Applying for a dog or cat licence
How to apply for a dog or cat licence
Last updated 5 March 2026
How to apply for a cat or dog licence on the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS)
First-time cat or dog licence applicants will be required to complete the online Pet Ownership Course before applying for a new cat or dog licence.
For more information on the Pet Ownership Course, please visit this page.
After you have completed the Pet Ownership Course and prepared your supporting documents (see below), you may apply for a new cat or dog licence on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg.
Required supporting documents for pet licence application
You will need your pet’s microchip number when you apply for a licence. You may also need the following supporting documents:
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 |
*During the two-year transition period under the Cat Management Framework from 1 Sep 2024 to 31 Aug 2026, cat owners who are unable to produce a sterilisation certificate for their sterilised pet cat can declare in the licensing application form that their pet cat is sterilised.
For step-by-step instructions on pet licensing e-services, please refer to the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) user guide.
Download it here:
Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) user guide [PDF, 7MB]
Do take note of these cat and dog licensing conditions [PDF, 160KB] before submitting your application.
Payment methods
Cash and cheque payments are not accepted.
You can make online payment with PayPal, MasterCard of VISA.
GIRO
Enjoy a 10% rebate on licence renewal fees if you pay by GIRO. It is a convenient way to ensure that the fees are paid on time.
With effect from 1 March 2018, a 10% rebate will be extended to those paying for any pet licences via GIRO, online, or at AXS stations.
You can download the GIRO application form here, and mail it to the address stated on the form.
Upon successful GIRO subscription, the renewal fee for your pet licence will be automatically deducted via GIRO a month before the licence expiry date.
Please submit your GIRO application at least four months before your pet's licence expires. 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, at AXS stations, or through the AXS mobile application.
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) and scan the barcode at any AXS station to make payment.
How to renew a cat or dog licence
Pet licences must be renewed before expiry.
You may renew your cat or dog licence on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg.
Refer to the PALS user guide at the top of the page for step-by-step instructions.
How to update the sterilisation status of a licensed cat or dog
If you update the licensed cat’s or dog’s sterilisation status and upload its sterilisation certificate on PALS at pals.avs.gov.sg, you can qualify for the reduced licence fee of S$15, $25, and $35 for a one-year, two-year and one-time licence respectively. This reduced fee is applicable only to licence renewal of sterilised cats or dogs.
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.
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, 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 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 |