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Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS)

General information

Essential information for animal exhibitors

Last updated on 16 September 2026

Types of animal exhibitions

All animal exhibitions and animal performances should have a valid licence from us before an event or show is staged.

Animal exhibitions are categorised either as permanent or temporary.

Permanent Animal Exhibitions

A permanent animal exhibition is the exhibition of animals in a place for a period long enough to require approval by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or Housing & Development Board (HDB).

Examples include zoos and marine parks. Permanent animal exhibition licences must be renewed annually.

Temporary Animal Exhibitions

A temporary animal exhibition is a temporary event where animals are displayed or where animal performances are conducted.

This may include (but are not limited to):

  • Animal performances

  • Adoption drives

  • Animal competitions and shows

  • Educational animal displays or demonstrations

Please note that pet-friendly events for owners who are bringing their pets along do not require a licence from AVS. Examples include pet gatherings and pet walks.

Types of animals allowed in animal exhibitions

Animal exhibitions should not include animals listed on the CITES appendices (opens in new tab), unless we have granted approval.

Wild animal performances can only be staged when a permanent animal exhibition licence has been granted.

General responsibilities of animal exhibitors

The animal exhibitor or licensee must comply with animal exhibition licence conditions [PDF, 148.89 KB] (opens in new tab). These conditions are meant to safeguard the animals’ welfare and ensure that all animal exhibitions are professionally staged.   

Exhibitors’ responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the animals are healthy and in good physical condition.

  • Ensuring that the animals are exhibited in good living conditions which are clean and comfortable.

  • Ensuring that the animals are managed properly, given enough rest, and not subject to stress.

You can refer to the guides on permanent animal exhibitions [PDF, 135.10 KB] (opens in new tab) and animal performances [PDF, 120.79 KB] (opens in new tab) for more details.