On May 11, 2024, Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How announced the finalized cat management framework, which includes a mandatory licensing and microchipping scheme for pet cats, a community cat management program, and educational and outreach initiatives for responsible cat care. This framework is the result of nearly two years of consultations with various stakeholders.
From September 1, 2024, all pet cats in Singapore must be licensed and microchipped. The licensing process will be available through the Animal & Veterinary Service’s (AVS) Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) free of charge until August 31, 2026. After the two-year transition period, keeping unlicensed pet cats will be an offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding S$5,000.
Before applying for a license, cat owners should ensure their cat is microchipped, complete a free online pet ownership course, and consider sterilizing their pet. One-time licenses with lifetime validity will be issued for sterilized cats, while unsterilized cats will receive licenses only for the transition period. Higher fees for licenses will be implemented for unsterilized cats from September 1, 2026, onwards.
To support low-income households with cats, the AVS is launching the Pet Cat Sterilisation Support (PCSS) program on September 1, which will provide free sterilization and microchipping for eligible pet cats in low-income households.
New cat-keeping rules and guidelines will also be implemented. Cat owners must ensure their cats are in a safe environment, kept under physical control in public, and not allowed to roam freely outdoors. Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines, jail terms, or both.
From September 1, 2024, cat fosterers will be able to license their fostered cats through the PALS system, and a new Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) program for community cats will be rolled out, providing enhanced funding support for community cat management and care.
AVS will also organize roadshows and events to raise awareness about responsible pet cat ownership, the benefits of sterilization, and living with community cats in our neighborhoods. Guidelines on responsible community cat caregiving will be developed in collaboration with animal welfare groups, community cat caregivers, agencies, and Town Councils.