Applying for and managing a dog or cat licence
How to apply for and manage a cat or dog licence
Last updated on 1 October 2026
Before applying for a licence, please read through the Information on dog and cat licences.
How to apply for a cat or dog licence on the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS)
1. Microchip your cat or dog
Your cat or dog will need to be implanted with a microchip.
You may find out more about microchipping here.
2. Complete the Pet Ownership Course
First-time cat or dog licence applicants will be required to complete the online Pet Ownership Course (opens in new tab) before applying for a new cat or dog licence.
The course is free and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
For more information on the Pet Ownership Course, please visit this page.
3. Prepare supporting documents (if applicable)
Depending on your application, you may need to prepare the following supporting documents:
Required supporting documents for pet licence application
Required supporting documents
Application criteria | Supporting documents needed |
Pet is adopted from an Animal Welfare Group | Animal Welfare Group Adoption / Fosterer Agreement |
Pet is imported | Import Permit |
Pet is sterilised* | Veterinarian Sterilisation Certificate, Vet Examination Letter or Vaccination Card with sterilisation status displayed |
Licensee is a diplomat | MFA ID card and a copy of licensee’s passport |
Dog is of a Specified breed | Insurance Policy, Banker’s Guarantee and Obedience Training Certificate |
4. Apply for the licence on PALS
You may apply for a new cat or dog licence online on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab).
For step-by-step instructions on pet licensing e-services, please refer to the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) user guide here:
Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) user guide [PDF, 6.91 MB] (opens in new tab)
Do take note of these cat and dog licensing conditions [PDF, 157.83 KB] (opens in new tab) before submitting your application.
5. Make payment for the new cat or dog licence
Payment methods
A) Online payment via PALS
You can make payment online using PayPal, Mastercard or VISA.
B) AXS
You can make payment at an AXS station or through the AXS mobile application. You will need your licence application number or bring along your payment notice (downloadable online from PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab)) and scan the barcode at any AXS station to make payment.
It may take up to 3 working days for the new bill to be updated in AXS stations. Please check that the bill amount in AXS is updated to your latest selection before making payment.
Payments made through AXS may also take up to 3 working days to be reflected in PALS.
C) GIRO
You may apply for GIRO to have future pet licence renewal fees automatically deducted.
You can download the GIRO application form here (opens in new tab), and mail it to the address stated on the form.
Please submit your GIRO application at least four months before your pet's licence expires. Upon successful GIRO subscription, the renewal fee for your pet licence will be automatically deducted via GIRO a month before the licence expiry date.
If you do not receive a notification from us regarding your GIRO application approval at least two months before the licence expires, please make payment online on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab), at AXS stations, or through the AXS mobile application.
If you already have an existing GIRO arrangement with us, your licence fee will be automatically deducted. It may take up to 10 days for the payment to be reflected in PALS.
Please ensure that there are sufficient funds in your designated bank account for the GIRO deduction.
For more information on licence fees, refer to this page.
How to renew a cat or dog licence
You can renew your cat or dog licence up to 8 weeks before the expiry date on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg. (opens in new tab) A notice for renewal will be sent 8 weeks before the expiry date of the cat or dog licence via email or postal mail (based on your notification preference in PALS).
We encourage you to renew early to ensure that your licence remains valid. You may be fined if you fail to renew your licence before it expires.
If your pet is on a one-time licence, no renewal is required.
You may refer to the PALS user guide for step-by-step instructions.
Payment methods
A) Online payment via PALS
You can make payment online using PayPal, Mastercard or VISA:
1. Login via SingPass or PALS account > go to Home > My Licences/My Applications and click on the Make Payment button; or
2. Click on "Renew Licence without Login" and Cat/Dog Licence No. to select the licence type and make payment.
B) AXS
You can renew your licence at any AXS station or through the AXS mobile application. Simply enter your licence application number or bring along your payment notice (downloadable online from PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab) and scan the barcode at any AXS station to make payment.
Payments made through AXS may take up to 3 working days to be reflected in PALS. If you are renewing your licence through AXS, please make payment at least 3 working days before your licence expiry date to allow sufficient time for the payment to be reflected in PALS.
C) GIRO
If you have an existing GIRO arrangement with us, your licence renewal fee will be automatically deducted 1 month before the licence expiry date.
Please ensure that there are sufficient funds in your designated bank account for the GIRO deduction.
How to update the sterilisation status of a licensed cat or dog
You may update your pet’s sterilisation status by uploading the sterilisation certificate on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg. (opens in new tab)
Updating your pet’s sterilisation status allows you to qualify for one-time licence and lower licence fee for sterilised pets when you renew your pet’s licence 8 weeks before the licence expires. During renewal, please select your preferred licence type (e.g. one-time licence).
For more information on licence fees, refer to this page.
Note: Non-sterilised cats/dogs on 3-year licences will automatically be changed to a one-time licence when you update the cat/dog's sterilisation status and no further renewal is required.
Refer to the PALS user guide at the top of the page for step-by-step instructions.
How to change the address where a licensed cat or dog is being kept
The cat or dog must be kept at the address registered on its licence. If it is kept at another place, you must inform us within 28 days of the change in address. You may be fined if you fail to do so.
You can update the licensed pet’s registered address on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab).
Refer to the PALS user guide at the top of the page for step-by-step instructions.
How to change cat or dog licensee
If there is a change in the cat or dog licensee, you are required to initiate the transfer to the new licensee on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab), by providing us with the new licensee’s name, mobile number, and e-mail address.
The new licensee will then be notified to accept or reject the transfer on PALS. Once the transaction is complete, a notification will be sent to you via email or SMS.
Refer to the PALS user guide at the top of the page for step-by-step instructions.
How to cancel my pet licence
You must cancel your pet licence on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg (opens in new tab) and submit the following documents under the following situations:
Supporting document required for cancelling a pet licence
Reason for cancellation | Supporting document |
Pet is missing | Police report |
Pet has passed away | Death certificate |
Pet has been exported | Export certificate |