properties (landed houses, condominiums) are subject to different rules. Condos set their own pet policies through management committees. Private landed homes generally allow more flexibility, subject to AVS licensing requirements and any local regulations on nuisance.
The HDB Approved Dog Breeds
HDB permits more than 60 dog breeds. The list below covers the commonly kept approved breeds across small, medium, and specific approved larger breeds:
Small breeds (commonly approved): Affenpinscher, Australian Silky Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois), Cairn Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested Dog, Dachshund (Miniature), Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, German Spitz (Klein), Griffon Bruxellois, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spitz, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Lowchen (Little Lion Dog), Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Poodle (Miniature and Toy), Pug, Schipperke, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier
Medium breeds (selected approved): Basenji, Basset Hound, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel (American and English), French Bulldog, Poodle (Standard), Shetland Sheepdog, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke), Whippet
Specific larger approved breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd (subject to additional conditions as a specified dog)
This list is not exhaustive. The full and current approved breed list is maintained by HDB at hdb.gov.sg. Verify your specific breed against the current official list before assuming it is approved.
The Project ADORE K-9 Scheme
HDB residents can adopt retired government K-9 sniffer dogs through the Project ADORE K-9 Scheme, a permanent scheme formalised in 2022. Approved K-9 breeds under this scheme include:
- Labrador Retriever
- English Springer Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- Pointer
These dogs are retired from operational use and are available for adoption. The scheme has its own eligibility criteria. Contact AVS or HDB for details on how to participate.
Prohibited Breeds: Cannot Be in Singapore at All
The following breeds are prohibited from import, sale, or ownership anywhere in Singapore. They cannot be kept in HDB flats, condos, or private property:
- All Pit Bull types: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog
- Akita
- Boerboel
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Any crossbreed of the above
No exemption exists for well-behaved, trained, or therapy-certified dogs of these breeds. If your dog is one of these breeds or a cross, it cannot enter Singapore.
If you are uncertain whether your dog qualifies as a prohibited breed or cross, genetic testing before committing to a move is advisable. A mixed-breed dog that looks nothing like a Pit Bull but carries significant APBT genetics in a DNA test may still be classified as a prohibited cross.
For the full list and official definitions, see the AVS specified dogs page.
Specified Dogs: Additional Conditions
Some breeds that are permitted in HDB are classified as "specified dogs" and face additional licensing conditions. German Shepherds and Rottweilers are examples. Specified dogs may have:
- Mandatory muzzling in public
- Restriction on the size of dogs allowed in HDB
- Additional insurance or inspection requirements
If your dog is a specified breed, confirm the additional conditions with AVS before bringing them to Singapore.
What to Do If Your Breed Is Not on the Approved List
If your dog is not on the HDB approved list but is not a prohibited breed, you have two main options:
1. Live in private property. Landed houses in Singapore do not have the same breed restrictions as HDB. If you can afford private landed property, a much wider range of breeds is available to you (subject to AVS licensing requirements and breed prohibitions).
2. Choose a condo with a pet-friendly policy. Many condominiums allow dogs regardless of breed, at the discretion of the management committee. Check the condo's pet policy before signing a lease or making a purchase decision.
Living in an HDB flat with a non-approved breed is not permitted. AVS and HDB enforcement does occur, and the consequences include being required to rehome the dog.
Licensing Your Dog in an HDB Flat
All dogs in Singapore must be licensed via PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg, regardless of housing type. For HDB residents, the licence application requires you to confirm your flat address, and AVS can cross-reference this against the approved breed list.
Requirements before applying:
- ISO 15-digit microchip implanted
- Breed confirmed as HDB-approved
- First-time applicants: complete the free online PORK course via PALS
For the full licensing process, see our Singapore pet licensing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog is a mixed breed that looks like a Labrador. Is it approved for HDB? Mixed breeds are assessed on their composition. If the mix involves any prohibited breed, it is prohibited. If the mix is between approved breeds, it may be acceptable, but confirm with AVS. Genetic testing can help if breed composition is uncertain.
I rent an HDB flat. My landlord said dogs are fine, but my dog's breed is not on the approved list. Your landlord's permission does not override HDB's breed approval list. If the breed is not approved for HDB, keeping it in that flat is non-compliant regardless of what your landlord says. The liability falls on you as the keeper.
Is there a weight limit for dogs in HDB flats? HDB's approved breed list is breed-based, not weight-based. However, some approved breeds come in different size variants (e.g., Standard Poodle vs Miniature Poodle). Confirm that the specific size variant of your breed is included in the approved list.
My dog is a German Shepherd. Can it live in my HDB flat? German Shepherds are permitted in HDB but are classified as a specified dog with additional conditions. Check the specific conditions with AVS before bringing a German Shepherd to an HDB address.
Bringing a dog to Singapore? Contact our team for help with the full import process from an AVS-recognised CAPQ agent.
Sources: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), Housing and Development Board (HDB). Verify the current approved breed list before proceeding.