One of the most common oversights for expats importing a pet to Singapore is signing a housing contract without first confirming whether the property allows the pet they plan to bring. Discovering that your HDB landlord does not allow your breed of dog, or that your condo MCST prohibits more than one cat, after your pet has already arrived is a stressful and expensive situation.
This guide covers what to check before signing any housing agreement in Singapore, across HDB flats, private condominiums, and landed property.
Pet rules in HDB are sourced from hdb.gov.sg and avs.nparks.gov.sg. Private property rules are based on the BMSMA framework. Verify current rules directly with the relevant authority or management office.
HDB Flats
Most expats on Employment Passes are eligible to rent (not buy) HDB flats on the open market. HDB is the most restrictive housing type for pets.
HDB pet rules:
- 1 dog per HDB flat; must be from the approved breed list (62 approved breeds, max 40cm shoulder height, max 10kg)
- Up to 2 cats per HDB flat (from 1 September 2024)
- All dogs and cats must be licensed via PALS
- Prohibited breeds cannot be kept in any HDB flat
Before renting an HDB flat, confirm:
- Is your dog on the HDB approved breed list?
- Does your landlord permit pets? (HDB rules allow pets of compliant breeds, but individual landlords can still prohibit them in the tenancy agreement)
- Is the unit already housing another dog? (Only 1 dog per flat is allowed in total, including any pets owned by the landlord)
HDB Approved Dog Breeds: Key Facts
HDB's approved breed list covers approximately 62 small dog breeds. Key criteria:
- Maximum shoulder height: 40cm
- Maximum weight: 10kg
Examples of permitted breeds: Maltese, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Corgi (some variants).
Project ADORE exception: HDB residents can adopt a Singapore Special (local mixed-breed dog) up to 55cm in height via approved animal welfare groups. These are larger dogs permitted under a specific AVS/HDB scheme.
Larger breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd) are not on the HDB approved list and cannot be kept in HDB flats.
Private Condominiums
Private condos are governed by individual MCST by-laws under the BMSMA. Rules vary significantly between estates.
AVS national baseline for private property: up to 3 pets per unit. Individual MCSTs can set stricter limits.
Common MCST pet restrictions:
- 1–2 pets per unit
- Weight cap of 10–15kg per dog
- Pets must be carried (not walked) through lobbies and lifts
- Written MCST approval required before bringing a pet in
Before renting or buying a condo unit, confirm:
- Request a copy of the estate's MCST by-laws from the management office
- Check the pet section specifically for number limits, weight limits, and approval requirements
- Obtain written MCST pet approval (if required) before your pet arrives
- Check the tenancy agreement for any additional pet clauses from the landlord
A landlord can impose additional pet restrictions on top of MCST rules. Both sets of rules apply simultaneously.
Landed Property
Landed property (terrace houses, semi-detached, bungalows) is the most flexible housing type for pets. There are no HDB-specific rules and typically no MCST by-laws.
Pet rules that still apply to landed property:
- AVS prohibited breed restrictions (Pit Bull types, Akita, etc.)
- Licensing and microchipping requirements via PALS
- No national limit on number of pets per household (beyond practical noise and nuisance laws)
Most expats with larger dogs (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds) look for landed property specifically because HDB and many condo estates do not accommodate these breeds.
Landed property is more expensive to rent than condos, and the rental market can be competitive. Budget accordingly.
Pet Deposits in Singapore Rentals
Most Singapore landlords who permit pets require an additional security deposit on top of the standard 1-month deposit. A common arrangement is:
- Standard deposit: 1 month's rent (for leases up to 12 months) or 2 months' rent (for leases over 12 months)
- Pet deposit: 1 additional month's rent
The pet deposit covers potential damage from the pet (scratched floors, stained carpets, damage to fixtures). It is refundable subject to the condition of the property at the end of the lease.
Some landlords combine both into a single larger security deposit rather than listing them separately. Read the lease carefully.
Practical Checklist for Expats Before Importing a Pet
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Housing type | Confirm whether you are in HDB, private condo, or landed property |
| HDB breed check | Confirm your dog is on the approved list if in HDB |
| MCST by-laws | Request and review pet section if in a condo |
| Landlord agreement | Check tenancy agreement for pet clauses; get written permission |
| Pet deposit | Negotiate pet deposit terms before signing |
| CAPQ agent | Engage agent before finalising your move-in date so pet import timeline is coordinated |
Frequently Asked Questions
I am on an Employment Pass and my company found me an HDB flat. Can I keep my Labrador there? No. Labradors are not on the HDB approved dog breed list. You would need to find alternative housing (private condo or landed property) that accepts larger breeds.
My condo MCST says 1 pet maximum. I want to bring my 2 cats. Is there any exception? MCSTs can consider requests on a case-by-case basis, but there is no guarantee. Submit a written request to the management office. If the MCST refuses and you are an owner (not a tenant), you may have recourse at the Strata Titles Board, but outcomes are not certain.
Can my landlord say no pets even if my dog is on the HDB approved list? Yes. Landlords can prohibit pets in the tenancy agreement independently of what AVS or HDB rules allow. AVS/HDB rules set the minimum requirements; the landlord can be more restrictive.
I found a "pet-friendly" condo listing online. Does that guarantee my dog is welcome? Not necessarily. "Pet-friendly" in Singapore rental listings typically means the landlord is open to pets — it does not mean all pets of all sizes and breeds are accepted. Confirm the specific breed, size, and number of pets in writing before signing.
Importing a pet to Singapore and looking for housing guidance? Contact our team — we work with pet owners regularly and can advise on practical housing considerations alongside the import process.
Source: HDB — Keeping Pets, Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Verify current rules before signing any housing agreement.