Pet boarding in Singapore is a licensed industry. All commercial pet boarding facilities must hold an AVS licence to operate legally. When you leave your dog or cat with a boarding facility, you should be able to verify their licence number — and any facility unwilling to provide one is a red flag.
This guide covers what AVS requires of boarding facilities, what questions to ask before booking, and what to look for on your first visit.
All regulatory information is sourced from avs.nparks.gov.sg. Verify the current list of licensed facilities using the official AVS public registry.
AVS Licensing: What It Requires of Boarding Facilities
Operating a pet boarding facility in Singapore without an AVS licence under the Animals and Birds Act is not permitted. Facilities must meet the following requirements to obtain and maintain their licence:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence holder training | Must complete mandatory animal welfare and management training from an AVS-recognised course provider before applying |
| URA approval | Urban Redevelopment Authority written permission required for the premises to be used as a boarding facility |
| ACRA registration | Company must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority |
| AVS premises inspection | Facility must pass an AVS inspection |
| Annual licence fee | S$100 per year |
| Additional permits | SCDF Fire Safety Certificate; Environmental Health Permits (waste, pest control) |
Facility operation requirements (from AVS Terms and Conditions):
- Dedicated quarantine area for new or unwell animals
- Constant access to clean fresh drinking water
- Separate food storage and utensil-washing areas
- Compliance with AVS Code of Animal Welfare
How to Verify a Boarding Facility's Licence
AVS maintains a public registry of licensed pet boarding facilities at: avs.nparks.gov.sg/outreach/resources/public-registry-of-avs-licensed-pet-boarding-facilities/
Before booking any facility, confirm their name appears on this registry. If a facility does not appear, ask them to show their current licence. If they cannot, do not use them.
No Official Quality Rating System
Singapore's pet boarding sector does not have a government rating or accreditation system equivalent to hotel stars. The AVS licence confirms legal compliance, not service quality.
For service quality, you rely on:
- Your own visit and inspection
- Word-of-mouth from other expat pet owners
- Online reviews (Google Maps, pet-specific forums)
Visit any facility in person before booking. No reputable boarding facility will refuse a pre-booking inspection.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
1. Can you show me your AVS licence? Any licensed facility can produce their licence number or show the current licence document. Verify it against the AVS registry.
2. How many animals do you currently board? High occupancy with limited staff means less individual attention for your pet. Ask about the maximum capacity and typical occupancy.
3. What is your staff-to-animal ratio? For overnight boarding especially, knowing how many staff are present and what the ratio is to animals in their care is important.
4. Can my pet stay on their usual diet? Some facilities provide their own food; others require owners to supply the pet's regular food. If your pet has specific dietary needs or allergies, confirm the facility can accommodate them.
5. Can my pet take their usual medications? If your pet requires regular medication, confirm the facility's staff are trained to administer it and will maintain the schedule.
6. How do you handle veterinary emergencies? A good facility has a relationship with a nearby vet clinic and a clear protocol for emergencies. Ask who the duty vet is and how quickly they can access veterinary care.
7. What are the exercise and outdoor time arrangements? Dogs especially need regular outdoor time. Ask how often dogs are walked or given outdoor access, and what the space looks like.
8. Can I visit during the stay? Some facilities permit owner visits; others prefer not to disrupt the animals once settled. Knowing the policy in advance avoids disappointment.
9. Do you require vaccination records? All reputable facilities require proof of current vaccinations (rabies, core vaccines). This protects all animals in the facility. Be wary of any facility that does not ask for vaccination records.
10. What is your emergency contact protocol? Will they call you if there is a health concern? Who do they contact if you are unreachable?
What to Check on a Facility Visit
When you visit before booking:
- Is the facility clean and free of strong odours?
- Are the kennel/cattery spaces adequate in size?
- Do the animals there appear calm and well-cared-for?
- Is fresh water available in every kennel or enclosure?
- Are there separate areas for dogs and cats?
- Is the facility cool enough for the Singapore climate?
Timing Your Booking
Singapore's boarding facilities fill up quickly during school holidays, Chinese New Year, and the December-January period. Book 4–6 weeks in advance for busy periods. For the December holiday season, especially, many popular facilities are booked months out.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog has a reactive temperament. Will boarding facilities accept her? Some facilities specialise in dogs with behavioural challenges; others only accept dogs with calm temperaments. Be honest when you enquire — a facility that is not equipped for a reactive dog is not the right one, regardless of what they tell you to secure the booking.
Can I board my newly-imported pet immediately after AQC release? Possibly, but give your pet time to settle in your home before boarding. The import process, especially after 30 days in the AQC, is already disorienting. Most vets recommend at least 1–2 weeks at home before boarding a newly-arrived pet.
How much does boarding typically cost in Singapore? Fees vary widely by facility, animal size, and accommodation type. Dog boarding typically ranges from S$40 to S$120 per night; cat boarding ranges from S$30 to S$70 per night. Prices are higher for private rooms, suite-style kennels, and facilities with high staff ratios.
Is home-based pet sitting legal? Individual pet sitters who operate casually from their homes (not as a commercial boarding facility) operate in a different regulatory space from licensed facilities. Confirm any home-based arrangement carefully — a licensed facility provides a formal accountability framework that casual sitters do not.
Newly arrived in Singapore with your pet and looking for trusted services? Contact our team — we regularly work with Singapore-based pet service providers and can provide referrals.
Source: Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), AVS Public Registry of Licensed Pet Boarding Facilities. Verify current licence status before booking.