Dealing with the death of a pet

The handling of your pet's body depends on its size. Small pet carcasses (such as like a hamster, fish or birds) can be disposed of by securely double-bagging them and placing them in a general waste bin. 

According to the NEA Website, their waste-to-energy (WTE) plants are designed for the incineration of municipal solid waste, and not for the cremation of large animal carcasses such as dogs and cats. Therefore, owners of larger pets should consider engaging the services of commercial animal crematoriums instead, which is the most common option. 

You can bury your pet on your own private property/land but not in a public area. The burial of animal carcasses is not permitted in public places under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations.   

Your veterinarian will typically provide a certificate of death or medical record documenting the passing. Alternatively, cremation service providers will also typically provide a cremation invoice. 

You must cancel your cat/dog licence via the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) at pals.avs.gov.sg when your pet has passed away.  

To cancel your pet's licence with AVS, log in to PALS, go to the "My Licences" tab, and click the "Cancel licence" icon next to the relevant pet. You may upload your pet’s death certificate/cremation invoice onto PALS for the cancellation.  

For a step-by-step guide, please refer to Applying for a dog or cat licence.

Saying goodbye to your pet can be painful but what matters most is knowing that they led a happy life with you. If you are finding it difficult to cope with the loss of your pet, the Singapore Counselling Centre has resources available.

You might also find comfort in considering adoption from one of the local animal welfare groups when you feel ready – giving another pet a loving home can be a beautiful way to honour your pet's memory. 

A post-mortem examination includes gross examination, microscopic analysis of selected organs and may include additional laboratory tests as deemed appropriate by the laboratory veterinarian. The information gathered is then presented in a report with an interpretation of what the findings likely represent. Please note that CAVS does not offer toxicology testing services. 

The post-mortem examination is a comprehensive and invasive examination and not a cosmetic process. 

The post-mortem examination may take up to five weeks depending on complexity, and the possibility of additional laboratory tests. 

Due to the technical nature of the results, animal owners are encouraged to discuss the results with their referring veterinarian. The post-mortem examination report will be issued to the referring veterinarian. All correspondence on the report with CAVS will be with the referring veterinarian only.  

You may refer to the CAVS Service Booklet [PDF, 434KB] for guidelines on sample submission and Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form [PDF, 325KB]. The referring veterinarian must submit the animal carcass and this form to CAVS, along with any supportive documentation available (e.g. clinical history, epidemiologic information, pertinent laboratory results, images, etc.). 

For arrangements to return the carcass remains for cremation or burial, you will need to indicate the request in the Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form [PDF, 325KB]. Please note that the return of animal carcasses sent for post-mortem examination will be subject to the discretion of CAVS.  

The animal carcass remains will only be released to the person listed in part B of the Post-mortem Consent and Carcass Release Form [PDF, 325KB]. Submitters are to ensure that all information is correct before submitting the form. 

The role of the referring veterinarian is to liaise with the animal owner and provide pertinent medical information about the animal and/or its management, environment and health situation to both CAVS and the animal owners.  

The results within the post-mortem examination report are technical in nature and hence, it would be most effective and beneficial for the referring veterinarian to receive and interpret the results for the animal owners. Should clarification on the reports be needed, the animal owners are encouraged to discuss the results with their referring veterinarian. Referring veterinarians can further approach CAVS for any technical discussion or clarification on the results, where required.  

Referring veterinarians are also better positioned to provide support and advice on any management changes or treatment of any remaining animals, where relevant.

Animal owners may choose to seek a referral for a post-mortem examination from an alternative veterinarian / veterinary clinic. Animal owners who wish to lodge a complaint regarding veterinary medical treatment provided may refer to the guidelines and forms here. 

Please email NPARKS_CAVS_Service_Enquiries@nparks.gov.sg, along with any supportive documentation available (e.g. clinical history, epidemiologic information, pertinent laboratory results, images, etc).