List Of Dog Breeds Allowed In HDB In Singapore
Dog ownership in Singapore comes with a lot of rules. From importing a dog into the country to keeping one with you, grooming it and making sure it stays healthy to taking it out in public; there are a lot of rules regarding dogs in Singapore.
While dog ownership in Singapore may be a bit of a hassle, it is not impossible. You can have and keep a dog with you, whether in private housing or in HDB, as long as you follow the rules regarding dog ownership in these places.
HDB Ruling Of Dog Breeds And Penalty
HDB (Housing and Development Board) is the agency in charge of public housing, and they have some pet restrictions if you are going to live in public housing. HDB expressly forbids the ownership of cats in public housing, and large dog breeds are also not allowed.
You are allowed, however, to keep small dog breeds in HDB, but only one dog per housing unit is allowed. As long as you meet these guidelines, you can keep one small breed dog in your HDB unit.
If you want to keep a pet in your HDB unit, you need to have your pet licensed by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA); once you have done that, and your dog is of an approved breed, you can stay in an HDB unit with your pet. Violation of these rules and regulations will attract a fine of, at most, $4000.
Why HDB Doesn’t Allow All Dogs
According to a statement made by the Ministry of National Development, HDB doesn’t allow all dog breeds because the agency is striving to create and maintain a pleasant living environment, as well as good neighbourly relations. This means striking a balance between people who love pets and those who may have some problems with having pets in HDB flats, problems such as allergies, noise, etc.
You have to be conscious and be considerate of those living around you when you are considering getting and keeping a pet. Ensure that you take proper care of your pet and do your best not to cause any inconveniences to your neighbours, such as keeping your dog in your own flat at all times. If it is outside it should be with you and on a leash. Your dog should remain as quiet as possible to prevent disturbing the neighbours with barking. Do remember to pick up your dog’s poop if it does defecate in the public. All these will make your neighbours appreciative of your consideration for their needs, and make it easier for them to accept pets in public flats.
List Of Dog Breeds
There is a list of 62 approved dog breeds, a list that has been drawn up by HDB and AVA collaboratively. You are allowed to keep one dog from this list of approved dog breeds.
Affenpinscher
Border Terrier
Coton de Tulear
Hairless Dog
Maltese
Tibetan Spaniel
Australian Silky Terrier
Boston Terrier – Lightweight and Middleweight
Czech Terrier
Italian Greyhound
Manchester Terrier
Poodle
Silky Terrier
Volpino Italiano
Australian Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dachshund –Light and Miniature
Jack Russell Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Pug
Small Continental Spaniel
West Highland Terrier
Bichon Frise
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
Miniature Schnauzer
Small English Terrier
Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
Bohemian Terrier
English Toy Spaniel
Norfolk Terrier
Schipperke
Small Spitz
Welsh Terrier
Bolognese
Chinese Crested Dog
Griffon Belge
Lhasa Apso
Norwich Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxaellios)
Chinese Imperial Chin
German Hunting Terrier
Little Lion Dog
Papillon
Sealyham Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Bichon Havanese
Chinese Temple Dog – Classic and Miniature
Griffon Brabancon
Lakeland Terrier
Pekinese
Shetland Sheep dog
Toy Terrier
Special Exemption For Project ADORE
Since living in an HDB flat restricts pet ownership to one small breed dog per flat, it is very difficult to adopt larger breeds, including the breed known as the ‘Singapore Special’ – the local mongrel. These dogs may not be as large as the large dog breeds, but they are larger than the small dog breeds due to their mixed breed status, and, as such, do not fit the HDB and AVA criteria for approved dog breeds in public housing.
A special initiative was created to help large dog lovers who live in HDB flats called Project ADORE – ADOption and REhoming of dogs). This initiative makes it possible for you to adopt the ‘Singapore Special’ and keep it with you, even if you live in an HDB flat. Since some of the shelters are also a part of Project ADORE, you can adopt a larger dog breed from the initiatives, as long as the dog meets the following criteria:
- It is a local, medium-sized breed, a mixed breed, or a ‘Singapore Special’
- It is at least 6 months old
- It is sterilized
- Must have a maximum weight of 15kg, and a shoulder height of up to 50cm
- Must undergo basic obedience training by trainers accredited by the AVA
Once the dog meets these criteria, you as the owner will have to do the following:
- Sign a declaration, agreeing to observe the Code of Responsible Behavior (CORB)
- Understand that only 1 registered dog is allowed per HDB flat
- Make sure that your immediate neighbours do not mind you owning a dog
- Ensure that your pet is vaccinated, sterilized, and microchipped
- Apply for an AVA dog license
- Make sure your dog is HDB-approved
Living in an HDB household means that pet ownership is restricted, but you can keep a pet as long as you follow the HDB rules for pet ownership. Cats are not allowed, but you are allowed to have one dog per flat, and this dog has to be on the approved list of dog breeds, a list compiled by the HDB and AVA.
Having a dog in your life brings a lot of happiness and endless joy, however, a dog’s lifespan is up to 15 years. So it is up to you as a pet parent to advocate good pet ownership, pick up after your dog and avoid disturbing the neighbourhood peace as much as possible.
